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Corporate Social Responsibility: A Review on definitions, core characteristics and theoretical perspectives

Author

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  • Ahmad Aminu, Hamidu
  • Md. Harashid, Haron
  • Azlan, Amran

Abstract

This paper reviewed different definitions of CSR and presented some summarised dimensions attributed to the definitions which represent the area of focus for the definitions including; Obligation to the society, stakeholders involvement, improving corporate image and reputation, economic development, ethical business practice, law abiding, voluntariness, human rights, environmental protection, transparency and accountability. The six core characteristics of CSR follows as the features which shows how CSR is represented with different initiatives and processes ranging from voluntary activities, managing external factors, stakeholder management, alignment of social and economic responsibilities, considering practices and values and finally extending CSR activities beyond philanthropy to instrumentality. The last segment of this paper elucidates on theoretical perspectives of CSR in six categories; the classical view, the legitimacy, stakeholder, agency, institutional, instrumental and Islamic CSR theories.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmad Aminu, Hamidu & Md. Harashid, Haron & Azlan, Amran, 2015. "Corporate Social Responsibility: A Review on definitions, core characteristics and theoretical perspectives," MPRA Paper 75040, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:75040
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    File URL: https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/75040/1/MPRA_paper_75040.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Wu Yichun, 2022. "The Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility Characteristics on Organizational Commitment -- A Case Study of Guangdong Construction Enterprises," International Journal of Science and Business, IJSAB International, vol. 14(1), pages 173-195.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate Social Responsibility; CSR definitions; CSR core characteristics; Scope of CSR; Theories in CSR;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M1 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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