A History of Research on CSR in China: The Obstacles for the Implementation of CSR in Emerging Markets

Until now, much of CSR research has focused on western countries, without paying enough attention to CSR activities in developing countries. However, in the last year scientifics have increasingly started studies about performance from multinationals in countries such as China. This attention is accompanied by a soaring interest by scholars and the media in analysing not only the actions, but also the implications of companies such as Apple or suppliers such as Foxconn in Asian factories and businesses. However, it has been deeply discussed whether the concept of CSR is similarly understood by companies in both China and Western countries, thus leading to a debate on the possible differences in perception, action and implications of CSR depending on where it is developed. A different interpretation of CSR can be made by the stakeholders—especially consumers, whose reaction to this idea can also be different. This divergence in the interpretation of CSR can affect the strategy and performance of CSR-engaged businesses in emerging markets, for most of international companies rely on local suppliers with different approaches to the issue. In the case of the multinational Apple, it has been stated that from 600 manufacturing plants in Asia, 331 of them are located in China. This has led to research and media investigation over the performance of Apple suppliers such as Foxconn and Wintek. The objective of this research is to both summarize the research on CSR in China that has been made so far and find out the reasons for the limitations of CSR strategies in China.