2025 Volume 63 Issue 1 Pages 14-26
This study aims to apply the theoretical framework of creating shared value (CSV) to agriculture. First, it explores the original significance and background of CSV, organizing its development direction based on subsequent criticisms and debates. Second, in parallel, it examines CSV’s applicability to Japanese agriculture. Third, it quantitatively assesses CSV’s actual situation in agricultural corporations and its economic impact. The findings reveal that the CSV concept, as proposed by Porter and Kramer (2011), has been verified and criticized, and more widely developed into an action guideline for addressing social issues through companies. Particularly, CSV research must consider the compliance to issues where there is no win-win scenario between companies and society as well as emphasize stakeholder collaboration for greater social impact. Furthermore, the need for CSV by agricultural management was supported by the increase in the number of large-scale farms and the policy goals balancing sustainability and productivity in Japanese agriculture. A review of corporate social responsibility and CSV confirmed that the concept of CSV is applicable to agricultural management. Finally, a questionnaire survey of agricultural corporations showed that most sustainability initiatives are based on management strategies. These initiatives are linked to economic outcomes through their impact on various forms of management capital. This study’s results provide basic insights into new analytical perspectives on CSV for researchers and new strategic guidelines for practitioners.
