Exploring CSR and sustainability characteristics in the COVID-19 era: A literature review

This study systematically reviews 49 articles on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. The findings indicate that research in developed countries predominantly focuses on Western developed countries, while in developing countries, the emphasis of the research is primarily on South Asia. The food sector is a key focus globally, with a strong reliance on quantitative methods. Notably, nearly half of the reviewed studies lack a theoretical framework, while stakeholder theory remains the most frequently applied. Both developed and developing countries witness active stakeholder management by firms in response to the pandemic. The crisis has heightened the demand for technology, reinforced CSR’s influence consumer behaviour and job security, and accelerated CSR and sustainability communication strategies. This study offers valuable insights for companies, governments, policymakers, educators and researchers, contributing to a deeper understanding of CSR/sustainability/ESG practices during crises and guiding future research.