The Chinese approach to CSR development: an analysis of CSR-government relationship in China

Abstract

This paper probes into the Chinese approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) governance by exploring the CSR-government relationship in the context of Chinese institutional background. Faced with the deteriorating environmental situation, the value of CSR in addressing environmental issues has been gradually recognised by both Chinese policymakers and business leaders. As a result, the recent decade witnessed a surge in the number of CSR initiatives in China's policy framework, particularly in the field of environmental protection. To have a better understanding of the CSR development trajectory in China, this paper provides a theoretical analysis of the interpretation and implementation of CSR. By applying the prior academic insights into CSR-government relationships in the context of China, this paper explores the various roles that the Chinese Government could play and has already played in promoting CSR. In addition to the Chinese Government, this paper also addresses the roles of different stakeholders in this process, including state-owned enterprises (SOEs), foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs), and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).