The impact of corporate social responsibility activities on eliminating regional development disparities

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities on reducing regional development disparities. Using survey data collected through face-to-face interviews with 400 small-scale manufacturing firms in five provinces in Türkiye, the study employs a multiple logistic regression model. The findings reveal a statistically significant relationship between CSR activities and firms’ perceived responsibility for regional development. Factors such as legal, ethical, and voluntary responsibilities, innovation, market size, collaboration, and CSR awareness significantly influence this perception. Results indicate that as CSR engagement increases, firms adopt broader developmental responsibilities beyond economic roles. The study concludes that CSR can serve as an effective mechanism to mitigate regional inequalities and enhance inclusive development.

Keywords

• Corporate social responsibility
• Regional development
• Logistic regression
• Statistical regional classification
• Stakeholder theory

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