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Framing the evolution of corporate social responsibility as a discipline (1973–2018): A large‐scale scientometric analysis

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  • Silvia Ferramosca
  • Roberto Verona

Abstract

Using a scientometric approach, this study frames the evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) research over a period of 46 years. It carries out a statistical‐historical analysis mapping the main topics, references, sources, and countries of publication emergent in the CSR research. We apply this combination of bibliometric analyses on a sample of 2,583 CSR studies derived from Scopus (1973–2018). These analyses illustrate the interdisciplinary character of CSR. Second, this study recognises numerous topics in the history of CSR research and demonstrates how these topics emerge, vanish, or become steady over time. Third, the patterns of evolution in terms of topics are reflected in scientific journal specialisation and country coauthorship collaborations. Finally, this research provides the latest evaluation on the state of the art in this field, highlighting the newest and hottest topics. By plotting out the evolution of CSR research, practical implications are identified.

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  • Silvia Ferramosca & Roberto Verona, 2020. "Framing the evolution of corporate social responsibility as a discipline (1973–2018): A large‐scale scientometric analysis," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(1), pages 178-203, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:corsem:v:27:y:2020:i:1:p:178-203
    DOI: 10.1002/csr.1792
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    2. Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan & Muhammad Shujaat Mubarik & Simonov Kusi‐Sarpong & Syed Imran Zaman & Syed Hasnain Alam Kazmi, 2021. "Social sustainable supply chains in the food industry: A perspective of an emerging economy," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(1), pages 404-418, January.
    3. Bianca Raluca BADITOIU & Alexandru BUGLEA & Diana Corina GLIGOR-CIMPOIERU & Valentin Partenie MUNTEANU, 2020. "Csr Disclosure Of Financial European Companies Within Integrated Reports," Proceedings of the INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE, Faculty of Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 14(1), pages 924-938, November.
    4. Gratiela Georgiana Noja & Bianca Raluca Baditoiu & Alexandru Buglea & Valentin Partenie Munteanu & Diana Corina Gligor Cimpoieru, 2024. "The impact of environmental, social and governance policies on companies’ financial and economic performance: A comprehensive approach and new empirical evidence," E&M Economics and Management, Technical University of Liberec, Faculty of Economics, vol. 27(1), pages 121-144, March.
    5. Liming Zhao & Miles M. Yang & Zhenyuan Wang & Grant Michelson, 2023. "Trends in the Dynamic Evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility and Leadership: A Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 182(1), pages 135-157, January.

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