Corporate Social Responsibility Literature Review for Study Skills in Higher Education

This literature review discusses the purpose and scope of literature review and focuses on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in business studies. It defines CSR, discusses key issues, and analyzes its impact on recruitment, risk management, and stakeholder theory. Recommendations include building strong relationships with suppliers and disclosing CSR activities.

BABS FoundationUOSCOB Assignment
Assignment 2
Study Skills for Higher Education
A Report on
<Corporate Social Responsibility>
Student ID:<Your Student ID>
in Business Studies (Foundation Year)
Date of Submission:<Date of Submission>
I declare that this assignment is all my own work and that I have acknowledged all materials
used from the published or unpublished works of other people. All references have been
duly cited.
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BABS FoundationUOSCOB Assignment
Executive Summary or Abstract
Literature review may have various strengths like it brings all the things together without any
repetition and helps in identify all the omission and mistakes within summation of the literature.
Study discusses purpose of conducting literature review and meaning of CSR. CSR is essential to
ensure that companies running their operation ethically with considering all environmental factors
and human rights. Apart from that business can avail cost saving benefits by manufacturing those
products that need less packaging and less energy which will decrease the expenses of electricity
bills and other material expenses
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BABS FoundationUOSCOB Assignment
Table of Contents
1.Introduction 4
1.1 Discuss what a literature review is 4
1.2 Discuss what its purpose is 4
2. Literature Review 5
2.1 Give a definition of Corporate Social Responsibility 5
2.2 Mention some of the key issues that are known about this topic 5
2.3 Find three areas to focus on and discuss the key issues 5
3. Analysis 6
5. Recommendations 7
6. Conclusion 8
7. References 9
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BABS FoundationUOSCOB Assignment
1.Introduction
Literature review is the type of research paper that contain a brief knowledge including
findings also other theoretical contribution in particular topic. There are various sources that are
covered in the literature review like library books, journals, internet websites, government reports.
The present study is about purpose and scope of the literature review, also a briefing is done on
strength, weakness and omission in Literature review .In addition to this literature review helps to
define some specific issues that has been also discussed in the present study. Apart from this a
literature review on CSR has been discussed which the major responsibility of business nowadays.
Also a briefing is done on ways in which companies do CSR activities. The present study also include
interrelationship of stakeholder’s theory and CSR.
1.1 What is a literature review?
literature review is written summary of any research done by researcher that helps to provide a
description and interpretation of the research topic . It is generally presented in thesis. literature
review is to define the relationship of each factor or source to others that researcher have
selected. literature review is done with the view to identify new ways of interpretation and
identify the gaps between previous and present research. Apart from that LR also helps in
pointing the way forward for further research , it is also prepared for making involvement of
each source that is relevant and factor that affect the particular LR. LR does not have a definite
format for all the topics because of that there are chances of biasness in the review. literature
review is like a 'jigsaw puzzle' for a reader , so for creating good understanding the writer has to
arrange and solve that jigsaw puzzle of fuzzy and missing areas of the overall review. In addition,
literature review does not interpret clear difference between relevant and irrelevant data , the
reader should be motivated about what comes next in the literature review but sometimes
unimportant information decreases the enthusiasm of reader to read further. On contrary to this
literature review helps in solving problem of investigator as it contain all justified facts and
material that an researcher can consider while he is conducting any research.
Scope of Literature review is wide it may be selective or comprehensive but it should only
contain and examine important or principle work that has been relevant to the field. Apart from
that scope of literature review will depend on different discipline and assignment .Literature review
can be single article itself or it can be part of larger work . LR can be a separate section or part of
introduction in research report , dissertation or a thesis. So a literature review identifies objection
and agreement and indicates areas needing further research . In addition to this it portray
comparison and contrast between various sources and points out themes approaches ,theories and
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BABS FoundationUOSCOB Assignment
methodologies of analysis. literature review discusses major topics of debate and examine
theoretical or methodological strength and weaknesses
1.2 What is its purpose?
literature review define problems and issues related to a topic so that helps in clarify the
weaknesses of the topic in literature review .Apart from this LR helps in create a rapport with the
reader because researcher or student may not be an expert in the given field but by writing and
listing through review, student is telling the reader that he knows what he is talking about , so as
more articles, books a student will list the more trustworthy his expertise and scholarship will be.
literature review avoid plagiarism occurred incidentally means it helps in identify and protect
duplication of statement and description in the current research done by any researcher , so writing
a research paper without literature review will increase the chances of incidental plagiarism .
