Motives for corporate philanthropy in El Salvador: Altruism and political legitimacy

This paper discusses how Salvadoran companies practice corporate philanthro py in El Salvador, and what might motivate it. First, I briefly discuss thr ee principal theories of corporate philanthropy, and explore some current t rends in international corporate philanthropy to highlight some of the moti ves Salvadoran companies may have to participate in charitable activities. Then, I discuss the history of the Salvadoran private sector to help us und erstand philanthropic activity today. Next, I suggest that philanthropic ac ts by Salvadoran firms are driven by altruistic and politically strategic m otives, and reflect individualistic and paternalistic attitudes. In the dis cussion, I include examples of Salvadoran corporate philanthropy as it is p racticed today, based on recent field research in El Salvador.