CSR Research in the Kingdom of Bahrain: A Scoping Review and a Systematic Mapping Study

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has received growing attention over the past few decades, especially considering its linkage with sustainable development. Therefore, there has been extensive theoretical and empirical research focused on studying the CSR concept, its applications, and its implications. Despite this research trend and its significance, there is a lack of knowledge relating to the extent, type, and focus of CSR research conducted in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Hence, this study intends to map CSR research relevant to Bahrain. A systematic mapping approach was adopted by following the PRISMA-ScR protocol for knowledge synthesis and identifying knowledge gaps. Scopus electronic database was searched for documents published in English with no timeline restrictions. Seven search terms were used ‘Bahrain’, ‘Corporate Citizenship’, ‘CSR’, ‘Corporate’, ‘Social’, ‘Responsibility’, and ‘Corporate Social Performance’ which were configured in a variety of five combination sets. Selected studies were limited to original research, conducted at or aimed at Bahrain, and embraced the subject of CSR. Out of a total of 104 identified records, only 21 articles were included. Most of the CSR research production was relevant to the financial and banking sector. The scope of topics within which CSR research revolved was diverse. Further, the vast majority of research was based on quantitative methods. Conclusively, Bahrain-targeted CSR research published in Scopus-indexed journals presents a notable area of deficit. Encouraging CSR researchers to consider a publication outlet of quality and trustworthiness like Scopus-indexed could be further prioritized in the country; As this study’s search through using the term ‘corporate citizenship’ yielded nil results, investigating this concept and its applications needs to be placed into further consideration.