Another advantage of literature review is that it sharpens student's research focus as student will
identify, evaluate and synthesize outside sources it his own words through this process he will be
able to dig out relevance of the research as compare to relevance of research done by other, so
through literature review he can compare the things and mentioned those things which are not
available before in any other research work. there can be different types of research review like
argumentative review which is written to present contradicting view to a given position. It helps in
influencing other to support the thesis of concern student or researcher. Another type of review is
integrative review that contain critical analysis and examination of the present topic to initiate then
need for new research
2. Literature Review
2.1 Give a definition of CSR according to the literature
According to Gill, (2015) Corporate social responsibility is the responsibility of a business to
contribute something for the development of society, environment and economy with the aim of
long term existence of its operation .Gill, (2015) also states that CSR is essential to ensure that
companies running their operation ethically with considering all environmental factors and human
rights. Apart from that business can avail cost saving benefits by manufacturing those products that
need less packaging and less energy which will decrease the expenses of electricity bills and other
material expenses. Also, as per Lu, Zhao and While, (2019) Contributing to CSR activity company can
take brand perception benefits by investing in social groups and community and supporting
organizations that carries business nearby it, that can change perception of public and will increase
base of potential customers. In addition to this Hart, (2018) states that by accomplishing CSR
objective company can build image in front of its employers and can decrease employee turnover
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BABS FoundationUOSCOB Assignment
which will help in maintaining experienced workforce in the organisation. In addition to this
company may achieve long term financial success by investing their profits in universities and local
communities and universities , that will make easier to find talented people and human resource for
the organisation which will contribute in making long term financial success of the organisation.
2.2 What is known about this topic? Refer to studies on CSR and discuss.
As per Lu, Zhao, and While, (2019) CSR has become standard practise for a business that
helps in building its and enhance its reputation. For the purpose of CSR companies now has formal
procedures and policies that integrates environmental, ethical social and human rights in business
operations. The ultimate aim of contributing to CSR is to achieve a positive impact on society but on
contrary to that Hart, (2018) says that even companies contribute to CSR , sometimes does not
accept by others as they think CSR is mainly done for increasing the profit of the company or it is a
done for the purpose of marketing.
Malik, (2015) states that there should be a proper plan making and implementation for
conducting CSR activity. Thus a CSR plan should contain CSR assessment, strategies of CSR,
commitment of CSR, implementation of action and plan then evaluation of results and taking
corrective action if there are any gaps between standards and results.
corporate social initiative can be classified into six categories: the first one is community
volunteering in which company appoint volunteer that belongs to its organization, for carrying
volunteering activities organised by it and sometimes employees receives pay for conducting these
CSR activities. Second classification of CSR is socially- responsible business practices which included
practices like ethical manufacturing of goods. Apart from that there can be cause promotion and
activism which are the advocacy campaigns funded by companies. Then there can be cause related
marketing it includes charity donation which is based on sales of product. Also, as per Malik, (2015)
corporate philanthropy can be another type of CSR in which companies donate cash or goods as
charity.
2.3 Find a focus and choose appropriate literature to mention at least 3 key issues
relating to CSR – what are the most important areas/ topics/ subtopics?
As per the view of Malik, (2015) the shrinking government role creates issues for companies
and firms are forced to make changes in its business practices in order to fulfil its corporate
responsibilities successfully. Lu, Zhao, and While, (2019) stated that issue related to CSR is high
demand of disclosure, CSR activities increases demand of disclosing the facts related to supplier,
investors etc. that enhances risk for business to great extent.
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BABS FoundationUOSCOB Assignment
According to Hart, (2018) increase consumer interest is major issue related to CSR, now
people like to buy products from the companies that conduct business in ethical manner. If firm is
unable to fulfil its CSR responsibilities then it influences mind and choice of consumers to great
extent.
3. Analysis
It is analysed that CSR program does not only help in increasing profits of the organisation
but also aid to recruitment , as potential candidates are attracted by CSR policy of a company . CSR
also helps in managing risk as company can lose its reputation within seconds because of corrupted
activities and environmental accidents, that can build negative image but CSR limits these risk. Apart
from that CSR activity can increase the attractiveness of the suppliers to potential customers and It
also helps in managing good industrial relation between employer and employer , employee and
employee and employer and employer.
stakeholders theory play an important role in Corporate social responsibility thus CSR and
stakeholders theory have deep relation between them like they both have common elements like
purpose , creation, value and stakeholders interdependence. Every company come into existence
for an objective or purpose that should determine vision, mission, strategies and all the policies
keeping in mind the Corporate social responsibilities. So the purpose of the company should always
be ethical that should protect the interest of stakeholders. another common aspect of CSR and
stakeholders theory is value creation as stakeholders theory aims that companies need to create
value for all the stakeholders, so businesses try to take all the actions to protect the interest and
creating value of investors , customers, suppliers, communities, employers and employees, for the
purpose of protecting customers interest and value creation companies do CSR activities.
