Integrated framework for corporate social responsibility development: organizational capability approach

Business and society are inseparable and interdependent; therefore their interaction undergoes a profound public and scholarly debate on the issue of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Despite that currently many frameworks are being designed for CSR implementation, CSR still lacks an integrated development framework based on a process-view which focuses on organizational capabilities necessary for CSR development. Therefore, the objective of this research is to develop an integrated capability-based framework for CSR development by assessing (1) multiple models underlying the theories of organizational development, transformation and CSR implementation and (2) results received from empirical research. The content-based constructs of this framework are based on Burke and Litwin’s (1992) model as a frame of reference, but its process-based adaptation from organizational capability perspective, i.e. identification of the organizational capabilities necessary for CSR development, is the unique contribution of this research. This framework has a substantial potential to serve as a reference instrument for business executives, CSR specialists and CSR consultants to assess necessary capabilities for CSR development, take informed decisions for further organizational development and let to mainstream, sustain and institutionalize CSR in organizations.