Abstract

This paper reviews the literature on so-called strategic philanthropy, corporate philanthropy that helps the bottom line, which has been touted in the business and society literature for over twenty years. Although corporate decision makers report that they are motivated to give to charity based on the many potential strategic benefits, research evidence supporting the effectiveness of corporate philanthropy at enhancing profitability is scarce and not very convincing. Our current understanding of corporate philanthropy provokes the old Texas criticism against big-talking wannabe cowboys, "all hat and no cattle."