Abstract

The historical and economic development of Poland had an immense influence on its civic awareness which therefore differs compared to other countries. Due to its late connection to global markets and trade, the influence of MNEs in terms of regulations and responsible business practices is relatively high. The characteristics of MNEs lead to governance gaps regarding their local e.g. polish branches. Based on their assumed power, MNEs get criticized because of their possible negative impact on the society. Therefor this article examines factors which foster MNEs towards a CSR oriented behaviour.The evolution of CSR in Poland is shown based on the example of the food retail industry. It shows similarities between the development stages of a country and the stages of CSR of local branches of MNEs from immoral management to societal marketing. Further the current status of CSR in MNEs in Poland gets observed. Comparing the concepts of CSR and societal marketing some external influence factors for MNEs will be defined besides the well-known stakeholder approach. As a special stakeholder NGOs and their role as a watchdog in Poland will be shown, as well as the change of their self-perception and especially the role of the RBF.