Corporate social responsibility : investment or additional cost? a literature review

Zaid, Yousra and Dávid, Lóránt Dénes and Bárczi, Judit (2025) Corporate social responsibility : investment or additional cost? a literature review. GRADUS, 12 (2). ISSN 2064-8014

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Abstract

Despite the increasing importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in academic, business, and political circles, the relationship between CSR and corporate financial performance remains widely debated and unresolved. This paper aims to provide a deeper understanding of whether CSR activities represent a strategic investment that enhances business value and improves financial performance, or if they are merely an additional cost burdening companies. Through a review of existing literature and an analysis of theoretical and empirical studies, this paper identifies key factors that influence the evaluation of CSR. These activities may serve as a source of synergy that yields economic and social benefits; however, their impact largely depends on the company’s context, the manner in which these activities are implemented, and their alignment with the company’s strategic goals.

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