ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the use of institutional theory as a lens through which CSR communication scholarship is conducted. The chapter summarizes the strengths of the institutional approach to CSR research and notes differences in the use of institutional theory across sub-disciplines. The chapter articulates the main principles that link institutional theory and CSR communication research: rational myths, isomorphic pressure, institutional work, institutional entrepreneurship, institutional logics, and institutional messages. The explanatory power of institutional theory in the context of CSR communication research is illuminated and recent literature is summarized. The chapter concludes with suggestions for future research and a set of discussion questions.
