Title: Racing Towards Sustainability? Formula 1 and Corporate Social Responsibility
Author: Olav André Karlsen
Degree: Master of Science in Globalization
Location: Trondheim, February 2011
Thanks to Professor Indra De Soysa for guidance.
Acknowledgments for family and friends' support.
Special mention to the fireman who rescued crucial materials.
Introduction
The Global Compact
Thesis Purpose and Rationale
Thesis Outline
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The discourse of CSR
Critical Approaches to CSR
The Sethi Monitor
The Fast-Paced World of Formula 1
Origins and evolutions
Formula 1 as a business
Sponsorships
Methodology and Data
Analysis and Discussion
Concluding Comments
List of Tables and Figures
List of Abbreviations
Detailed sub-sections under major chapters listed.
Tables covering financial data related to F1, budgetary allocations, and sponsorships across years.
CSR: Corporate Social Responsibility
FIA: Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
FOM: Formula One Management
Globalization Debate: Focus on MNC impacts on social outcomes.
Differing perspectives:
Liberal view: MNCs improve economies.
Critics: MNCs are exploitative, causing inequality.
Emergence of CSR as a response.
Established by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2003.
Aims to align business practices with universal principles.
Criticisms regarding effectiveness and thoroughness of compliance.
Study the CSR impacts within Formula 1.
Analyze F1's brand conduct towards social accountability.
Investigate CSR strategies in high-profile sports.
Focuses on definitions of CSR and its critical approaches.
Analyses F1’s business evolution and sponsorship impacts.
Discussion on the duality between business practices and CSR in F1.
Overview of CSR-related initiatives across F1’s landscape.
Key Research Question: How does F1 embody CSR principles?
Impact and scrutiny of CSR on MNCs in F1.
Examination of CSR's multifaceted definitions.
Needs rigorous evaluation of CSR application.
Various theoretical frameworks underpinning CSR.
Company strategies towards CSR through marketing and philanthropy.
Discussion around corporate self-regulation and its challenges.
Focus on economic, social, and environmental performances.
Importance of accountability to various stakeholders.
Companies engage with multiple stakeholder groups.
Stakeholder management is a critical part of CSR.
CSR can be insincere; driven by profit motives.
CSR viewed as a PR tool rather than genuine accountability.
Criticism of CSR's effectiveness amid financial crises.
Proposal for standardizing CSR evaluation.
Calls for accountability in MNCs’ CSR actions.
F1 as a global sport with extensive economic implications.
Historical development from local racing to a global event.
Shift from traditional sports to commercial enterprises.
Role of ongoing technological advancement in F1 practices.
Bernie Ecclestone’s influence on F1's business side.
Sponsorship has become critical for financial viability.
Evolution of sponsor relationships and their strategic importance.
F1 provides unique marketing opportunities for sponsors.
Sustainability and corporate interests in globalization.
Importance of diversifying race locations globally.
Environmental concerns overshadow substantial income benefits.
Controversies relating to environmental impacts of F1.
Financial implications for host countries and local economies.
Honda's Earth Car initiative as an example of CSR efforts.
Economic challenges facing F1 teams amid rising costs.
Rising ticket prices affecting audience attendance metrics.
Focus on energy efficiency and new engine technologies.
Discuss the significance of the methods in conducting research.
Justification for selecting F1 as a case study for CSR analysis.
FIA's influence and initiatives in promoting responsible practices.
Budget breakdown and discussion of financial responsibilities.
Initiatives aimed at reducing vehicle emissions.
FOM's role in the F1 business structure and revenue generation.
Analysis of different income sources within FOM.
Financial overview of McLaren's revenue and expenditures.
Overview of McLaren's CSR policies and environmental impact focus.
Support strategies and community engagement by McLaren.
Examination of social responsibility within team sponsorship.
Environmental initiatives in racing operations and facilities.
Economic evaluation of the Australian Grand Prix.
Examination of varying reports assessing the GP's economic impact.
Attendance metrics and their implications on the local economy.
Evaluation of perceived benefits versus actual costs in hosting.
Examination of F1's broader impacts and accountability.
Summary of findings regarding F1’s CSR practices and need for further research.
Suggestions for more thorough CSR analysis within sports.
Questions raised about CSR application in sports.
Insights on F1’s global corporate responsibilities.
Overall evaluation of F1 and its commitment to corporate accountability.
A comprehensive list of sources referenced throughout the thesis.