Linkage Between Critical Indicators and Performance Outcomes of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Construction Industry: A Review of the Past Two Decades (2004–2024)

Abstract

Effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation is essential for construction enterprises to achieve sustainable development. However, existing reviews on CSR indicators and performance measures predominantly employ a single review method or focus on non-construction sectors, with limited exploration of their interrelationships. To address this gap, this state-of-the-art review synthesizes findings from 77 relevant papers published over the past two decades in Scopus, adopting a combined methodological approach that integrates science mapping and systematic review techniques. The scientometric analysis, conducted using VOSviewer, examines annual publication trends, key journals, prominent keywords, contributing countries, and influential documents. A subsequent systematic discussion utilizing content analysis identifies seven critical CSR indicators (e.g., environmental sustainability, corporate practices, and employee well-being) and eight performance dimensions (e.g., customer satisfaction and corporate reputation). A conceptual linkage framework is developed to elucidate the relationships between these indicators and performance dimensions, highlighting the most influential CSR factors. To enhance the robustness of the findings, a post-survey interview method is employed to validate and compare the systematic discussion results, revealing several cognitive gaps between academic perspectives and industry practices. Finally, future research directions and study limitations are discussed. By integrating the mixed-review results with voices of the construction industry, this review provides an objective and holistic reference for CSR scholars in the construction sector and offers managerial and policy insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers.