Collaboration within a CSR Project : A Case Study of “Bra Bostäder för Småhushåll till Rimligt Pris”

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to explore and analyze how collaboration within a CSR project develops and evolves over time. By analyzing a CSR project that in-volves actors from multiple sectors, the aim is to acquire an increased understand-ing of the collaborative process. Background: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a concept has been growing in im-portance and is becoming an important part of corporations’ strategy, but there are still issues of how to engage in an efficient and effective way. As consumers are be-coming increasingly aware of CSR it can influences their buying behaviors. It is im-portant for corporations to engage in CSR that can result in both social and finan-cial value. CSR collaboration with external actors can provide and leverage unique combinations of resources and knowledge which could otherwise be hard for the corporation to obtain. The challenge for corporations is to find the right collabora-tive partnerships with the capabilities to meet the needs of society. Different types of actors can have different motivations behind their involvement, raising the issue of how they can collaborate without conflict. Method: To answer the purpose, a case study was conducted. The case study is based on a project called “Bra bostäder för småhushåll till rimligt pris” which is aimed at alle-viate the shortage of affordable housing in Sweden. The project intends to show that it is possible to build more affordable homes where the price for the end con-sumer is considered from the beginning. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviewees with important actors involved in the case. Conclusion: The ability to develop a CSR project is critically dependent on the collabora-tion between the involved actors. The collaborative process and inclusion of differ-ent actors are based on the competencies, knowledge, and experience. Social as-pects have been the foundation for a shared purpose, but the focus has been on is-sues regarding sustainable financial viability. The collaborative nature has allowed for a unique combinations that would otherwise not been possible and have in-creased the value of the project