Bridging CSR and Individual Well- and Ill-Being: A Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

Micro-level corporate social responsibility (CSR) research has increasingly studied the connection between CSR and individual well- and ill-being but has remained vague in interpreting these findings within the broader well- and ill-being concept. The purpose of this study is to rethink the literature by providing an overarching framework that bridges CSR and individual well- and ill-being. I conduct a systematic literature review on 154 articles in 39 leading journals. After presenting a descriptive analysis of the articles, I provide an initial overview of what is known and not known about the link between CSR and individual well- and ill-being. Based on the findings and relevant research gaps, I present an overarching framework that guides scholars in conducting future research at the intersection between CSR and individual well- and ill-being. I highlight the importance of boundary conditions, provide promising mechanisms bridging CSR and individual well-being, and highlight potential unintended CSR impacts on individuals’ ill-being. Furthermore, I point to potential positive short- but adverse long-term effects of CSR, bringing both the dark and bright side of CSR together.