REFRAMING ESG AND CSR: CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS, OVERLAPPING DOMAINS, AND INTEGRATED STRATEGIES
Abstract
This paper explores the evolving relationship between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and corporate social responsibility (CSR), reframing them as integrated frameworks essential for modern business strategy. While ESG and CSR have distinct origins – investment risk management and ethical corporate citizenship - they increasingly intersect in practice. Through a comprehensive literature review and analytical comparison, the study clarifies their conceptual foundations, highlights areas of overlap and divergence, and proposes strategies for meaningful integration. The findings reveal that firms aligning ESG’s measurable metrics with CSR’s ethical commitments can achieve stronger resilience, improved stakeholder trust, and sustainable value creation. However, integration requires more than reporting alignment; it demands authentic leadership, cultural shifts, and transparent governance. The paper offers practical guidance for managers and policymakers seeking to embed sustainability into core operations and suggests avenues for future research, including sector-specific integration models and enhanced measurement tools. By bridging ESG and CSR, companies can navigate rising expectations and strengthen both financial performance and social impact.
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