Public Policies and reading incentive actions of business organizations as part of their social responsibility strategy

Abstract

Contextualization: The discovery of the press provides access to literary works and information, previously restricted to those in power, as religious orders, kings or nobles. However, the high illiteracy rates were still a barrier to more people had access to information. Until the mid-twentieth century, half the population was still illiterate, but the establishment of public policies and private sector initiatives have contributed to change this reality. Objective: this article aims to discuss public policy and reading incentive actions taken by business organizations, as part of their social responsibility strategy, which contributed to change that reality. Methodology: Through an exploratory and qualitative research, we developed a literature review with the aim of presenting the public policies aimed at encouraging reading, and based on the Fortune Magazine of the largest companies, we chose seven Brazilian companies that were in this ranking to demonstrate what they have done to encourage reading in Brazil. Results: Regarding public policies to encourage reading in the period 2006-2010, book industry became valued as a profitable business; there was the installation of large editorial groups and support from international organizations such as OEI, UNESCO, among others. From 2012, public incentives focused on more decentralized actions, such as meetings, seminars and meetings. Regarding measures to encourage reading of the private sector, all organizations studied presented specific actions aimed at encouraging reading. Conclusion: The actions of the private sector and the public policies developed and implemented in Brazil still happen very timid compared to the reality of this society, which has mostly individuals with difficulties and limitations for writing, reading and reflection.