Authors: Anjanappa. T
Abstract: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as one of the most influential paradigms shaping the relationship between businesses and society. Once regarded as a voluntary philanthropic practice, CSR today is increasingly recognized as a strategic tool that integrates ethical responsibility, sustainability, and long-term value creation into business operations. This paper explores the conceptual foundations of CSR, its growing importance in the global economy, and the associated merits and demerits. Special emphasis is given to recent developments, including the integration of CSR with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, legal mandates such as India’s Companies Act (2013), and the shift towards stakeholder centric models of corporate accountability. The paper also discusses the challenges of CSR implementation, critiques such as green washing, and the evolving expectations from corporations in the post-pandemic world. Drawing on theoretical frameworks and case studies, the article argues that CSR is no longer peripheral but central to corporate sustainability and competitiveness. The findings highlight that companies engaging meaningfully in CSR are better positioned to build trust, enhance brand equity, and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
