Clarifying CSR and ESG: Causes of conflation, consequences, and pathways to conceptual clarity.

This study critically examines the persistent conflation and confusion between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concepts, which have increasingly permeated academic discourse and corporate practices. The primary objective is to identify the root causes of this conceptual overlap, assess its consequences, and propose actionable solutions. Adopting a literature review approach, the study draws from diverse academic sources, mainly from Web of Science and Scopus databases, to highlight how CSR and ESG, despite their distinct origins and purposes, are often treated interchangeably. The findings reveal that CSR and ESG, while related to promoting sustainability, differ fundamentally in their origins, motivations, and stakeholder engagement. The conflation undermines theoretical development, introduces methodological inconsistencies, and poses challenges to regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement. The study's contributions are threefold: it clarifies the theoretical distinctions between CSR and ESG, critically examines the practical challenges arising from their conceptual ambiguity, and offers strategic recommendations for academic, corporate, and regulatory stakeholders. Additionally, it introduces a conceptual framework that systematically differentiates the components of CSR and ESG, providing a structured lens for understanding their fundamental differences and practical applications. By addressing these issues, the study contributes to advancing corporate sustainability practices and strengthening scholarly debate.