Identification of CSR Predictors in the Context of EU Countries Competitiveness: Empirical Analysis
Purpose: This paper attempts to empirically identify predictors of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and assess their importance for the competitiveness of EU countries. The study aims to determine factors that facilitate the implementation of CSR practices and to examine the spatial variation in the level of CSR across EU countries in the context of regional competitiveness. Methodology: This article analyzes the spatial variation in the level of advancement of CSR activities across EU countries. Six predictors related to CSR were first selected, followed by calculations using basic descriptive statistics. The source data was obtained from the Eurostat database. The Hellwig method was then used as a tool for the synthetic assessment of multidimensional phenomena. In the analysis, using this method, a synthetic measure was calculated for individual EU countries based on selected diagnostic variables related to CSR aspects. This allowed for comparison and grouping of EU countries – identifying leaders and countries with lower levels of advancement in CSR activities. Results: Analysis of synthetic metrics allowed for the assessment and comparison of corporate social responsibility levels across EU countries. The results revealed significant variation across countries, with a clear predominance of Western European countries, such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands, which achieved higher CSR indicators. However, Central and Eastern European countries, including Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia, ranked last, achieving very low levels of CSR. Practical implications: The research provided a synthetic understanding of the complex aspects of CSR and identified EU countries requiring particular strengthening and intensification of sustainable development efforts, with particular emphasis on the need to implement CSR policies and practices. Originality/value: The article contributes to the literature by empirically determining the Fquantification of predictors enables a quantitative assessment of the CSR levels in EU countries and provides a starting point for further in-depth research.