Corporations, stakeholders and sustainable development I: a theoretical exploration of business–society relations

This thematic issue explores the evolving concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), acknowledging its increasing prominence in both academic and practical spheres globally since the 1960s. The authors provide an overview of CSR research published in the Academy of Management Journal over nearly six decades, showcasing the expanding breadth and depth of this literature. The aim is to highlight emerging avenues for understanding how corporations conceptualize and enact their societal obligations beyond shareholder value, encouraging further rigorous inquiry into this complex field.