Corporate social responsibility in Vietnam and Lao PDR: what has been done?

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has long been one of the key strategic activities by multinational corporations (MNCs). Although it suffers criticism as a marketing tactic by MNCs and local business organisations, CSR activities, if executed properly, can improve socio-economic and political conditions in the host countries. This paper presents business practices and CSR lesson learnt from MNCs and local corporations operating in Vietnam and Lao PDR. The data is collected from secondary sources including key journals in business ethics, development, and international business, corporate reports and policy briefs. The researcher performed a between-study literature analysis in order to understand progress of CSR in Vietnam and Lao PDR. The status of research on the management of CSR as well as practices by business organizations are discussed in this paper. This paper also argues that, due to cultural and political climates in both countries, CSR actions must be seen as a response to the local needs. More importantly, inclusion is seen as an important approach in conducting CSR in both countries.