MISSION AND CSR: EXPLORING THE FIELD OF FOR PURPOSE ORGANISATION

Abstract

In 2019, the French PACTE law made significant changes to the framework for commercial companies by creating an obligation of means in terms of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and by offering the possibility to adopt a mission and qualify as a mission-based company (similar to the for purpose organisation FPO). The relationship and demarcation between CSR and mission raise many questions. Based on an analysis of the first fifty French mission-based companies that have published at least one mission report and twenty-four interviews with mission managers, we propose a typology of four profiles that reflects the different stances adopted. The mission can thus be of a “broad spectrum” type, with a mission framework that serves above all as a rootstock for a general or specific CSR strategy. Conversely, the mission can be of a “core activity” type, with a project linked to the activity that complements or forms the basis of CSR.