How Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Builds Trust Through Effective Social Contribution: An Indian Perspective

  • Unique Paper ID: 174960
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 11
  • PageNo: 960-967
  • Abstract:
  • In India’s dynamic and socially conscious corporate landscape, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged not just as an ethical obligation but as a strategic imperative. While previous studies have widely explored CSR in terms of sustainability and compliance, there remains a gap in understanding how CSR contributes to building trust and delivering effective societal value. This study explores that intersection by analyzing how CSR initiatives can be structured to foster stakeholder trust while addressing pressing social issues. Using a qualitative, constructivist approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews with professionals from diverse industries engaged in CSR. Thematic analysis, grounded in the Gioia methodology, led to the development of a seven-stage framework that outlines the journey from recognizing the value of CSR to establishing long-term societal trust. The findings reveal that both active engagement and strategic sponsorship can contribute to meaningful value creation—provided they are aligned with a company’s mission, resources, and stakeholder expectations. The study also highlights the importance of clearly communicating outcomes, adapting to changing societal needs, and measuring impact in order to maintain transparency and credibility. Ultimately, the research emphasizes that CSR must go beyond compliance to become an integrated part of business strategy—one that aligns financial performance with ethical responsibility and long-term societal progress.

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