Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an emerging field of study that has garnered considerable scholarly attention in recent decades. This is due largely to the burgeoning practice of CSR by corporations and the subsequent increase in corporate influence in the public sphere. CSR is commonly understood as activities corporations engage in to enhance their reputation and legitimacy; to contribute to the society from which they draw resources; to strengthen market position; and to stave off criticism. The term, however, is contested. To understand the areas of debate, the origins of CSR are presented and then CSR is explored across five approaches: economic, stakeholder, institutional, communication, and partnership. Each approach draws from a variety of cross-discipline sources to map a field of study that is continuing to emerge.