Evaluation of Corporate Social Responsibility Practices in the Turkish Pharmaceutical Industry

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is defined as companies voluntarily taking action with their resources to help solve some of the social, economic, and environmental problems of the society in which they operate. This study aimed to reveal the current status of CSR projects in the pharmaceutical industry, which are strategically important on a global scale.

The study was conducted between June and December 2019 using a structured online survey. The form included both multiple-choice and open-ended questions. This survey yielded both qualitative and quantitative data about the structure, size, and products of the companies, as well as details of CSR projects.

A total of 60 companies participated in the study. Our survey results indicated that 83.33% of the pharmaceutical companies undertook CSR projects, and there was no statistically significant difference in the number of projects undertaken according to either the type of products the companies marketed or the companies' country of origin (p>0.05). It was found there were statistically significant differences with other factors such as project fields, the number of projects over the years, and the responsible department (p<0.05). When we examined the details of specific CSR projects, we observed that some companies, regardless of their national or multinational position, undertook sustainable projects that involved a broader array of stakeholders and appealed to various shareholder groups. Some companies undertook studies for patients, patient relatives, or society based on philanthropic activities or short-term social projects on local issues, instead of long-term projects within the scope of CSR initiatives.

Pharmaceutical companies carry out CSR projects as an important public relations activity in terms of reaching their stakeholders.