Ethical Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a Catalyst for Inclusive Education: A Conceptual Framework for Educational Institutions

Abstract

Inclusive education has become a major institutional issue, and now educational institutions must find ways to overcome barriers to participation, equality, accessibility, and assistance for learners. Although Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has received a lot of discussion in organisational context, the connection of Ethical Corporate Social Responsibility (Ethical CSR) with institutions of education has not been considered adequately. This conceptual paper looks at the possibility of using Ethical CSR as a catalyst for inclusive education in educational institutions. Based on Stakeholder Theory, Social Justice Theory, and Ethical Leadership Theory, an integrated conceptual framework that connects Ethical CSR with four institutional drivers: ethical governance, accessibility, equity, and stakeholder responsibility is developed. The drivers described are supposed to be able to work together to help inclusive institutional practices develop and contribute to quality inclusive education. The paper identifies institutional pathways that can lead Ethical CSR from an ethical commitment to governance, barrier reduction, meaningful participation, stakeholder responsibility sharing, and an inclusive institutional culture. Six conceptual propositions are put forward to demonstrate the relationship between Ethical CSR, institutional drivers identified, and inclusive education. The paper expands the discussion about CSR beyond the conventional organisational context and sees ethical responsibility as an institutional mechanism for inclusive education advancement. Furthermore, the proposed conceptual framework can serve as a basis for future research and practice regarding the integration of ethical responsibility with institutions.