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

Year 2026, Volume: 12 Issue: 1 , 65 - 77 , 27.03.2026
https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.1780907
https://izlik.org/JA52YT23MK

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.

References

  • Adamek, P. (2014). Corporate social responsibility as a tool for sustainable regional development: A case study in Moravian-Silesian and Zlín Region. XVII. Mezinárodní Kolokvium O Regionálních Vědách, 17(1), 749–756.
  • Akkuş, Ö., & Özkoç, H. (2016). Stata uygulamaları ile nitel veri analizi. Seçkin Yayınevi.
  • Baah, K. D., Tawiah, K. A., & Agbeior, V. (2015). Corporate social responsibility in Ghana's national development. Africa Today, 62(2), 71–92.
  • Bahar, O., & Nas, Y. (2021). Bölgesel kalkınmada kurumsal sosyal sorumluluk faaliyetlerinin önemi: Torku örneği. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research, 7(1), 55–71.
  • Bedük, A., & Ganiyusufoğlu, A. (2012). Social responsibility activities in businesses within the framework of sustainable development. Journal of Sociotechnical Social and Technical Research, 2(4), 14–34.
  • Bowen, H. R. (1953). Social responsibilities of the businessman. University of Iowa Press.
  • Carroll, A. B. (1991). The pyramid of corporate social responsibility: Toward the moral management of organizational stakeholders. Business Horizons, 34(4), 39–48.
  • Çokluk, Ö. (2010). Lojistik regresyon analizi: Kavram ve uygulama. Kuram ve Uygulamada Eğitim Bilimleri, 10(1), 1357–1407.
  • Demir, Ş. Ş. (2025). Sustainable airline choice: The role of environmental awareness, carbon offsets, and perceived corporate social responsibility. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 32(5), 6627–6640.
  • Ebner, D., & Baumgartner, R. (2006). The relationship between sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. Corporate Responsibility Research Conference, Dublin, 4–5 September.
  • Engin, E., & Akgöz, B. E. (2013). Sürdürülebilir kalkınma ve kurumsal sürdürülebilirlik çerçevesinde kurumsal sosyal sorumluluk kavramının değerlendirilmesi. Selçuk İletişim, 8(1), 85–94.
  • Fudge, M., Ogier, E., & Alexander, K. A. (2021). Emerging functions of the wellbeing concept in regional development scholarship: A review. Environmental Science and Policy, 115(1), 143–150.
  • Gorski, H., Fuciu, M., & Croitor, N. (2014). Research on corporate social responsibility in the development Region Center in Romania. Procedia Economics and Finance, 16(1), 224–233.
  • GRI. (2020). The global standards for sustainability reporting. https://www.globalreporting.org/how-to-use-the-gri-standards/resource-center/ (accessed September 20, 2020).
  • Heikkurinen, P., & Bonnedahl, K. J. (2013). Corporate responsibility for sustainable development: A review and conceptual comparison of market- and stakeholder-oriented strategies. Journal of Cleaner Production, 43(1), 191–198.
  • Kolk, A. (2016). The social responsibility of international business: From ethics and the environment to CSR and sustainable development. Journal of World Business, 51(1), 23–34.
  • Kolk, A., & Van Tulder, R. (2010). International business, corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. International Business Review, 19(1), 119–125.
  • Kuşat, N. (2012). Sürdürülebilir işletmeler için kurumsal sürdürülebilirlik ve içsel unsurları. Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi İİBF Dergisi, 14(2), 227–242.
  • Lu, J., Liang, M., Zhang, C., Rong, D., Guan, H., Mazeikaite, K., & Streimikis, J. (2020). Assessment of corporate social responsibility by addressing sustainable development goals. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 28(2), 686–703.
  • Maignan, I., & Ferrell, O. C. (2000). Measuring corporate citizenship in two countries: The case of the United States and France. Journal of Business Ethics, 23(1), 283–297.
  • Maignan, I., & Ferrell, O. C. (2001a). Antecedents and benefits of corporate citizenship: An investigation of French businesses. Journal of Business Research, 51(1), 37–51.
  • Maignan, I., & Ferrell, O. C. (2001b). Corporate citizenship as a marketing instrument: Concepts, evidence and research directions. European Journal of Marketing, 35(3–4), 457–484.
  • Mbilima, F. (2019). Extractive industries and local sustainable development in Zambia: The case of corporate social responsibility of selected metal mines. Resources Policy, 74(1), 1–19.
  • Ministry of Development. (2013). İllerin ve bölgelerin sosyo-ekonomik gelişmişlik sıralaması araştırması (SEGE-2011). https://www.sbb.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Illerin_ve_Bolgelerin_Sosyo-Ekonomik_Gelismislik_Siralamasi_Arastirmasi-SEGE-2011.pdf (accessed September 20, 2020).
  • Oshiostea, E. E., Okoye, C. C., & Udokwu, S. T. (2023). The effectiveness of CSR in sustainable development: A case study of Total's oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta region. Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability, 2(2), 57–65.
  • Popa, R. A. (2015). The corporate social responsibility practices in the context of sustainable development: The case of Romania. Procedia Economics and Finance, 23(1), 1279–1285.
  • Rondinelli, D. A., & Berry, M. A. (2000). Environmental citizenship in multinational corporations: Social responsibility and sustainable development. European Management Journal, 18(1), 70–84.
  • Sarıkaya, M., & Kara, F. Z. (2007). Sürdürülebilir kalkınmada işletmenin rolü: Kurumsal vatandaşlık. Yönetim ve Ekonomi, 14(2), 221–233.
  • Shayan, N., Kalejahi, N. M., Alavi, S., & Zahed, M. A. (2022). Sustainable development goals (SDGs) as a framework for corporate social responsibility (CSR). Sustainability, 14(3), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031222
  • Sheehy, B., & Farneti, F. (2021). Corporate social responsibility, sustainability, sustainable development and corporate sustainability: What is the difference, and does it matter? Sustainability, 13(11), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115965
  • Suharto, R., Hasid, Z., Ilyas, L., & Mahardika, S. (2023). The effect of corporate social responsibility and tourism development on regional development in Berau Regency. Jurnal Ilmiah Manajemen Kesatuan, 11(3), 1327–1334. https://doi.org/10.37641/jimkes.v11i3.2282
  • UNCTAD. (2008). Guidance on corporate responsibility indicators in annual reports. https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/iteteb20076_en.pdf (accessed September 20, 2020).
  • Xia, B., Olanipekun, A., Chen, Q., Xie, L., & Liu, Y. (2018). Conceptualizing the state of the art of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the construction industry and its nexus to sustainable development. Journal of Cleaner Production, 195(1), 340–353.
  • Yogiaa, M. A., Wedayanti, M. D., Nurmandi, A., & Hasse, J. (2019). Regional development management through CSR in Pela Lawan District, Riau Province. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, 10(3), 239–255.

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

Year 2026, Volume: 12 Issue: 1 , 65 - 77 , 27.03.2026
https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.1780907
https://izlik.org/JA52YT23MK

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.

References

  • Adamek, P. (2014). Corporate social responsibility as a tool for sustainable regional development: A case study in Moravian-Silesian and Zlín Region. XVII. Mezinárodní Kolokvium O Regionálních Vědách, 17(1), 749–756.
  • Akkuş, Ö., & Özkoç, H. (2016). Stata uygulamaları ile nitel veri analizi. Seçkin Yayınevi.
  • Baah, K. D., Tawiah, K. A., & Agbeior, V. (2015). Corporate social responsibility in Ghana's national development. Africa Today, 62(2), 71–92.
  • Bahar, O., & Nas, Y. (2021). Bölgesel kalkınmada kurumsal sosyal sorumluluk faaliyetlerinin önemi: Torku örneği. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research, 7(1), 55–71.
  • Bedük, A., & Ganiyusufoğlu, A. (2012). Social responsibility activities in businesses within the framework of sustainable development. Journal of Sociotechnical Social and Technical Research, 2(4), 14–34.
  • Bowen, H. R. (1953). Social responsibilities of the businessman. University of Iowa Press.
  • Carroll, A. B. (1991). The pyramid of corporate social responsibility: Toward the moral management of organizational stakeholders. Business Horizons, 34(4), 39–48.
  • Çokluk, Ö. (2010). Lojistik regresyon analizi: Kavram ve uygulama. Kuram ve Uygulamada Eğitim Bilimleri, 10(1), 1357–1407.
  • Demir, Ş. Ş. (2025). Sustainable airline choice: The role of environmental awareness, carbon offsets, and perceived corporate social responsibility. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 32(5), 6627–6640.
  • Ebner, D., & Baumgartner, R. (2006). The relationship between sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. Corporate Responsibility Research Conference, Dublin, 4–5 September.
  • Engin, E., & Akgöz, B. E. (2013). Sürdürülebilir kalkınma ve kurumsal sürdürülebilirlik çerçevesinde kurumsal sosyal sorumluluk kavramının değerlendirilmesi. Selçuk İletişim, 8(1), 85–94.
  • Fudge, M., Ogier, E., & Alexander, K. A. (2021). Emerging functions of the wellbeing concept in regional development scholarship: A review. Environmental Science and Policy, 115(1), 143–150.
  • Gorski, H., Fuciu, M., & Croitor, N. (2014). Research on corporate social responsibility in the development Region Center in Romania. Procedia Economics and Finance, 16(1), 224–233.
  • GRI. (2020). The global standards for sustainability reporting. https://www.globalreporting.org/how-to-use-the-gri-standards/resource-center/ (accessed September 20, 2020).
  • Heikkurinen, P., & Bonnedahl, K. J. (2013). Corporate responsibility for sustainable development: A review and conceptual comparison of market- and stakeholder-oriented strategies. Journal of Cleaner Production, 43(1), 191–198.
  • Kolk, A. (2016). The social responsibility of international business: From ethics and the environment to CSR and sustainable development. Journal of World Business, 51(1), 23–34.
  • Kolk, A., & Van Tulder, R. (2010). International business, corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. International Business Review, 19(1), 119–125.
  • Kuşat, N. (2012). Sürdürülebilir işletmeler için kurumsal sürdürülebilirlik ve içsel unsurları. Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi İİBF Dergisi, 14(2), 227–242.
  • Lu, J., Liang, M., Zhang, C., Rong, D., Guan, H., Mazeikaite, K., & Streimikis, J. (2020). Assessment of corporate social responsibility by addressing sustainable development goals. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 28(2), 686–703.
