Corporate social responsibility as a source of competitive advantage: The mediating role of social capital and reputational capital

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been an important issue in business management since decades. The study proposes a research model from a strategic management perspective. On the foundation of social identity theory and resource-based perspective in developing this argument, the article theorizes CSR as a resource-generating activity by creating support networks, relationships and management of perceptions in the form of social and reputational capital. This article develops propositions for strategic use of CSR activities by creating social and reputational capita that ultimately leads to profitability. Theoretical and practical implications of the proposed model have been discussed.