Stakeholders’ Perceptions on Corporate Engagement in Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development: Insights from Domestic and Foreign-Owned Corporations in Albania

This research investigates how corporations operating in Albania—both domestic and foreign—are engaged in the alignment of their practices with social responsibility and sustainable development goals, viewed through the lens of stakeholders. A quantitative survey was conducted, distributing an online questionnaire to corporate employees and directors, resulting in 42 responses. The sample represents a diverse array of companies across multiple sectors, including production, services, trade, and construction, based in various cities throughout Albania. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study investigates the influence of four key pillars on corporate alignment with Sustainable Economic Development Goals and Practices: Reduction of Carbon Emissions and Supply Chain Management, Inclusion and Community Engagement, Social Investments and Stakeholder Relations, and Transparency, Reporting, and Compliance with Human Rights. The analysis indicates that, based on the perception of employees and directors, transparency, reporting, and compliance with human rights have a positive impact on corporate commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development. These findings are supported by both ordinal regression and ordinal logistic regression models. This study offers valuable insights that can guide future corporate strategies while addressing existing research gaps, ultimately contributing to the advancement of sustainable development in Albania.