Drivers and barriers of CSR and the size and internationalization of firms

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze how drivers and barriers of corporate social responsibility (CSR) vary with regard to stages in the transformation process from a small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) to a multinational enterprise (MNE). Design/methodology/approach The main method used is a literature survey. The survey covers 47 journal articles. A limited survey of managers in the Norwegian clothing business is used to validate the findings in the literature survey. Findings Eight main drivers and barriers of CSR are identified in the literature survey and are also supported by a regression analysis based on Norwegian survey data. By relating the drivers and barriers to more general social science models, it is shown how they are affected by different business contexts and vary with regard to stages in the transformation process from a SME to a MNE. Practical implications The paper suggests that public policies for CSR should be adapted to four main contexts, referring to stages in the growth and internationalization of the firm, and overcoming barriers and boosting drivers for CSR. Originality/value The paper contributes to a better understanding of how and why drivers and barriers of CSR differ with respect to the size and internationalization of firms.