Corporate Social Responsibility in the MENA Region: A PRISMA-Based Systematic Review of Key Drivers and Barriers

Countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region share commonalities, such as predominantly Muslim populations, a common language, and, in many cases, similar cultural traits. This study examines the key drivers and barriers of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the region by reviewing existing literature. This study aims to identify the drivers and barriers to CSR in a Muslim area, highlighting commonalities, and to compare them with those in Western countries. This study highlights the impact of Islam on these drivers and barriers. The analysis identifies four drivers of CSR. The first relates to profitability, including enhanced corporate identity, customer retention, financial performance, and branding. The second concerns legal compliance, such as adherence to new regulations, labor laws, and corporate governance standards. The third driver involves international influences, including globalization, trade relations, and the pressure to align with international standards and campaigns. The fourth driver reflects ethical and Islamic values. In contrast, the paper shows that several barriers impede the advancement of CSR in the MENA region. Limited economic resources constrain firms’ capacity to implement CSR initiatives, while inadequate awareness or understanding of CSR reduces engagement. Additionally, insufficient government support and weak institutional frameworks further hinder CSR development.