Status and direction of corporate social responsibility in Indian perspective: an exploratory study

Purpose - The specific objectives of the study are to examine the contribution of center and state governments in social sector development and to demonstrate the strong sense of corporate social responsibility (CSR) models in an Indian perspective. Design/methodology/approach - The study is exploratory in character and falls under the category of “general review” aimed at gaining familiarity and achieving insights into the phenomena i.e. status and direction of CSR in India. Findings - The paper concludes that the social sector remained a neglected area as, despite a rise in their revenue earnings, the states are perennially in financial distress due to a more than proportionate increase in expenditure. The paper also highlights the poor budgetary allocation for education, ineffective doctor‐patient ratio, heavy interest payments/servicing debt and lesser governmental efforts to initiate the CSR as a most effective tool. Further, the paper suggests three prospective CSR models in an Indian perspective. Research limitations/implications - The present study provides a starting point for further research in the development of strategies to implement CSR models in India. Originality/value - The paper concludes with a new dimension to CSR that refers to businesspeople focusing on business to community development, socially responsible products and processes and socially responsible employee relations. For researchers interested in the areas of models of CSR, the paper introduces a rich field for future research.