This study examines the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on merger and
acquisitions (M&A). Using data from Kinder, Lyndeberg, and Domini (KLD) Research
Analytics and Thomson’s Securities Data Corporation’s (SDC) Platinum Database, we
empirically test if CSR scores effect a firm’s propensity to pursue M&A activity.
Specifically, I examine how individual elements of CSR ratings (i.e. community
relations, corporate governance, diversity, employee relations, environmental practices,
and product quality and safety) might directly influence this relationship. The second
part of this study examines the problems associated with integration that commonly arise
during corporate acquisitions. We attempt to determine what dimensions of CSR increase
integration periods by looking at the differences in bidder and target CSR scores
