The Growing Significance of Corporate Social Responsibility: From Ethical Obligation to Strategic Imperative

Nazia Qureshi

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i03.48259

The Growing Significance of Corporate Social Responsibility: From Ethical Obligation to Strategic Imperative

Author(s)	Ms. Nazia Qureshi
Country	India
Abstract	In recent decades, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a peripheral obligation into a strategic pillar of modern business practice. Initially grounded in environmental concerns, CSR now encompasses a broader spectrum of responsibilities, including legal, ethical, commercial, and philanthropic expectations that society places on businesses (Elkington, 1997; Brundtland Commission, 1987). This transformation is driven by increasing stakeholder awareness, regulatory pressures, reputational concerns, and the pursuit of sustainable competitive advantage (Porter & Kramer, 2006). This paper explores the growing significance of CSR by examining its theoretical foundations, including stakeholder theory, institutional theory, and integrative social contracts theory (Freeman & Velamuri, 2006; Donaldson & Dunfee, 1994). It investigates how CSR is embedded within organizational behavior across institutional, individual, organizational, and global levels. Through a critical analysis of literature and real-world practices, the study highlights how CSR is not merely a tool for compliance or public relations, but a transformative mechanism for aligning corporate strategies with long-term social and environmental goals. Moreover, the paper discusses the under-researched areas of CSR, such as human capital development, occupational welfare, and CSR in emerging markets, particularly in India (Cappelli et al., 2010). It also addresses the importance of CSR benchmarking, reporting frameworks, and the role of activist and regulatory pressures in shaping corporate actions (WBCSD, 1999; BITC, n.d.). By synthesizing diverse academic, policy, and corporate viewpoints, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of CSR as a value-creating force in the evolving global business ecosystem.
Keywords	: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Business Ethics, Stakeholder Theory, Sustainability, CSR Reporting and Benchmarking, Organizational Strategy, CSR in India, Institutional Pressures, Human Capital Management
Field	Business Administration
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 3, May-June 2025
Published On	2025-06-15
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i03.48259
Short DOI	https://doi.org/g9qqm9

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The Growing Significance of Corporate Social Responsibility: From Ethical Obligation to Strategic Imperative

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