there are many policies of CSR like promoting environmental friendly business activities by
contributing in making parks, gardens and play grounds and growing trees around the company's
building and company can also produce organic products for contributing to CSR. Apart from that
many companies do investment in schools, organisations of disabled children for CSR activities ,
some companies also do charity in old age homes by donating gifts or cash for aged people. In
addition to this Trianaputri, Siswantoroand Dewi, (2018) states that businesses also create good
cooperation with contractors and suppliers that provide customer love for the product this
cooperation includes in good corporate ethics and that becomes a part of CSR activity . Apart from
that community involvement and development has always been a common CSR contribution .
Nowadays consumer issues and feedback handling system has been increased for ensuring quality of
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BABS FoundationUOSCOB Assignment
product by performing the duty of customer responding they are earning trust of the customer, that
too will be an aid to CSR. strengthening corporate governance with the aim of earning trust of all the
stakeholders by creating transparency in business operation and rules & regulation for performing
its CSR activity. Further by strengthening compliance company can maintain good relation with
government. So CSR does not only help in making good relationship with its suppliers, customers ,
employees but companies can also build good political and legal relation. Thus objective of CSR is to
provide balanced platform to all the stakeholders that are engaged in CSR for capturing relevant
issues to foster sustainable growth .
5. Recommendations
Companies should disclose its activities related to CSR so that it can gain attention of
consumers and can make them loyal towards the brand. It should build strong relationship with
suppliers so that issues related to supply chain can be minimised in CSR.
6. Conclusion
From the above study it can be concluded that literature review is an essential part of
research that helps in identifying duplication and plagues in current research work , it can be
identified that scope of literature review is wide as it helps in comparing and analysing sources and
facts with current research paper. In addition to this from the above literature review on CSR it can
be identified that CSR is now an essential activity for every business as it builds image and reputation
of the company and also contributes in sustainable and long term growth of the organisation. It can
be noticed that CSR does not only helps in building reputation but helps in generating profit and
maintaining good cooperation between its stakeholders.
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BABS FoundationUOSCOB Assignment
7. References
Books and journals
Ali, W., Frynas, J. G. and Mahmood, Z., 2017. Determinants of corporate social responsibility
(CSR) disclosure in developed and developing countries: A literature review. Corporate
Social Responsibility and Environmental Management. 24(4). pp.273-294.
Awan, U., Khattak, A. and Kraslawski, A., 2019. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Priorities in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of the Industrial Sector of
Sialkot, Pakistan. In Corporate Social Responsibility in the Manufacturing and Services
Sectors (pp. 267-278). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
Booth, A., Sutton, A. and Papaioannou, D., 2016. Systematic approaches to a successful
literature review. Sage.
Carlini, J. and et.al., 2019. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) employer brand process:
integrative review and comprehensive model. Journal of Marketing Management,
pp.1-24.
Faller, C.M. and zu Knyphausen-Aufseß, D., 2018. Does equity ownership matter for
corporate social responsibility? A literature review of theories and recent empirical
findings.Journal of Business Ethics. 150(1). pp.15-40.
Gill, R., 2015. Why the PR strategy of storytelling improves employee engagement and adds
value to CSR: An integrated literature review. Public Relations Review. 41(5). pp.662-
674.
Hart, C., 2018. Doing a literature review: Releasing the research imagination. Sage.
Lee, S. and et.al., 2018. Do a company’s sincere intentions with CSR initiatives matter to
employees? A comparison of customer-related and employee-related CSR
initiatives. Journal of Global Responsibility. 9(4). pp.355-371.
Lu, H., Zhao, Y. and While, A., 2019. Job satisfaction among hospital nurses: a literature
review. International journal of nursing studies.
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BABS FoundationUOSCOB Assignment
Malik, M., 2015. Value-enhancing capabilities of CSR: A brief review of contemporary
literature. Journal of Business Ethics.127(2). pp.419-438.
Pope, S. and Wæraas, A., 2016. CSR-washing is rare: A conceptual framework, literature
review, and critique. Journal of Business Ethics. 137(1). pp.173-193.
Trianaputri, A. R., Siswantoro, D. and Dewi, M. K., 2018. CSR in Islamic Financial Institution:
A Literature Review. Tazkia Islamic Finance and Business Review.11(2).
Online
corporate social responsibility. 2019.[Online].Available
Through.<https://www.ed.ac.uk/careers/your-future/options/occupations/csr/what-
is-csr>
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