  • Maignan, I., & Ferrell, O. C. (2000). Measuring corporate citizenship in two countries: The case of the United States and France. Journal of Business Ethics, 23(1), 283–297.
  • Maignan, I., & Ferrell, O. C. (2001a). Antecedents and benefits of corporate citizenship: An investigation of French businesses. Journal of Business Research, 51(1), 37–51.
  • Maignan, I., & Ferrell, O. C. (2001b). Corporate citizenship as a marketing instrument: Concepts, evidence and research directions. European Journal of Marketing, 35(3–4), 457–484.
  • Mbilima, F. (2019). Extractive industries and local sustainable development in Zambia: The case of corporate social responsibility of selected metal mines. Resources Policy, 74(1), 1–19.
  • Ministry of Development. (2013). İllerin ve bölgelerin sosyo-ekonomik gelişmişlik sıralaması araştırması (SEGE-2011). https://www.sbb.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Illerin_ve_Bolgelerin_Sosyo-Ekonomik_Gelismislik_Siralamasi_Arastirmasi-SEGE-2011.pdf (accessed September 20, 2020).
  • Oshiostea, E. E., Okoye, C. C., & Udokwu, S. T. (2023). The effectiveness of CSR in sustainable development: A case study of Total's oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta region. Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability, 2(2), 57–65.
  • Popa, R. A. (2015). The corporate social responsibility practices in the context of sustainable development: The case of Romania. Procedia Economics and Finance, 23(1), 1279–1285.
  • Rondinelli, D. A., & Berry, M. A. (2000). Environmental citizenship in multinational corporations: Social responsibility and sustainable development. European Management Journal, 18(1), 70–84.
  • Sarıkaya, M., & Kara, F. Z. (2007). Sürdürülebilir kalkınmada işletmenin rolü: Kurumsal vatandaşlık. Yönetim ve Ekonomi, 14(2), 221–233.
  • Shayan, N., Kalejahi, N. M., Alavi, S., & Zahed, M. A. (2022). Sustainable development goals (SDGs) as a framework for corporate social responsibility (CSR). Sustainability, 14(3), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031222
  • Sheehy, B., & Farneti, F. (2021). Corporate social responsibility, sustainability, sustainable development and corporate sustainability: What is the difference, and does it matter? Sustainability, 13(11), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115965
  • Suharto, R., Hasid, Z., Ilyas, L., & Mahardika, S. (2023). The effect of corporate social responsibility and tourism development on regional development in Berau Regency. Jurnal Ilmiah Manajemen Kesatuan, 11(3), 1327–1334. https://doi.org/10.37641/jimkes.v11i3.2282
  • UNCTAD. (2008). Guidance on corporate responsibility indicators in annual reports. https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/iteteb20076_en.pdf (accessed September 20, 2020).
  • Xia, B., Olanipekun, A., Chen, Q., Xie, L., & Liu, Y. (2018). Conceptualizing the state of the art of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the construction industry and its nexus to sustainable development. Journal of Cleaner Production, 195(1), 340–353.
  • Yogiaa, M. A., Wedayanti, M. D., Nurmandi, A., & Hasse, J. (2019). Regional development management through CSR in Pela Lawan District, Riau Province. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, 10(3), 239–255.
There are 34 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Development Economics - Macro
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Yahya Nas 0000-0002-7858-438X

