COM2611
PORTFOLIO 2026
DUE DATE: 19 MAY 2026
, COM2611 PORTFOLIO 2026
DUE 19 MAY 2026
QUESTION 1
McDonald’s South Africa’s donation of Mi Desks to underprivileged primary
schools exemplifies two corporate social responsibility (CSR) responsibilities:
philanthropic responsibility and ethical responsibility.
The CSR pyramid, as described by Carroll (cited in University of South Africa
2024:110), identifies four interrelated responsibilities. Philanthropic responsibility refers
to the expectation that an organisation “will give back to the community … in the form of
donations, sponsorships, community development and others” (University of South
Africa 2024:110). McDonald’s fulfilled this responsibility by providing mobile learning
solutions the Mi Desks directly to schools where Grade 1 learners were writing on the
floor. The donation was a voluntary act of goodwill, addressing an immediate social
need and demonstrating the company’s commitment to improving community welfare.
Ethical responsibility encompasses activities, standards and practices “that are
expected or prohibited by society even though they are not codified into law” (University
of South Africa 2024:110). Choosing a tool endorsed by the Department of Science and
Innovation and UNESCO, McDonald’s acted in a manner consistent with societal ethical
norms concerning the right to quality education and human dignity. The initiative went
beyond mere legal compliance; it communicated a clear moral stance that “these young
minds … are valued, that their education matters” (case study). Thus,
McDonald’s abided by its ethical obligation to behave as a responsible corporate citizen,
aligning its actions with broader societal values.
PORTFOLIO 2026
DUE DATE: 19 MAY 2026
, COM2611 PORTFOLIO 2026
DUE 19 MAY 2026
QUESTION 1
McDonald’s South Africa’s donation of Mi Desks to underprivileged primary
schools exemplifies two corporate social responsibility (CSR) responsibilities:
philanthropic responsibility and ethical responsibility.
The CSR pyramid, as described by Carroll (cited in University of South Africa
2024:110), identifies four interrelated responsibilities. Philanthropic responsibility refers
to the expectation that an organisation “will give back to the community … in the form of
donations, sponsorships, community development and others” (University of South
Africa 2024:110). McDonald’s fulfilled this responsibility by providing mobile learning
solutions the Mi Desks directly to schools where Grade 1 learners were writing on the
floor. The donation was a voluntary act of goodwill, addressing an immediate social
need and demonstrating the company’s commitment to improving community welfare.
Ethical responsibility encompasses activities, standards and practices “that are
expected or prohibited by society even though they are not codified into law” (University
of South Africa 2024:110). Choosing a tool endorsed by the Department of Science and
Innovation and UNESCO, McDonald’s acted in a manner consistent with societal ethical
norms concerning the right to quality education and human dignity. The initiative went
beyond mere legal compliance; it communicated a clear moral stance that “these young
minds … are valued, that their education matters” (case study). Thus,
McDonald’s abided by its ethical obligation to behave as a responsible corporate citizen,
aligning its actions with broader societal values.
