EGADE Business School, Tecnologico de Monterrey, United Kingdom
This study explores how implicit Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is approached and implemented from a Japanese cultural perspective. Drawing on qualitative data from 36 interviews with corporate executives, consultants, and academics in Japan, the research examines the influence of cultural factors on CSR practices. The findings reveal that Japanese companies often engage in "superficial imitation" of Western CSR practices, driven by cultural imperatives of conformity and harmony. Two key Japanese proverbs, "migi ni narae" (follow suit) and "deru kui wa utareru" (the nail that sticks out gets hammered down), encapsulate the cultural forces shaping CSR implementation. The study contributes to the literature on CSR in non-Western contexts by highlighting the tension between adopting global CSR frameworks and adhering to deeply ingrained cultural values. It argues that effective CSR strategies in Japan must balance global standards with local cultural norms, such as the concepts of Mottainai and Sanpo Yoshi. The research underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity in understanding and implementing CSR practices in diverse settings.
