Yin Meiqi

Dongbei University of Finance and Economics

Abstract：

With the continuous development of the global economy, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an important part of modern corporate operation and strategic management. Based on stakeholder theory, this paper defines CSR by sorting out and integrating representative definitions from the UK Government and the European Commission, and compares the applicability of Carroll’s CSR Pyramid and stakeholder theory. It is found that stakeholder theory can better explain the multi-stakeholder orientation and dynamic adaptability of CSR. From the external perspective, CSR can enhance customer loyalty and brand reputation by conveying positive social value, as verified by the case of TOMS. From the internal perspective, CSR can improve employee engagement and organizational citizenship behavior by promoting fair employment and career development, which is supported by the practice of the LEGO Group. Although the implementation of CSR faces problems such as high resource input and market homogenization, overall, it is still beneficial to the long-term development and sustainable profitability of enterprises. Enterprises should balance economic, social and environmental benefits, and integrate CSR into core business strategies to achieve the unity of economic value and social value.

Key Words：

corporate social responsibility; stakeholder theory; Carroll’s CSR pyramid; customer loyalty; employee engagement; sustainable development