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Corporate Social Responsibility Challenges of International Service Firms: An Introduction and Research Agenda

Author

Listed:
  • Enrico Battisti

    (University of Turin)

  • Hussain G. Rammal

    (The University of Adelaide)

  • Hemant Merchant

    (University of South Florida)

  • Pervez Ghauri

    (University of Birmingham)

  • Niccolò Nirino

    (University of Turin)

Abstract

The global services sector faces unique Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) challenges that differ substantially from those encountered by manufacturing multinational enterprises (MNEs). This introductory paper examines the importance of understanding CSR in international service firms, highlighting the distinctive characteristics that make CSR implementation more complex in the global services context. We introduce the six papers that address these challenges and are part of this focused issue. The key emergent challenges for the service sectors are identified, and we provide a roadmap for both scholars and practitioners navigating the complex landscape of responsible business practices in service industries.

Suggested Citation

  • Enrico Battisti & Hussain G. Rammal & Hemant Merchant & Pervez Ghauri & Niccolò Nirino, 2025. "Corporate Social Responsibility Challenges of International Service Firms: An Introduction and Research Agenda," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 65(3), pages 399-414, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manint:v:65:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s11575-025-00591-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11575-025-00591-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Battisti, Enrico & Nirino, Niccolò & Leonidou, Erasmia & Thrassou, Alkis, 2022. "Corporate venture capital and CSR performance: An extended resource based view’s perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 1058-1066.
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    5. Taewoo Roh & Shufeng Xiao & Byung Il Park & Ana M. Romero-Martínez, 2025. "Stakeholder Influences and MNC Subsidiaries’ CSR Under Institutional Voids: An Empirical Examination of International Service Enterprises in Korea," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 65(3), pages 487-512, June.
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    18. Anthi Avloniti & Christiana Anaxagorou & Ioanna Stylianou & Duc Khuong Nguyen & Kamila Janovská, 2025. "Global Footprint, Local Imprint: How Institutions and Distance Influence the Corporate Social Performance of Foreign Subsidiaries Across Service Industries," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 65(3), pages 539-589, June.
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    22. Muhammad Usman & Manlio Giudice & Armando Papa & Sanjay Kumar Singh & Adeel Khalid, 2025. "The Role of Ethical Leadership’s CSR Initiatives and Leader’s Trait Mindfulness in Consumer Well-Being in Multinational Hotels," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 65(3), pages 591-614, June.
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