PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECTOR: CORE CATEGORIES, OBJECTIVES, AND SCOPE

Purpose. This study explores the integration of Project Management (PM) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to enhance business sustainability and ethical practices, particularly in the IT sector. While PM focuses on efficiency, CSR ensures alignment with social, environmental, and governance principles. The research aims to classify and compare the core categories, objectives, and scope of PM and CSR, offering a structured framework for their integration. This study contributes to the discourse on responsible and efficient project strategies by examining their shared goals and distinctions. Design / methodology / approach. A qualitative and analytical approach incorporates a systematic literature review, comparative analysis, and classification methods. The study evaluates interdependencies between PM and CSR, identifying how PM tools can enhance CSR initiatives and how CSR principles can improve project management effectiveness. The research focuses on the IT sector, where innovation and ethical considerations are closely linked. Findings. The research identifies key overlaps between PM and CSR, particularly in stakeholder engagement, risk management, quality assurance, and value creation. While PM traditionally focuses on efficiency, deliverables, and performance metrics, CSR emphasizes ethical decision-making, sustainability, and community impact. The study finds that integrating CSR principles into project management enhances organizational reputation, strengthens stakeholder relationships, and promotes long-term sustainability. Conversely, applying structured PM methodologies to CSR initiatives improves goal-setting, resource allocation, and performance measurement, ensuring that social responsibility efforts are more effectively planned and executed. The study emphasizes the need for an interdisciplinary framework aligning business objectives with CSR commitments, ensuring effective and responsible project strategies. Practical implications. The study provides insights for project managers and CSR professionals on aligning business success with ethical responsibility. Organizations can enhance project outcomes by: 1. Implementing PM tools for structured CSR execution. 2. Using CSR-driven PM strategies to build trust, reputation, and employee engagement. 3. Developing industry-specific frameworks for sustainable project management. This integration fosters financial success and social impact, positioning organizations as leaders in responsible business practices. Originality / value. This research uniquely examines the integration of PM and CSR, offering a comprehensive classification of their mutual benefits. While prior studies treat them separately, this study introduces a structured approach to responsible project management. The findings provide practical value for scholars and professionals, encouraging future research on industry applications, quantitative impacts, and technology-driven CSR initiatives.