CSRCOM Call for papers
Introduction: CSR Communication in the age of political instability: Building hope in a hopeless world
CSRCOM Conference Call for papers.
We face political instability due to multiple intersecting world events. Democracies are challenged by populism, authoritarianism, and seemingly insolvable societal polarization. Geopolitical tensions are building up, and conflicts have escalated to the point of open war. These events influence organizations and their communications, especially as many central topics—climate change, human rights, democracy, and economic growth—become increasingly politicized. How can organizations navigate corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability when consensus is lacking, yet calls to take action and be accountable are growing? How do organizations continue CSR and sustainability work and communication? How can CSR communication mediate conflicts, build hope, and prevent paralysis in unstable and backsliding times? Now, more than ever, we need CSR communication scholars to dig into the role of communication and accountability in this age of political instability. We also need them to hold organizations accountable for shaping, constructing, and negotiating our future.
Over the last 14 years, the International CSR Communications Conference (CSRCOM) has brought together academics and practitioners to explore the opportunities and challenges that sit at the interface of CSR and communication. For the 8th conference, based in the Finland for the very first time at the LUT University, we invite participants to consider CSR communication in political instability and the broader relation of CSR communication with its political context.
CSRCOM Conference Topics
We seek to bring together new conceptual and empirical research that builds upon insight at the intersection of CSR and communication. In the spirit of this multi- and interdisciplinary event, we invite submissions from scholars with various disciplinary backgrounds, including communication, marketing, accounting, management, and sustainability. Submissions are invited to explore CSR communication in political instability and the broader relation of CSR communication with its political context. Examples of relevant topics include politicization of CSR topics, consensus/dissent in CSR communication, geopolitics in CSR communication, CSR communication and grand challenges such as climate change, and activism in CSR communication.
In addition we also welcome submissions on any aspect of CSR and communication, including (but not limited to):
- Theories related to CSR communication
- CSR and stakeholder dialogue
- Consumer, marketing, and branding aspects of CSR
- CSR and sustainability reporting / accountability
- CSR communication within organizations
- CSR in media, online and social media contexts
- ‘CSR washing’ (including greenwashing & greenhushing)
- Advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning and their role in shaping CSR communication
- CSR communication / reporting professionals and profession
- CSR as micropolitics
- SME perspectives on CSR communication
- CSR communication and cross-sector collaboration/dialogue
- Tools and strategies for CSR communication
Furthermore, a pre-conference PhD workshop will take place on the 21th and 22th of September.
The main 8th CSRCOM conference will begin with a welcome reception on the 22th of September (evening) and will run until the 24th of September (afternoon).
More specific information about the PhD workshop and submissions is available at the conference website (see PhD Seminar).
CSRCOM Conference Submission
Scholars wishing to participate in the 8th CSRCOM are invited to submit either a structured abstract or a proposal for a special session for review by March 31, 2026, via the conference website (see bellow).
Structured Abstract (between 1,500-2,500 words without references): A structured abstract should present in a concise way the purpose of the paper, main theoretical framework/assumptions and if applicable, research methods and final or preliminary results. Submitted abstracts must not have been previously presented, scheduled for presentation, published, accepted for publication. In addition if it is under review, must not appear in print before the conference. Submitters must delete all identifying information prior to submission. The author details must be on a separate page.
Special Session (panel, roundtable) (200-400 words): The objective of Special Sessions is to acquaint educators and researchers with new perspectives, theories, and provocative ideas. In submitting special session proposals, the organizer and listed participants request that, if accepted, they all register and appear at the conference. Session proposals should include a short description of the session theme and its relevance, list of session participants and short abstracts (200- 300 words) of their contributions.
Please note that all submissions for the conference must conform to the format as indicated on the CSRCOM webpage. (See submission guidelines). If a submitted paper does not correspond with the template format, submitters may be asked to send a renewed version of their work that fulfils the criteria.
Authors will be notified of acceptance, rejection, or suggested modifications as soon as the review processes have been completed. Acceptance of a submission means that the author will be expected to present the paper at the conference.
Important information
Your structured abstract or session proposal should be submitted via the conference website (see bellow).
If you are a new user, please register and complete all fields with your contact details. After that, your registration confirmation will be emailed to you. If you ever forget your password, please click on PASSWORD REMINDER. Please use your email and password to LOG IN. By logging in, you can submit your abstract or proposal online.
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The authors should fill in the online submission form and submit:
• Short abstract (max. 150 words) with 3-6 keywords that can be part of the attachment below or can also be inserted in the submission form separately
• Attachments:
1. Anonymous paper without author details (1,500-2,500 words excl. references) that should: present in a concise way the purpose of the paper (introduction), main theoretical framework/ assumptions and: the objectives of the research, the research method, major (or preliminary) results, implications (EMPIRICAL papers), or a clear conceptual contribution with implications (CONCEPTUAL papers) and references.
2. Cover page with the paper title and author information.
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Other important information will be available on the conference website and via social media where the conference fees, program, and invited speakers will be announced.
Please mark your calendars and save the following dates:
