Socio-economic effect of corporate social responsibility in Uttarakhand, India: mediating role of corporate accountability

Purpose This study examines the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on the socio-economic development of local communities in the industrial regions of Uttarakhand, which are characterized by rapid industrial growth, significant CSR investment, and environmental and socio-economic challenges. Furthermore, the mediating role of corporate accountability is studied. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected primary data from residents near the industrial zones of Uttarakhand using a multi-stage sampling method. Smart-PLS 4.0 software was employed to assess the reliability of the variables and explore their relationships. Findings The results indicate a strong positive link between CSR and socio-economic development. Moreover, there is a significant positive relationship between CSR and corporate accountability. However, corporate accountability, both as a direct predictor and as a mediating variable, does not exert a statistically significant influence on socio-economic outcomes. Practical implications These results suggest that even within India's mandated CSR environment, corporate accountability alone cannot drive socio-economic development, underscoring the need for stronger corporate governance and more transparent CSR disclosures aligned with environmental, social, and governance principles. Originality/value While prior studies have examined CSR practices in India, limited empirical research has evaluated integrated community-level CSR models in industrial zones, particularly the mediating role of corporate accountability. Thus, this study holds substantial theoretical and empirical importance.