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Corporate Philanthropy: Gift or Business Transaction?
Abstract
Philanthropy is often perceived of as a form of business transaction,
rather than gift exchange. While the analogy to a business transaction
is accurate in many ways, examined here is what is lost by avoiding
the metaphor of the gift in reference to corporate philanthropy. By
exploring the cultural meaning behind the gift-exchange relationship,
revealed are the social functions of gift exchange in corporate
philanthropy. Language that avoids this strong parallel prevents
provocative insights into corporate philanthropy as a modern extension
of complex relationships among individuals & institutions
practiced throughout history. These parallels are developed to
counterbalance the trend toward treating & thinking about
corporate philanthropy strictly as a business transaction. 7
References. Adapted from the source document.
Journal
(1995)
vol5
no3
pages291-301
Categories
-
Philanthropy
