Corporate social responsibility as the pathway towards sustainability: a state-of-the-art review in Asia economics

Autor: Keyi Zhang, Xinyue Hao
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Discover Sustainability, Vol 5, Iss 1, Pp 1-17 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2662-9984
DOI: 10.1007/s43621-024-00577-9
Popis: Abstract In the evolving global business environment, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has transitioned from being a philanthropic effort to a critical strategic necessity, particularly within Asian economies. Despite the increasing importance of CSR, the literature examining its application and impact in Asia remains both sparse and fragmented. This study addresses this gap by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) of 79 scholarly articles, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, to ensure a comprehensive and replicable analysis of CSR practices within Asian corporate entities. The review uncovers key themes related to the integration of CSR into corporate governance structures, including the emphasis on renewable energy, ethical business conduct, employee engagement, and data privacy, while highlighting the distinct challenges and opportunities faced by Asian companies given their unique cultural, social, and regulatory landscapes. The findings indicate that although Asian firms are increasingly incorporating CSR into their strategies, there is a significant need for more robust evaluation frameworks, particularly concerning biodiversity, deforestation, and collaboration with conservation organizations. Looking ahead, the study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing renewable energy as a critical environmental focus across Asia, especially given the region's rapid urbanization and industrial growth. The transition to renewable energy sources is not only vital for mitigating environmental impacts and combating climate change but also presents long-term economic benefits. Additionally, the study identifies a substantial growth in digital adoption across various sectors in Asia, underscoring the need for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect emerging digital infrastructures. Culturally and socially, many Asian countries show a natural inclination towards sustainability, which can be leveraged to foster greater acceptance and integration of renewable energy at the grassroots level. Furthermore, the study advocates for enhanced collaboration within Asia and on a global scale to facilitate knowledge transfer, share best practices, and achieve economies of scale in renewable energy projects. Such joint efforts could accelerate the transition to sustainable energy and help overcome challenges related to technology, finance, and policymaking. These insights are essential for both scholars and practitioners aiming to align CSR practices with global sustainability goals, thereby fostering responsible corporate behaviour across diverse sectors in Asia.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals