Over the time four different models have emerged all of which can be found in India regarding corporate responsibility. CSR needs to be understood within this context captured in the development oriented CSR framework given below
| Model | Focus | Champions |
| Ethical | Voluntary commitment by companies to public welfare | M.K Gandhi |
| Statist | State ownership and legal requirements determine Corporate responsibility | Jawahar Lal Nehru |
| Liberal | Corporate responsibilities limited to private owners (shareholders) | Milton Friedman |
| Stakeholder | Companies respond to the needs of stakeholders – customers, employees, communities, etc. | R. Edward Freeman |
