THE EVOLUTION OF A SOCIALLY COMMITTED BUSINESS GROUP IN COLOMBIA, 1911-85

This article examines the historical path of a century-old business group - Fundacion Social - in an 'emerging society' in Latin America (Colombia) in terms of strategy, top management structure, and governance. Conducted within the grounded theory methodology and relying on broad empirical data, the article identifies a series of issues that emerge from the Fundacion Social's history. It offers opportunities for dialogue and comparison with scholars in at least two fields: corporate social responsibility and business groups.