Corporate Social Responsibility Localization in International Construction Business

Abstract

Emerging from the both sides of the Atlantic, corporate social responsibility (CSR) to date has travelled to the world with the internationalization of construction business. When CSR activities implemented in the host countries, it could be responsive to the local context. CSR localization is thus receiving growing interests, evidenced by the “local content policies”. However, there is a paucity of knowledge on CSR localization. The primary aim of this study is to explore the CSR localization patterns as portrayed by international construction companies (ICCs). CSR/sustainability reports of ICCs from four countries were collected to do the content analysis and case studies. CSR was defined in this study firstly and then, 94 CSR activity items were identified. Based on that, it is found that CSR activities would likely be localized when they are desired or required by the host countries. ICCs tend to implementing localized CSR activities closely related to construction businesses. The study provides a brief view of the CSR localization patterns by ICCs. The patterns derived can also be used for further investigation of the causes, e.g. the institutional/culture distance as explained by institutional theory, or and the legitimacy to undertake construction business in different local contexts.