An introspect into the Islamic roots of CSR in the Middle East: the case of Savola Group in Egypt

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to look into Islamic CSR, a literature domain that is rarely researched. The article has three goals. First, it provides an overview of the varying conceptualizations and paradigms underpinning CSR. Second, it presents an analogy relating commonalities and deviations between Islam and some of the basic international CSR paradigms. Third, it proposes a novel model of Islamic CSR based on the Islamic legislation (shar'iah) and applies it to an MNC with explicit application of Islamic CSR.Design/methodology/approachA case study of an explicitly Islamic‐abiding corporation has been investigated to test for the applicability of the proposal model. Semi‐structured interviews have been employed with both the CSR and the HR Heads in Egypt. In addition, various corporate communications have been also utilized in this study.FindingsThe research reflects upon international paradigms of CSR versus the Islamic one, highlighting its origins and providing an analogy among both perspectives. Also, a new model is developed and further put into action by the case study employed. Further research is needed to assess further the generalizability of the proposed model, especially with companies operating in Muslim‐majority countries and, hence, with potential implicit application of Islamic CSR.Research limitations/implicationsGeneralization of the model cannot be generated at this stage of the model development. Further large‐scale empirical research is needed for further development of the proposed model.Practical implicationsThis research would prove useful for corporations operating in Muslim‐majority countries as well as for managers of companies interested in understanding the Islamic perspective on important contemporary world issues like CSR.Originality/valueThis article put forth a comprehensive Islamic CSR model based on the shari'ah while presenting the commonalities and differences between basic international CSR paradigms and the Islamic perspective on CSR.