Ozan Bahar 0000-0003-3349-5479

Submission Date September 9, 2025
Acceptance Date March 27, 2026
Publication Date March 27, 2026
DOI https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.1780907
IZ https://izlik.org/JA52YT23MK
Published in Issue Year 2026 Volume: 12 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Nas, Y., & Bahar, O. (2026). The impact of corporate social responsibility activities on eliminating regional development disparities. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research, 12(1), 65-77. https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.1780907
AMA 1.Nas Y, Bahar O. The impact of corporate social responsibility activities on eliminating regional development disparities. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research. 2026;12(1):65-77. doi:10.24289/ijsser.1780907
Chicago Nas, Yahya, and Ozan Bahar. 2026. “The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Activities on Eliminating Regional Development Disparities”. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research 12 (1): 65-77. https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.1780907.
EndNote Nas Y, Bahar O (March 1, 2026) The impact of corporate social responsibility activities on eliminating regional development disparities. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research 12 1 65–77.
IEEE [1]Y. Nas and O. Bahar, “The impact of corporate social responsibility activities on eliminating regional development disparities”, International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 65–77, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.24289/ijsser.1780907.
ISNAD Nas, Yahya - Bahar, Ozan. “The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Activities on Eliminating Regional Development Disparities”. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research 12/1 (March 1, 2026): 65-77. https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.1780907.
JAMA 1.Nas Y, Bahar O. The impact of corporate social responsibility activities on eliminating regional development disparities. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research. 2026;12:65–77.
MLA Nas, Yahya, and Ozan Bahar. “The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Activities on Eliminating Regional Development Disparities”. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research, vol. 12, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 65-77, doi:10.24289/ijsser.1780907.
Vancouver 1.Yahya Nas, Ozan Bahar. The impact of corporate social responsibility activities on eliminating regional development disparities. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research. 2026 Mar. 1;12(1):65-77. doi:10.24289/ijsser.1780907