Corporate Social Responsibility as an Organizational Tool for Competitive Advantage

Abstract

The scramble for a larger piece of consumers’ pie by organizations have deepened the race to gain a competitive advantage — more so, in a world now characterized by rapid technological advancements. Traditionally, organizations rely mostly on cost leadership, product differentiation and focus strategies as tools for competitive advantage that will enable them outperform competitors. However, the rapidly changing business landscape has shown organizations that they must go beyond the traditional strategies to compete efficiently. To this effect, this research examines Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an organizational tool for competitive advantage. It aims to answer the ever-vague question on whether the adoption of CSR can lead to competitive advantage and what drives indigenous Nigerian organizations to carry out CSR activities.