The knowledge map on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A bibliometric analysis

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved into a strategic imperative for businesses, particularly with the increasing integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. However, the evolution and key research areas within CSR remain fragmented. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis using the SCOPUS database and VOSviewer, mapping CSR research trends across three phases: initial (1971-2010), growth (2011-2020), and stabilization (2021-2024). The results indicate that the United States, China, and the United Kingdom are the leading contributors in CSR publications and international collaborations. Through keyword co-occurrence analysis, eleven major CSR research clusters are identified, such as “Responsibility and Communication”, “Climate Change and Sustainable Development”, and “Corporate Governance and Theory”, illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of CSR. Furthermore, this study conducts two comparative analyses: the first highlights industry-specific CSR research in banking and services, and the second examines CSR’s integration with ESG. By constructing a CSR knowledge map, this study explores the intersection between CSR, ESG, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating how CSR contributes to corporate competitiveness, stakeholder trust, and regulatory compliance while supporting global sustainability initiatives. The findings provide a structured framework for businesses, policymakers, and researchers to align CSR strategies with organizational goals, industry trends, and cross-sector collaborations.