The institutional analysis of CSR: Learnings from an emerging country.

This paper presents an explanation of why and how institutional arrangements influence the practice of CSR in Pakistan. The authors conduct in-depth interviews with CSR managers; national regulators; and, members of CSR promoting institutions. Our findings suggest that Pakistani CSR is largely found to be in support of charities and donations. Family traditions and religion are primary drivers for the adoption of CSR followed by the influence of peer pressure. Additionally, limited regulative pressures were attributed to the current ambiguity surrounding corporate regulation in Pakistan. This paper contributes to the literature on CSR by identifying internal drivers of CSR praxis. • We examine the influence of institutional dynamics to understand CSR praxis in Pakistan. • 23 in-depth interviews with various stakeholders identify unique drivers of CSR. • Normative isomorphism are primary drivers of CSR, followed by mimetic pressures. • The current regulatory mechanism is hugely influenced from elsewhere, which is not supportive of CSR. • Organisational factors also drive the practice of CSR including self-interest, top management's commitment and corporate culture. • Implications for national regulators, business and future research on CSR are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]