Mining for impact: exploring the antecedents, barriers, and opportunities for social impact through bursaries

Abstract

Recent research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) has shifted its attention from financial performance to a stronger focus on non-financial outcomes like social impact. The main research question addressed the factors, challenges, and opportunities involved in creating social impact through CSR-funded tertiary education bursaries. To begin, a literature review found that while there is extensive scholarship on CSR strategy and implementation, much less is known about how and when CSR activities lead to meaningful societal benefits. This study aimed to expand current understanding of how CSR initiatives, specifically those providing tertiary education bursaries, can help address social issues in developing countries. Through the literature review, the study identified several important themes and concepts that illustrate the role of these bursaries in driving social change. Ultimately, the research produced a conceptual framework that highlights the core constructs and themes essential for maximizing the social impact of tertiary education bursaries, including confirmations, revisions, and new insights compared to existing studies.