The Challenge of Corporate Social Responsibility in Industrial Companies of Meybod City: A Qualitative Study

Subject Areas : Urban Sociological Studies

Alireza zarei mahmoodabadi ¹ , ali rohani ² , SeyedAlireaza Afshani ³

1 - Postdoctoral Researcher in Sociology, University of Yazd, Yazd, Iran
2 - Associate Professor, Department of Social Sciences, University of Yazd, Yazd, Iran (Corresponding Author)
3 - Professor, Department of Social Sciences, University of Yazd, Yazd, Iran

Received: 2024-10-02 Accepted : 2025-01-02 Published : 2025-05-22

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Industrial Companies, Qualitative Study, Meybod,

Abstract :

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the commitment of companies toward society, the environment, and their stakeholders. The city of Meybod, due to the expansion of its tile and ceramic industry and a significant influx of migrants, is facing numerous social and environmental challenges. This study investigates the issue of CSR among industrial firms in Meybod and its impact on sustainable development. Employing a qualitative approach, the study utilizes thematic analysis as its methodological framework. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 participants, selected via purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, and data analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s (2019) six-phase thematic analysis method. The analysis led to the identification of four main themes: (1) CSR as Conceptual/Operational Entropy; (2) CSR as Governmental Abdication of Responsibility; (3) CSR as Public/Governmental Ingratitude toward Industry; and (4) CSR as Industrial Discontent with Government/Public. These themes reveal the complex nature of CSR within Meybod’s industrial context and the multifaceted relationships between industry, government, and society. The findings suggest that CSR in Meybod faces significant conceptual and operational challenges. Moreover, tensions among industry, government, and the local community have created substantial barriers to the effective implementation of CSR initiatives. Enhancing corporate social accountability in this industrial region necessitates a clear definition of CSR, a redefinition of the roles of government and industry, and the establishment of constructive dialogue among all stakeholders

References:

منابع امامی میبدی، مرضیه(1399). پایداری صنعت کاشی و سرامیک میبد در دوره اوج کرونا، https://irna.ir/xjC57d
Anagnostopoulos, C. (2024).Scoring Points with Purpose: The Interplay of Passion at Work and Corporate Social Responsibility in Sports Organizations. Journal of Applied Sport Management, 16(4):1-11. https://doi.org/10.7290/jasm16wqxb
Anagnostopoulos, C., Winand, M., Papadimitriou, D. & Zeimers, G. (2024). Implementing corporate social responsibility through charitable foundations in professional football: the role of trustworthiness. Managing Sport and Leisure, 29(5):771-791. https://doi.org/10.1080/23750472.2022.2096672
Attride-Stirling, J. (2001).Thematic networks: an analytic tool for qualitative research. Qualitative research,1(3), 385-405. https://doi.org/10.1177/146879410100100307
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative research in sport, exercise and health, 11 (4), 589-597. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806
Chen, T.-C. (2025). Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Financial Sustainability of Sports Organizations. Journal of Sport and Social Issues, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/01937235251316639
Carroll, A. B. (1991). The pyramid of corporate social responsibility: Toward the moral management of organizational stakeholders. Business Horizons, 34(4):39-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/0007-6813(91)90005-G
Davis K. & Blomstrom R. L. (1975). Business and society: Environment and responsibility, New York: McGraw-Hill.
Değirmenci, B. (2022). Effects of environmental corporate social responsibility practices on environmental sustainability: A study on industrial companies in Turkey. In book: Technological Development and Impact on Economic and Environmental Sustainability:28-47. DOI:10.4018/978-1-7998-9648-7.ch0
Garriga, E., & Melé, D. (2004). Corporate Social Responsibility Theories: Mapping the Territory. Journal of Business Ethics, 53(1-2), 51-71. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:BUSI.0000039399.90587.34
Gary, j.(2002).Corporate Social Responsibility or Civil Society Regulations, institute of public policy, the Hall clough.
Hishan, S. , Ramakrishnan, S. and Abu Mansour, N.(2020). Corporate Social Responsibility: A Literature Review. Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis Journal, 1(1):57-67. https://doi.org/10.54480/slrm.v1i1.1
Hazzaa, R.(2020).The Psychological Foundations of Corporate Social Responsibility in Recreational Sport Organizations: An Investigation of Employee Functioning. Published Doctor of Philosophy dissertation, University of Northern Colorado. https://digscholarship.unco.edu/dissertations/670
Kurniawan, A., Handojo, I. (2022). Board of Commissioner and Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure. Media Ilmiah Akuntansi,10(2),131-142. https://doi.org/10.34208/mia.v10i2.27
Lantos, G. P. (2001). The boundaries of strategic corporate social responsibility. Journal of Consumer Marketing,18(7):595-630. https://doi.org/10.1108/07363760110410281
Lagoudaki, G.; Tsitskari, E.;Karagiorgos, T.; Yfantidou, G.; Tzetzis,G.; Tsiotras, G.(2024). Corporate SocialResponsibility and Consumer Behavior in Sports: Exploring and Adapting a Participatory Sports Scale. Sustainability,16(14): 1-18. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145825
Maguire, M. & Delahunt, B.(2017). Doing a thematic analysis: A practical, step-by-step guide for learning and teaching scholars. All Ireland Journal of Higher Education, 9 (3).178-198. https://doi.org/10.62707/aishej.v9i3.335
Muddassar, S.(2023). Corporate Social Responsibility in the 21st Century, Published in London, United Kingdom.
Mistry, T. G., Cain, L., Dogan, S. & Songur,A. (2025). Should I stay or should I go?: The impact of socially responsible human resources management practices on hospitality employees. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 124:1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2024.103962
Ráthonyi-Ódor, K., Bába, É., Müller, A., Bács, Z., & Ráthonyi, G. (2020). How Successful Are the Teams of the European Football Elite off the Field?—CSR Activities of the Premier League and the Primera División. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,17(20):1-31. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207534