Corporate social responsibility: a review with potential development

PurposeThis paper aims to review bright sides of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and touches on its dark sides, providing researchers and CSR-driven lay readers with a starting point for further contributions and discussions. The paper also outlines a conceptual perspective about CSR scale development relevant to the uncertain times Syrian Arab Republic is still facing.Design/methodology/approachWith a top ten-journal set indexed in social science citation index (SSCI), the current paper reviewed dozens CSR-references. In different search settings, the paper also included other authoritative references relevant.FindingsCSR, whose bright side is still in the lead, is a significant working philosophy that can keep stakeholders posted on the extent to which organizations can sustain businesses and protect society's welfare at interconnected levels (economic, social, ethical and environmental, among others).Research limitations/implicationsThe review at hand has only covered the tip of the CSR iceberg.Practical implicationsInvesting in CSR transparently could lead to a promising sustainability.Social implicationsWith transparent CSR information, stakeholders (including the public and policymakers) could make an informed decision regarding the extent to which organizations with CSR could protect their well-being.Originality/valueThe current review makes an authoritative reference point new in the CSR literature. In addition, it bridges a research gap not yet studied – by bringing a roadmap outlining a potential CSR-scale development that could cope with the postwar reconstruction phase (an example of which being Syrian Arab Republic).