Mapping the Landscape of Corporate Social Responsibility in Banking: A Bibliometric Analysis and Research Directions

This study conducts a systematic bibliometric analysis of 7,686 articles on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the banking sector from 2000 to 2024.Using the Scopus database, the author employs both bibliometric and content analysis techniques to map the intellectual structure of the field.These findings reveal a significant increase in CSR research in banking, particularly following the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.The author identifies key research clusters, including CSR disclosure, financial performance, and bank stability.The analysis highlights the geographical bias towards developed economies and the need for more research in emerging markets.The study also finds inconsistent results regarding the relationship between CSR and bank performance, suggesting the need for more nuanced theoretical frameworks and empirical approaches.This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive overview of the field, identifying research gaps, and suggesting a future research agenda for CSR in banking Keywords: CSR, bank performance, bank stability and bank efficiency, Vietnam.Conversely, some research adopt a more prudent perspective, arguing that the relationship between CSR and bank performance is not straightforward.For example, E. Horvthov (2010) and Soana (2011) argue that the benefits of CSR may depend on context-specific factors, such as the regulatory environment, market conditions, and the extent to which CSR is integrated into the bank's overall strategy.These scholars argue that CSR does not always lead to improved financial performance, especially in less developed markets or in banks with weak governance structures.Furthermore, some studies indicate that CSR can only yield significant benefits when it is deeply integrated into a bank's long-term strategy, rather than being considered a peripheral or marketing-driven initiative (Azmi et al., 2021).This inconsistency in the literature highlights the need for a more thorough and context-sensitive analysis of the correlation between CSR and bank performance.In particular, there is a lack of empirical research on how CSR impacts bank stability during crises, as well as on the specific factors that moderate this relationship across different market contexts.Furthermore, in terms of measuring CSR, most current studies use the method of measuring CSR through charitable contributions (Vo, Tran, Hoang, & Van, 2022) or using CSR indexes based on analysis of annual reports of financial institutions (Nguyen & Nguyen, 2021).In addition, some other studies use ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) indexes to assess CSR (Yuen, Ngo, Le, & Ho, 2022).However, the first two measures have certain limitations, as they may not comprehensively reflect different types of CSR activities of banks, since annual reports are often limited by the scope of information that can be disclosed.In particular, in some countries, including developing economies, the application of comprehensive measures such as ESG indexes may be difficult due to differences in institutional quality and legal frameworks.Therefore, this study aims to build a more objective CSR measure.Specifically, the author proposes using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method to build the CSR index of banks.This method is capable of solving the subjective problems often encountered in previous studies, helping to assess the CSR of banks in a more objective and comprehensive way.In addition, the study will also assess specific components of CSR in banks through quantitative methods, to ensure accuracy and objectivity in assessing corporate social responsibility in the banking sector.The bibliometric approach is particularly valuable for this study as it allows for a systematic analysis of a large body of literature, identifying trends, gaps and key themes in CSR and banking research.This study analyzes 7,686 papers from the Scopus database, offering a thorough picture of the research environment and identifying regions with little or inconclusive empirical evidence.The method provides a quantitative assessment of the evolution of CSR practices in the banking sector, allowing for the identification of under-researched topics, such as the impact of CSR on financial stability during crises and the role of institutional quality in shaping CSR outcomes.The bibliometric analysis also provides insight into the geographical distribution of CSR research, revealing that most studies focus on developed markets, with relatively few studies examining the relationship between CSR and bank performance in emerging economies.This approach not only synthesizes existing knowledge but also highlights the evolution of CSR practices in the banking industry, thereby facilitating a more informed discussion about the future direction of sustainable finance.This research aims to contribute to the existing literature by providing a new perspective on the role of CSR in the banking sector, especially by examining the relationship between CSR and banking financial stability efficiency in the context of developing markets, such as Vietnam.The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods, including bibliometric analysis of 7,686 articles from the Scopus database.The research used both bibliometric and content analysis techniques to map the intellectual structure of the field.The findings indicate a significant increase in CSR research in the banking sector, especially after the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.The author identifies key research clusters, including CSR disclosure, financial performance, and bank stability.The analysis highlights the geographical bias towards