CSR Goes a Long Way

One of the areas heavily discussed with regards to public relations is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). CSR has to do with economic profitability for the corporation as well as social actions that benefit society as a whole. Chapter 10 in our book discusses four components of CSR: Economic profitability, legality, ethics, and philanthropy (Crandall 196). Here we'll look at the last component and see what the Joe Gibbs Racing Team drivers do to "give back".

CSR can go a long way, and can mean a lot to consumers who might purchase or support a particular brand or product. For example, if an environmentally-conscious consumer was trying to choose between brands and found out that one brand planted over one million trees, they might choose that brand simply because of that action.

With NASCAR, many of the drivers do charity work. I personally think that this helps fans like the drivers because they feel good about giving them their support. For example, Tony Stewart has been in trouble in the past for showing unsportsmanlike behavior. However, he makes frequent large charitable donations, which sometimes can actually make up for the bad behavior in a way.

On the other hand, the Joe Gibbs Racing Team is usually positively reflected, except for actual racing techniques on the track, which will always be criticized by some. However, each of the three drivers participates in activities that help improve and maintain an image of 'caring' about others.

The website joegibbsracing.com highlights some of the recent philanthropic work that the drivers have done. For example, Joey Logano is involved with the U.S. Paralympic Hockey Team, who recently won the gold at Vancouver. Joey Logano partnered with the Extreme Ice Center to provide the sleds for the players. He has hopes that winning will help spread more awareness and support for the team members. For the full article, check this out.


Denny Hamlin is involved with the March of Dimes, which raises money so that babies can be born healthy. According to Denny, "I want to do everything I can to help raise awareness for the amazing work the March of Dimes does so that more babies are born healthy." For the past three years at Phoenix, he has raced a special March of Dimes race car that helps to raise awareness on a national level. For the full article, check this out!


Kyle Busch, who is often said to be too aggressive on the race track, actually has his own foundation! Formed in 2006, The Kyle Busch Foundation provides money and assets to organizations that foster children, providing them with what they need to successfully give children a safe and nurturing place to live. To see the website for his foundation, check this out!