Theoretical framework for sustainability, corporate social responsibility and change management

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to construct a theoretical framework on the origins of three concepts, sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and change management, to have a clear vision on their evolution and understand whether there are existing relationships between them. The main findings are that there is a relationship between the three concepts. The private sector implements Sustainable Development Goals through conducting CSRs. CSR strategies create a competitive advantage that positively impacts business results. Implementing CSR as a strategy involves a series of changes not only at the managerial level, but also at the strategic level, according to stakeholders’ interests. Thus, efficient change management when developing CSR strategies to implement sustainability goals can maximise the chances of success in this process. One important implication of this issue is the need to develop best practices and models to facilitate change management in the implementation of CSR strategies in organisations. There should be more regulations and guidelines on the subject, so more companies could use it and start developing CSR reports.