Linking corporate social responsibility and project performance: role of collaboration and trust

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is essential for sustainable development. However, CSR performance still fails to meet societal expectations in the construction industry. Understanding the benefits of CSR performance would foster its implementation. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between CSR implementation, project performance, collaboration, and trust in construction firms. A questionnaire survey was developed and delivered to construction professionals using a convenient sampling method. Two hundred fifty-two valid responses were then collected and analyzed using the structural equation modeling (SEM) method. The results illustrate a statistically significant positive association between CSR, collaboration, trust, and project performance. Statistical results also highlight partial mediating effects of collaboration and trust between the relationships of CSR and project performance. The findings suggest that construction firms should invest in CSR initiatives as it can improve work efficiency. Moreover, this study recommends policymakers issue regulatory frameworks to foster CSR implementation in construction firms.