The social responsibility of business research: a perspective

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Abstract
Purpose: The social responsibility in business research is becoming increasingly apparent as the world continues to face pressing issues such as wars, inequality, misgovernance and poverty, amongst others. This study aims to spark a meaningful scholarly dialogue on “the social responsibility of business research”. Design/methodology/approach: The arguments in this study are curated by conducting a concise yet focused review of the extant literature on the selected topic. Findings: This study finds that despite breakthroughs in business research, the debate on the social responsibility of business research remains ambiguously defined and lacks rigour. Research governance fosters transparency and ethical practices, social innovation addresses unfulfilled societal needs and impact evaluation assesses the effectiveness of these initiatives in fostering social change. A balanced integration of these dimensions is essential for business research to fulfil its social responsibility. The authors argue that adherence to the principles of social responsibility in business research, as articulated in this study, has the potential to contribute meaningfully to the development of a society; one that is resilient to conflict, poverty, inequality and global health challenges. Research limitations/implications: The proposed framework in this study is intended to guide policy-making in the context of business research. Practical implications: The study provides vibrant implications for business researchers by encouraging and providing guidance on how to focus on interdisciplinary approaches to promote the social responsibility of business research. Originality/value: This study initiates a discussion on “the social responsibility of business research” by proposing a framework that integrates governance, innovation and evaluation.

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