Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Pakistan: A Critique of the Literature and Future Research Agenda

Abstract

This paper critically captures an up-to-date picture of the empirical and theoretical contributions regarding CSR literature in Pakistan. This paper has systematically assessed the thematic and chronological contributions which include various methodological tools and suggested future research avenues in the context of Pakistan. The review indicates that companies often practice CSR as a short term, reactive tool based on philanthropic activities in the context of Pakistan. Moreover, the focus of most of CSR researches in Pakistan is towards child labour issues and leather and textile industry. Based on review of the literature, we establish that the currently popular methodological approach among researchers is either a micro-level case study approach or a macro-level exploratory approach. It is concluded, therefore, that the limited number of researches in Pakistan on CSR provides opportunity for further research in different theoretical perspectives and sectors. In addition to this, the scope of CSR in Pakistan can be extended towards a wide range of CSR issues including environment, stakeholders and corporate social disclosure. Moreover, it is suggested that more predictive, pragmatic and empirical research methodologies should be adopted in future.