Corporate social responsibility in Iranian knowledge-based companies: Exploring barriers and solutions
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Mehran Nejati: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1199-8617
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to understand the barriers to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Iranian knowledge-based companies and explore possible solutions to address them. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a qualitative research design, comprising semistructured in-depth interviews with key informants. Findings – Study findings show that the most important barriers to CSR in Iranian knowledge-based companies include insufficient financial resources, lack of competition between companies, lack of CSR importance, lack of people’s shareholding of most companies, lack of structure, lack of awareness, knowledge and information on CSR, lack of institutionalization of CSR concept in organizational culture, lack of management commitment, lack of strategic planning for CSR, lack of expertise in CSR, uncertainty and high risk, absence of appropriate laws on CSR, greenwashing, government inefficiency and political pressure on companies, lack of political freedom, lack of proper understanding and support by government, ineffective training programs, lack of transparency, lack of public pressure and value shift. Upon identifying the main barriers to CSR in Iranian knowledge-based companies, several possible solutions are presented and discussed to address these barriers and help promote CSR. Research limitations/implications – One of the limitations of this research is the diverse size and field of activity of knowledge-based companies. To achieve more objective results, future research may focus on knowledge-based companies in a specific field. Practical implications – The results can help knowledge-based companies identify the barriers to CSR that can reduce their efficiency and can help them improve the state of CSR and better role-playing in this field. This can enhance their reputation and credibility in the marketplace, which can subsequently boost their economic performance in the long run. Due to the similarity of the conditions of Iranian society with some other developing countries that are heavily dependent on natural resources, findings of this research can also inform scholarship and practice in other countries with similar contexts, such as other neighboring countries in the Middle East. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is among the first attempts to explore barriers to CSR in knowledge-based companies in a developing country that is heavily dependent on natural resources. The findings of this study can also be used in countries with conditions similar to Iran.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2025
Publication Title
Corporate Governance
Publisher
Emerald
School
Centre for People, Place and Planet / School of Business and Law
RAS ID
84287
Copyright
subscription content
Comments
Mahdizadeh, M., & Nejati, M. (2025). Corporate social responsibility in Iranian knowledge-based companies: Exploring barriers and solutions. Corporate Governance. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1108/CG-05-2024-0303