Drivers behind Business Contributions to Public Education in Turkey

Abstract

This study aims to reveal key drivers behind corporate contributions to public education in Turkey. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior executives of 13 private firms, which have been contributing to public education. Results indicated that the firms’ contributions are not aligned with their strategic orientations or dominant business values. Rather, these contributions are driven by their altruistic orientations, which are shaped by cultural values. These orientations are totally different from the dominant Western orientations and they are mainly based on the belief that contributing to public education will contribute to social development, which in the long run will serve corporate interest as well.