From CSR to Commitment: A thematic review of psychological capital and employee resilience in emerging economies (2020–2024)

Abstract

This thematic review investigates the pathways through which Perceived Corporate Social Responsibility (PCSR) influences critical employee outcomes, specifically commitment and resilience, by focusing on the mediating role of Psychological Capital (PsyCap). We conducted a systematic analysis of 20 empirical studies published between 2020 and 2024, focusing on emerging economies and labor-intensive sectors. The synthesis reveals four dominant themes: (1) CSR's crucial function during crises as an adaptive mechanism for employee resilience; (2) enhanced employee commitment derived from industry-specific and context-aware CSR practices; (3) the mediating power of psychological and emotional mechanisms (such as trust and empowerment) that connect CSR to positive attitudes; and (4) PsyCap's pivotal role in translating CSR perceptions into sustained commitment and proactive behavior. Our findings confirm that employee-focused CSR (e.g., welfare, safety) effectively boosts the core PsyCap dimensions (hope, optimism, resilience, and self-efficacy). This cultivated PsyCap, in turn, strengthens affective commitment and supports organizational performance. The discussion positions CSR-driven PsyCap development as both an essential recovery resource during uncertainty and a proactive driver of engagement. Theoretically, this study integrates strategic psychological mechanisms into the CSR-employee outcomes framework. It also provides actionable insights for managers in emerging economies who seek to design PsyCap-centered CSR strategies capable of fostering workforce resilience and organizational sustainability.