Purpose Prior research studies have discussed the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) during crisis situations in increasing the resilience and sustainability of the companies. There are two basic models of crisis management – reactive and proactive. When a crisis occurs, suddenly firms tend to act reactively and progressively take proactive steps to manage the crisis. CSR can also be reactive and proactive during crisis situations. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to explore whether CSR during the COVID-19 pandemic moved from a reactive to a proactive stance, with specific focus on CSR legislation, corporate CSR response and corporate thinking about CSR. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a mixed methods approach, using both qualitative and quantitative research designs. This study draws upon both primary and secondary data. Findings The results highlighted the change in the CSR approach from being reactive to being proactive as the pandemic progressed. This was observed through the increase in frequency of CSR legislation, and the shift in the intent of CSR legislation from “prompting to donate” to “prompting to volunteer.” Similarly, the shift in reactive to proactive CSR corporate response was observed through the increased spending on CSR and improved COVID-related CSR reporting. Practical implications This study recommends companies to manage crises by becoming more proactive. CSR activities need to be closely aligned with national developmental objectives, and collaborate with various stakeholders to achieve the intended outcomes of the activities. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research paper is one of the few to study the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on CSR in India at a time when India went through three waves of the pandemic. This study corroborates with other studies in terms of managing crisis.

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Several public sector undertakings in India and across the world have taken up corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in education to promote social welfare. The effectiveness of these initiatives depends on the level of stakeholder engagement in them. Integration of human values ensures that stakeholder engagement becomes holistic leading to co-created value for the benefit of all involved. This paper discusses a holistic values-based framework of stakeholder engagement inspired by the philosophy of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Illustrations from the CSR initiatives of public sector undertakings in India have been provided to stress the benefits of integration of human values in stakeholder engagement.

Several public sector undertakings in India and across the world have taken up corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in education to promote social welfare. The effectiveness of these initiatives depends on the level of stakeholder engagement in them. Integration of human values ensures that stakeholder engagement becomes holistic leading to co-created value for the benefit of all involved. This paper discusses a holistic values-based framework of stakeholder engagement inspired by the philosophy of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Illustrations from the CSR initiatives of public sector undertakings in India have been provided to stress the benefits of integration of human values in stakeholder engagement.