Expanded Summary

At the current stage, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a globally important and relevant issue. Strategic CSR is not only an effective tool for gaining a competitive advantage for companies, but its role is also widely recognized in sustainable development. The "Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact" serve as a fundamental standard for CSR. In Georgia, corporate social responsibility is still in the early stages of development; however, significant steps have been taken by businesses toward strategic CSR in recent years, which can be seen as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted the necessity of considering the interests of all stakeholders and fulfilling the "Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact." This crisis has demonstrated the business sector's role in the welfare of society and the importance of responsible production.

The article focuses on the statistical data from research conducted before and during the pandemic. Based on this analysis, progress in business approaches to CSR issues has been highlighted. The study revealed that many companies, especially large businesses, are transitioning from unsystematic CSR to strategic CSR. This shift is evidenced by a significant increase in the number of organizations with documented CSR strategies, as well as a greater degree of integration of CSR into their structures and activities. Additionally, a positive trend in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of CSR initiatives has been identified. It is also noteworthy that there is increased interest among companies in external corporate responsibility projects and a desire to engage in partnership projects with non-governmental organizations.

In the article, we analyze the behavior of companies in the context of CSR using the concept proposed by A. B. Carroll which was relevant during the pandemic, as the importance of the economic responsibilities of companies have become increasingly apparent amid the crisis. Statistical data indicate that businesses have struggled to maintain job creation as part of their economic responsibilities and to ensure stable salaries in terms of legal obligations. Protecting labor and human rights has also emerged as a significant challenge for companies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ethical responsibility towards customers has been reflected in innovative entrepreneurial thinking aimed at ensuring the supply of products and services. Companies' willingness to collaborate with the non-governmental sector to expand business opportunities can be seen as a manifestation of ethical responsibility. Additionally, the pandemic has heightened companies' sensitivity to philanthropic responsibilities.

Considering all of the above, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of CSR against the backdrop of economic crisis, deepening social inequality, and disruption of sustainable development. During the pandemic, stakeholders were affected in various ways, presenting both, challenges and opportunities for companies. Accordingly, in Georgia, the COVID-19 pandemic is a significant factor that has influenced businesses' understanding of CSR as a strategic tool for achieving company goals.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Covid-19 Pandemic, Society, Stakeholders, Business Strategy.