Abstract
The study sheds light on the broader societal impacts of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by investigating its role in cultivating trust among individuals in society. Through an empirical investigation using a comprehensive dataset comprising firms in developed and developing countries, the study provides robust evidence supporting the notion that CSR initiatives have the potential to foster trust among people in society. These findings offer fresh perspectives on how CSR positively influences trust-building in societal contexts and highlight the vital role that businesses can play in promoting trust through their CSR efforts. The research contributes significantly to the existing literature and provides valuable practical implications for both businesses and policymakers.