
Volume 3, 2025 - Issue 3
Value-Driven CSR in Chinese State-Owned Enterprises: The Guiding Role of Party-Building Values
Abstract
This study examines the role of Communist Party of China (CPC) core values in guiding corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Drawing on textual analysis of annual reports and CSR reports from a sample of SOEs across multiple industries, the research investigates which core party-building values are emphasized, the alignment between these values and CSR activities, and the differences across industries. Results show that “integrity” and “responsibility” are most prominent in the financial sector, while “innovation” is highlighted in the manufacturing sector. CSR practices demonstrate a high degree of alignment with party values, particularly in ethical and philanthropic dimensions, reflecting the influence of party-led governance. Industry comparisons reveal that financial firms exhibit the highest values–CSR alignment, whereas manufacturing firms show relatively lower alignment. The study contributes to understanding the localization of CSR in China and provides practical implications for integrating party values into corporate responsibility strategies.
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