Doing Business with Islam: Can Corporate Social Responsibility Be a Bridge between Civilisations?

Abstract

We investigate the differences in attitudes towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) between Muslims and non-Muslims. Using a sample of nearly 20,000 observations across 21 countries we show that Muslims are less concerned about CSR than non-Muslims and that these differences do not appear to be explained by demographics, socio-political factors or cultural differences. Nonetheless, Islamic teaching on business ethics is very much in line with the CSR agenda and Islamic laws require high standards from all stakeholders. We suggest that this paradox opens up an opportunity for the CSR paradigm to build bridges between the Muslim World and the West.

Keywords: Islam, Corporate Social Responsibility, Social Factors, Culture, Demographics