The Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility from the Perspective of Customers in the Light of Own Research

Abstract. The traditional perception of business presents a simplistic picture of a business entity focused solely on financial performance and production capacity. This so-called myth of amoral business led to the recognition of the need for some changes in this area, consisting in linking the achievement of economic goals with respect for social interest and the protection of the environment as a resource necessary for the business of the enterprise. Thus was born the concept of corporate social responsibility, the essence of which is such shaping of the relationship between business and its environment, i.e. business objectives and social interest, that the realization of the needs of one party is not necessarily at the expense of the other. Currently, one can see a trend concerning the spread of the idea of corporate social responsibility not only in terms of global changes, but primarily in terms of the importance of local needs. The need to build a relationship of trust between stakeholders and organizations doing business is crucial for socio-environmental-economic development from the perspective of corporate social responsibility. The aim of the article is to assess from the perspective of customers the importance of applying corporate social responsibility practices by manufacturing companies.