CSRwire and register by dropping me a note. However, in fancy political science- and economics- speak, that was what they call a "normative analysis" -- a perspective based on fact that describes how something should be and not how something actually is . So, for example, we may suppose that politicians during presidential debates should use the national stage they've been given to advance the dialogue on important socio-political issues. But do they? So today I write what is called a "positive analysis" regarding why companies ultimately wind up embracing CSR . So for example, rather than try to have an intellectual discussion about policy, it seems our politicians us their platforms to try to shut the other guy down, hoping for a Lloyd Bensten-esque zinger that will stand the test of time ("...I knew Jack Kennedy... Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy.") After all, not every company embraces CSR because it now understands the opportunities it derives from enlightened self-interest. Here are six possible explanations  of why a company could choose to be socially reponsible: Reason #1: It's just the way it has always been Some companies have been oriented toward social and environmental responsibility since they were created, often due to the values of the company's founders. Two companies that come to mind are the construction material manufacturer USG and high-end furniture designer Herman-Miller. Take a look at their websites: USG has a story about a " Century of Sustainability " and Herman-Miller is, among many other things,