What is it about?
This article examines how companies’ efforts to be socially responsible change as they expand and operate in different countries. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) includes things like protecting the environment, treating workers fairly, supporting communities, and acting ethically. Most previous research has focused on CSR within single countries. This paper brings together 53 studies to understand what happens to CSR when companies become international and work across borders. The authors found four main areas of research: - How differences in laws, culture, and expectations between countries affect companies’ CSR performance - How companies, especially those from emerging markets, report and communicate their CSR efforts as they expand internationally - Whether strong CSR helps companies expand globally or whether international expansion pushes companies to improve CSR - How companies from developed countries manage CSR while operating abroad The study shows that companies often strengthen their CSR practices when entering new countries to meet local regulations, gain trust, and build a good reputation. However, they also struggle to balance using the same CSR standards everywhere while adapting to local conditions. Overall, the paper offers a framework to help companies understand and manage CSR more effectively as they grow internationally.
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Why is it important?
This research is important because globalization has made it common for companies to operate in many countries with very different rules, cultures, and social expectations. CSR is no longer just a local issue — companies are now judged by how they behave across the world. Understanding how international expansion affects CSR helps businesses avoid social, environmental, and reputational risks. The study also highlights the challenges companies face when trying to apply responsible practices consistently while respecting local realities. This is crucial for preventing issues like environmental harm, labor exploitation, or accusations of “greenwashing.” For managers, the research offers guidance on how to improve CSR while expanding globally. For policymakers and researchers, it identifies gaps in knowledge and areas that need further study. In a world where consumers and governments increasingly demand responsible corporate behavior, this paper helps connect global business growth with ethical and sustainable practices.
Perspectives
From a personal perspective, this manuscript reflects the real-world complexity of doing business in a globalized economy. Many of us expect companies to behave responsibly, but we may not realize how difficult it can be when a firm operates across countries with different laws, values, and expectations. The research shows that international expansion often pushes companies to “go the extra mile” in improving their CSR, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because they need trust and acceptance in new markets. At the same time, it highlights the tension between keeping consistent standards and adapting to local conditions. What makes this study especially relatable is its focus on legitimacy — the idea that companies want to be seen as responsible and trustworthy wherever they operate. Just like individuals adjust their behavior when entering new social environments, companies must adjust their CSR practices when entering new countries. Overall, the manuscript helps us better understand the behind-the-scenes efforts companies make to balance growth with responsibility. It reminds us that CSR is not a one-size-fits-all approach and that thoughtful, flexible strategies are essential in a global business world.
Antonio Carrizo Moreira
Universidade Aberta
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Going the Extra Mile While Internationalizing: A Systematic Literature Review About the Role of CSR Commitment, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, March 2025, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/csr.3175.
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