What is the difference between CSR, MVO and ESG?
Introduction: Why all the sustainability terms?
In recent years, terms like CSR, MVO, and ESG have become increasingly common in conversations about sustainability. You’ll find them in company reports, government policies, investor briefings, and job descriptions. While they’re all related to responsible business practices, they are not interchangeable—and for companies aiming to be sustainable, understanding the difference is crucial.
Each concept—Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Maatschappelijk Verantwoord Ondernemen (MVO), and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)—has its own focus, origin, and audience. This blog explains the key differences and why they matter for your sustainability strategy.
What is CSR?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to a company’s voluntary efforts to contribute positively to society and the environment. The term originated in the mid-20th century and gained popularity as businesses began to recognize their broader role in society beyond simply generating profit. CSR initiatives are typically driven by values and ethics, reflecting a desire to “do the right thing.”
CSR can take many forms. Think of companies that support local charities, organize employee volunteer programs, or adopt eco-friendly packaging. These actions are often not required by law but are motivated by reputation, internal culture, or stakeholder pressure. CSR tends to be qualitative and is usually communicated through sustainability reports or public relations materials.
While CSR may not always involve strict measurement, it plays a critical role in building brand trust and stakeholder engagement. For a deeper dive, explore this CSR guide from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
What is MVO?
Maatschappelijk Verantwoord Ondernemen (MVO) is essentially the Dutch equivalent of CSR. Translated directly, it means “Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship.” Like CSR, MVO focuses on how companies can operate in ways that respect people, planet, and society. However, MVO reflects the specific cultural, legal, and social context of the Netherlands.
In the Netherlands, MVO is strongly encouraged by government institutions, and Dutch companies are often seen as pioneers in responsible business. Many organizations follow the MVO Nederland framework to align their strategies with themes like circularity, fair supply chains, and climate neutrality.
Although the terms CSR and MVO are often used interchangeably, MVO tends to be more deeply embedded in national policy and sector-wide agreements in the Netherlands. It reflects a broader societal expectation for companies to contribute to sustainability goals beyond compliance or marketing.
What is ESG?
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is a relatively newer term, and unlike CSR or MVO, it is deeply rooted in the financial and investment world. ESG is not just about values—it’s about measurable performance. It offers a framework for investors and stakeholders to assess how well a company manages risks and opportunities related to sustainability.
The environmental aspect covers topics such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage, and resource efficiency. The social pillar includes labor practices, diversity, and human rights. Governance focuses on leadership, transparency, and ethical decision-making.
ESG is increasingly driven by regulation and investor expectations. For example, the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires companies to report on their ESG performance in a structured, verifiable way. It’s not just about good intentions—it’s about accountability and data.
Key differences between CSR, MVO and ESG
The main difference between these terms lies in their purpose and how they are applied. CSR and MVO are value-driven and often voluntary. They reflect a company’s internal mission and ethical outlook. While they are important for branding and stakeholder relations, they are usually not tied to financial metrics or investor expectations.
ESG, on the other hand, is performance-driven. It relies on quantifiable indicators and is often used for compliance, risk assessment, and investment decisions. ESG is about proving sustainability through data, not just stating good intentions.
In short:
CSR and MVO are about responsibility, values, and social impact.
ESG is about performance, compliance, and financial materiality.
Understanding these differences helps companies speak the right language to the right audience—whether it’s employees, consumers, governments, or investors.
Why the differences matter for your business
Choosing the right framework can shape your company’s sustainability strategy. If your primary goal is to inspire employees and connect with your community, a CSR or MVO approach may be sufficient. But if you’re seeking investment, expanding internationally, or facing regulatory scrutiny, you’ll need a robust ESG strategy backed by measurable data.
For SMEs, starting with CSR or MVO is often more accessible. It allows for flexibility and creativity. But as your business grows, aligning with ESG standards becomes increasingly important—not only to meet legal obligations, but also to build credibility in the eyes of partners, clients, and investors.
The rise of frameworks like CSRD, TCFD, and SFDR signals a global shift toward mandatory sustainability disclosure. That means companies who understand ESG today will be better prepared for the future.
Conclusion: From values to value creation
CSR, MVO, and ESG are all part of the same bigger picture: building a more sustainable, fair, and transparent economy. While CSR and MVO focus on the “why” behind a company’s actions, ESG focuses on the “how” and “how much.”
To future-proof your business, it’s important to understand and align with the model that fits your goals—and recognize when it’s time to scale from intention to impact.
