A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ON CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Abstract

The goal of this study is to synthesise and critically assess the existing literature on the role of the board of directors in corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance. A sample of 35 studies from 18 highly recognized scientific journals published between 2013 and 2021 were reviewed using a systematic review approach. The research identifies similarities and discrepancies in the effects of diverse board characteristics and board structures on CSR performance by distinguishing between two board attributes: director qualities and board structures. First, the research shows that these characteristics do not operate in isolation, but rather interact with one another and the context in which they are embedded to shape CSR success. Furthermore, the analysis uncovers significant heterogeneity in conceptualizations, theoretical frameworks, measuring methods, and contexts across research, laying the groundwork for a full synthesis of major scholarly discourses and an organizing framework.