Corporate social responsibility has become a major issue in terms of strategy for the
development of companies in France today, but also in order to demonstrate their ethical
commitment to protecting the planet and future generations. Studies have shown that French
companies have understood these issues and are increasingly committed to them, even if they
sometimes have difficulty understanding all the concepts associated with this term.
With this in mind, consultancy organizations have been developing CSR services for several
years, through which they support companies wishing to adopt more responsible approaches in
relation to CSR.
The objective of this research is to understand how consulting organizations have developed
this awareness based on CSR and how they can serve as a model and guide for companies in
France in their implementation of CSR within their structures. To do so, we collected data
through the use of a literature review as well as by using qualitative methods and conducting
in-depth interviews.
The results revealed, on the one hand, that consultancy organizations try to develop their
CSR approach as much as possible within their organization and try to provide quality services
adapted to their clients' demands. On the other hand, consultancy organizations act as scouts
capable of making companies aware of the challenges of CSR and the environmental changes
it entails. Finally, the consulting market in France is a growing market that continues to evolve
in correlation with the global economic environment.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ..........................................................................................................................I
LIST OF FIGURES...........................................................................................................III
LIST OF TABLES.............................................................................................................III
Chapter I: Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Research background and motivation...............................................................................1
1.2 Research objectives and questions....................................................................................2
Chapter II: Literature review ............................................................................................ 4
2.1 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)...................................................................................4
2.1.1 Genesis and evolution ................................................................................................................ 5
2.1.2 Definition and basic concept ...................................................................................................... 6
2.2 The challenges of CSR .............................................................................................................8
2.2.1 Ecological issues........................................................................................................................ 8
2.2.2 Social issues............................................................................................................................... 9
2.2.3 Economic issues......................................................................................................................... 9
2.2.4 Strategic issues..........................................................................................................................10
2.3 The role of CSR consultants ..................................................................................................10
Chapter III: Methodology ................................................................................................ 15
3.1 Methodological approach .......................................................................................................15
3.2 Data collection ........................................................................................................................15
3.3 Data analysis ...........................................................................................................................18
3.4 Research ethics........................................................................................................................20
Chapter IV: Findings........................................................................................................ 21
4.1 Empirical findings from interviews.......................................................................................21
4.1.1 CSR actions implemented by the company...............................................................................21
4.1.2 CSR consulting strategies and practices of organizations.........................................................24
4.1.3 Evolution of the consulting market in France ...........................................................................29
4.2 Analysis of the results obtained .............................................................................................32
4.2.1 Consultancy organizations as a model for CSR development...................................................32
4.2.2 Understanding customer needs as a success factor ...................................................................33
4.2.3 Develop a green conscience ......................................................................................................34
4.2.4 Becoming the remedy of tomorrow ..........................................................................................34
Chapter V: Conclusion and recommendation ................................................................ 36
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 38
Appendix ............................................................................................................................ 41

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