Unpacking the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Multidimensional Evaluation Framework

Abstract

Assessing the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects is a crucial annual undertaking for organizations, particularly in developing nations like India. There is a pressing need for rigorous and standardized methodologies to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of CSR interventions systematically. This paper proposes a novel conceptual framework, the EASIER model, which offers a comprehensive and multidimensional approach to CSR impact assessment. The framework incorporates six key factors: Effectiveness, Awareness, Sustainability, Impact, Efficiency, and Relevance. Drawing from empirical applications across various CSR impact assessment projects in India, the EASIER model has demonstrated significant potential in enabling companies to evaluate their CSR initiatives holistically and determine their influence on target beneficiaries. The proposed framework addresses research gaps identified in the literature review, such as the lack of standardized metrics, the need for longitudinal impact assessment, and the integration of qualitative and multi-level analyses.