Exploring the Intersection of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Practices: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to explore the intersection of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable practices, examining global research trends, thematic clusters, and influential contributors from 2005 to 2025. Using data from the Web of Science database, the analysis identifies significant growth in research output over the last decade, driven by increasing attention to sustainability and corporate accountability. Key themes include environmental impact assessment, community engagement, and the integration of technology into sustainable practices. Despite these advancements, notable gaps persist, such as limited focus on long-term socio-economic impacts, regional disparities in research, and insufficient interdisciplinary approaches. The mapping process is done via Prisma framework. The mapping process is done by using R tool (Biblioshiny) and VOS Viewer. The search methodology involves focusing on a specific subject area and using titles, keywords, and abstracts of the study materials. The search methodology involves focusing on a specific subject area and using titles, keywords, and abstracts of the study materials.

Introduction

With growing concerns about environmental degradation, social inequality, and corporate accountability, the integration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable practices has gained significant importance. CSR involves ethical corporate behavior, environmental care, and stakeholder engagement, while sustainability focuses on long-term ecological and social well-being. Together, they align business practices with global goals like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Purpose of the Study:

The study conducts a bibliometric analysis to systematically explore:

1. Global research trends on CSR and sustainability (2005–2025).

2. Key themes, contributors, and influential works in the literature.

3. Emerging topics and gaps in current research.

Research Questions:

• RQ1: What are the global research trends in CSR and sustainable practices from 2003 to 2024?

• RQ2: What key themes and topics have emerged and how have they evolved?

Objectives:

• To examine global publication patterns related to CSR and sustainability.

• To identify thematic clusters, trends, and gaps in the literature using bibliometric tools.

Methodology:

• Data Source: Web of Science database

• Search Term: "Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Practices"

• Initial Records: 2,261

• Filtered Records:

  • By period (2005–2025): 2,073

  • By language (English): 2,063

  • By subject (Social Science & Business Economics): 1,071 articles

• Tools Used: Biblioshiny and VOSviewer

• Framework: Prisma (for systematic review)

• Analysis Techniques:

  • Citation and co-citation analysis

  • Mapping of citation networks, keyword trends, and author contributions

Significance:

This study provides a structured, data-driven understanding of how CSR and sustainability research has evolved. It highlights influential publications, thematic developments, and future research directions, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on aligning corporate strategy with global sustainability initiatives.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the intersection between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable practices, revealing key trends, influential contributors, and knowledge gaps. The analysis highlights the rapid growth in research output, particularly in the last decade, driven by the increasing global emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and their integration into business strategies. It identifies major thematic clusters such as environmental impact, community engagement, and technology integration, which dominate the discourse in sustainable practices. However, significant gaps remain, including limited studies on long-term socio-economic impacts, regional disparities in research focus, and insufficient interdisciplinary approaches. The findings underscore the importance of aligning CSR initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure holistic progress in sustainability. Future research should address these gaps by promoting interdisciplinary collaborations, diversifying regional studies, and deepening the linkages between CSR, sustainable tourism, and specific SDGs like decent work, climate action, and responsible consumption. This study not only provides a valuable reference for scholars and practitioners but also calls for more inclusive and diversified research to advance the field\'s theoretical and practical understanding.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Anup Arjunan Bahuleyan , Dr. Swapna O.. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.