Navigating cultural contexts

How multinational corporations shape CSR strategies in Nepal

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/74xytx11

Keywords:

MNCs,, prioritization, corporate social responsibility , Cultural Contexts

Abstract

This study examines the key cultural factors that influence the prioritization and implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in Nepal. This study used an interpretive qualitative approach and an exploratory multiple-case study method.  Five MNCs from several industry sectors were selected purposively, and a semi-structured interview was conducted with top-level executives and managerial employees.  The interview was transcribed, coded, and thematized using the free trial version of MAXQDA. Five major themes emerged from analyzing participant transcripts: cultural norms and values, cultural timing, cultural dynamics, cultural sensitivity, and resource allocation. By showing the multidisciplinary value of understanding how cultural dynamics influence CSR decision-making, the study bridges the knowledge gap between CSR and cultural studies in the context of developing nations.

Author Biographies

  • Arhan Sthapit, Nepal Open University

    Prof. Dr. Sthapit is Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Management & Law at Nepal Open University, Lalitpur, Nepal. With 22.5 years of industry experience, he is a practitioner-turned-academician. He has published 101 papers mostly as a single/principal author in peer-reviewed journals (including those Scopus indexed/Scimago-ranked) published from different countries. His areas of interest include strategic HR and HRD, strategic management, CSR, and global marketing.

  • Ujjwal Bhattarai, Kathmandu Model College

    Ujjwal Bhattarai is a Research Associate at the Research Management Cell of Kathmandu Model College (KMC), affiliated with Tribhuvan University. He is an M.Phil. Scholar at the School of Management, Kathmandu University. His major research interests lie in the areas of future work, agility, organizational behavior, human performance, workforce development, and inclusion. 

  • Baburam Timsina, Kathmandu Model College, Nepal

    Baburam Timsina, a distinguished Assistant Professor at Tribhuvan University, has spent two decades inspiring future leaders through his expertise in Higher Education in Western Intellectual Philosophy, Graduate Research Teaching, Writing & Publication, General Management & Conflict Studies, empowering communities across Nepal with innovative educational initiatives and supporting NGOs in strategic development.

  • Mijala Kayestha, Kathmandu Model College, Nepal

    Mijala Kayestha is a Research Assistant at the Research Management Cell of Kathmandu Model College (KMC), affiliated with Tribhuvan University. A university graduate from KMC and aspiring research scholar, she has over 16 months of experience in academic research, departmental leadership, and editorial assistance for the KMC journal. With a keen research interest, she has contributed actively to various research projects, authored peer-reviewed publications, assisted in journal management, and mentored graduate students. Her research interests include Behavioral Finance, Financial Literacy & Inclusion, and Environmental Sustainability.

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Published

2025-05-31

Issue

Vol. 12 (2025): American Journal of STEM Education: Issues and Perspectives

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Sthapit, A. ., Bhattarai, U. ., Timsina, B., & Kayestha, M. (2025). Navigating cultural contexts: How multinational corporations shape CSR strategies in Nepal. American Journal of STEM Education, 12, 87-112. https://doi.org/10.32674/74xytx11