Corporate Social Responsibility and COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis: Evidence From Georgia

The paper aims to clarify the implications of COVID-19 on corporate social responsibility (CSR). The research outlines an important role of CSR during the crisis and examines the pandemic impact on CSR practice of a company. The paper attempts to address the gap in the literature by considering CSR as a response strategy to uncertainties, pandemics, and crises. The study proposes how to adapt to the new normal applying CSR and examines the role of CSR in navigating through ambiguities. The paper analyzes the response to the pandemic crisis in terms of CSR and investigates the CSR approach of companies in Georgia. A semi-structured interview method was applied to collect primary data from companies implementing CSR activities. The novelty of the research results highlights the significance of strategic CSR practice during the pandemic to overcome challenges countries and societies are facing around the world. It contributes to the field of CSR management in times of pandemic and suggests future studies in this area.