Since the early 2000s, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has rapidly gained significance in India, both among large companies and as a policy instrument formally intended to foster corporate contributions to the country's development goals. This book analyses this phenomenon in relation to broader political and economic changes induced by India's 'pro-business' development strategy. Using a systems-theoretical approach, the analysis shows that 'pro-business' policies have led profit-driven economic processes to increasingly override collective aspirations for social welfare, environmental protection, and democracy. In order to decipher how CSR changes the interplays between profit-making and developmental aspirations, the book provides detailed analyses of CSR in the cement industry and in regulatory policies adopted by the central government. It shows that CSR operates as an 'intermediary institution' which further enhances the autonomy of the economic system, as it makes profit-making more responsive to risks arising from competing collective values and interests.

Provides detailed analyses of CSR in the cement industry and in regulatory policies adopted by the central government in India.

This book examines the Indian mandate for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its implementations in various individual organizations. Although the mandate is applicable only to certain large and stable companies, many believe that India is poised to become the birthplace of social, economic and environmental transformation, given the immense size of the Indian population and its challenging socio-economic index. The book explores the various facets of CSR investigation and places special emphasis on the Schedule VII of the Indian Companies Act of 2013, which defines specific areas of intervention for these companies. In addition, it provides a wealth of first-hand case studies that exemplify the ongoing developments and the fundamental challenges and opportunities of mandated CSR.

A valuable interdisciplinary resource examining the concept and effectiveness of CSR as a tool for sustainable development in emerging markets.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) or billionaire philanthropy is like a Rorschach test – the same act can look very different depending on how we understand its intentions and its consequences. In this book the author examines the politics of CSR in India to assess its ability to advance inclusive and sustainable development. The focus is on how CSR is remaking the practices and agendas of civic organizations that are being encouraged to collaborate with business to advance equality and prosperity. Civil society organizations (CSOs) and corporations have a history of hostility to each other. According to CSO workers, businesses selfishly exploit workers, despoil natural resources, and distort democracy to serve their own profit-making ends. According to business executives, CSOs are hopelessly naïve, inefficient, and interfere in the market in ways that reduce economic growth. And yet, in the past decade more and more CSOs and businesses are collaborating in new ways. Individuals from both sectors are setting up social impact enterprises, and social investing funds are increasing. The more traditional forms of corporate-CSO collaboration have expanded as more funds are flowing from business to the social sector. The divide between the corporate sector and civil society seems to be narrowing. Why is this happening and what are its consequences? This book examines these trends in India, where since 2013 the state has mandated co-operation between the largest firms and NGOs in pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development. This book offers evidence that CSR is unlikely to contribute to inclusive and sustainable development. By claiming to be “helpers” corporations are able to silence their critics and thus avoid making the deeper shifts in business models needed in order to create a more just and sustainable society.

This book showcases research, theoretical, and validated work associated with digital finance to enhance the quality of a more sustainable environment. The primary objective of Fintech for ESG and the Circular Economy is to evaluate how fintech advancements and sustainable practices effectively drive transformative and sustainable change. It aims to motivate individuals with ideas and discussions to promote financial technology and foster creativity for a more sustainable and equitable future. The book delves into the intersection of technology and sustainability, offering insights into how big data, machine learning, and blockchain technology are transforming ESG practices and the circular economy. It highlights the potential of FinTech to drive sustainable finance, explores the current role of cyber ecosystems and digital currencies in sustainable finance, and examines the intricate legal landscape surrounding green finance in India. The book also discusses the influence of ESG factors on financial decision-making and the integration of sustainability metrics into financial analysis, supported by examples of how companies and investors are adopting these practices. Additionally, the book explores the role of financial institutions in enabling crowdfunding platforms, particularly in African markets, and provides case studies that demonstrate their impact on financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. It also analyzes the legal implications of blockchain and smart contracts within FinTech, the convergence of digital business models with ESG principles, and the role of digital currencies in promoting financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth, particularly in India. The book concludes with an exploration of tokenomics and its potential to incentivize sustainable behaviors, and examines how digital finance innovations in Tanzania are improving financial inclusion by overcoming barriers to financial services for the unbanked population. Audience This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, academicians, and students of commerce, banking, finance, sustainability, and financial technology. This book is helpful for business professionals, researchers, and technical industry workers in finance and artificial intelligence.