Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has its roots in the mid-20th century, with early contributions by Howard R. Bowen (Social Responsibilities of the Businessman, 1953), who argued that businesses should align their actions with societal values. Over time, CSR evolved through multiple paradigms—from philanthropy and compliance to strategic and integrated responsibility—shaped by scholars such as Archie B. Carroll, who proposed the CSR Pyramid (1991): economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities. In the 1990s and 2000s, CSR became institutionalized as a pillar of sustainable business, paving the way for broader frameworks like ESG and Sustainability Management.

Corporate Social Responsibility represents the ongoing commitment of organizations to act ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of employees, communities, and society at large. CSR involves initiatives that go beyond profit generation, addressing areas such as environmental protection, human rights, education, diversity, and community engagement.

In contemporary management, CSR is no longer a peripheral activity but part of a company’s strategic identity—embedded in branding, culture, and governance. It also serves as a bridge between business and society, fostering trust, reputation, and long-term value creation. The rise of Impact Marketing and ESG investing has expanded CSR from a moral duty into a measurable driver of innovation and competitiveness.

Companies like Ben & Jerry’s and The Body Shop integrate CSR into their business models, linking ethical sourcing, fair trade, and activism with brand storytelling. In manufacturing and B2B sectors, CSR initiatives often include sustainability reporting, employee well-being programs, and community partnerships.