
Corporate Social Responsibility: A Review and Future Research Agenda
Abstract
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an essential area of research, capturing the multifaceted interface between companies and their wider social responsibilities. With corporations in an increasingly interdependent and open-world economy, CSR has become a core element of corporate strategy, influencing stakeholder engagement, regulatory affairs, and sustainability over the long term. The concept of CSR extends beyond philanthropic activities, encompassing ethical business practices, environmental stewardship, labor rights, and community engagement. It serves as a bridge between corporate objectives and societal well-being, reinforcing the notion that businesses have responsibilities beyond profit maximization.
The review emphasizes the multidimensional character of CSR, highlighting its institutional, organizational, and individual-level dynamics. At the institutional level, CSR is shaped by legal and regulatory environments, international sustainability agendas, and socio-political forces that condition corporate actions. At the organizational level, CSR strategies are inscribed in corporate governance arrangements, business models, and leadership styles that define how companies address ethical and sustainability issues. At the micro level, CSR influences employee motivation, consumer conduct, and executive decision-making, showing the micro-level influence of corporate responsibility on stakeholders. By considering these three levels of analysis, this research gives a complete picture of how CSR acts as a strategic and moral imperative for firms globally.