Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a set of screens which would filter in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that make business sense for a firm and screen out those that do not. This process based set of screens filter CSR initiatives based on certain inclusion and exclusion parameters. This paper further presents an integrated conceptualization of a strategic CSR framework. The CSR programs that pass through the set of screens are evaluated based on its strategic characteristics and the business gains from it.

Design/methodology/approach – This paper is conceptual in nature. The approach adopted in this paper is first to set the study context by presenting the extant literature on CSR and strategic management. Further based upon the perspectives from extant literature, the author incrementally builds an integrated framework on strategic CSR by using and providing logical arguments.

Findings – This conceptual paper presents new and richer theoretical perspectives on strategic CSR and thus extending the known theoretical knowledge boundaries on CSR. Further, insights could be gathered if the strategic CSR theoretical framework developed in this paper is studied empirically.

Practical implications – The perspectives on strategic CSR developed in this paper would help managers to design strategic CSR programs based on its focus and direction, proactiveness, activity nature, characteristics, and benefits.

Originality/value – In the past some scholars had attempted to develop framework on designing strategic CSR. In this paper, the author attempts to provide a more holistic and yet comprehensive theoretical perspective on strategic CSR initiatives. CSR managers can use this framework to design
their CSR initiatives and manage their firm’s CSR initiatives in a more effective and efficient manner.