Philanthropy, Partnerships, and Corporate Social Responsibility in Academic Libraries: The Case of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia

Philanthropic Foundations And Institutions, Partnerships, And Corporate Social Responsibility

The relationship among public institutions, business corporations and non-profit organisations requires not only new models but also new styles of management. Philanthropic institutions and foundations have a long tradition of assisting less privileged individuals and the public good. Non-government organisations (NGOs), both national and international, are an increasingly important part of the social and economic fabric. Corporate business is distinguishing its need to engage in sustainable practices that recognise its social and environmental impacts. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his speech at a World Economic Forum in Switzerland, stated that our times require “governments, civil society and the private sector” to work together “for a collective global good” (Ban Ki-moon, 2009).

According to Seitanidi and Crane (2009, p. 424), partnerships are “flexible forms of organising with little or no formal legal status” that create “virtual” structures that cross organisational boundaries and countries. They persist over time, with support from both parties. The broad issues that need to be addressed in a partnership are: reputational (the organisations will be linked and, therefore, the perception of one will influence the other); legal (memoranda of understanding need to be drawn up); accountability (to their own organisation and the partners); finance (who is responsible for what); and a responsibility of each to respect the culture of the other (Seitanidi & Crane, 2009) .