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Purpose
This study aims to investigate the influence of collaborative stakeholder relationships (buyers, media, government and top management) on apparel suppliers' corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Bangladesh.


Design/methodology/approach
"Face to face" and "drop off and collect" survey administration techniques were used to collect a total of 371 questionnaires from middle-level managerial executives of apparel suppliers in Bangladesh. The data were analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling combined with resampling and bootstrapping techniques.


Findings
The findings suggest that buyers, the media and top management have a direct and significant influence on the stakeholder network and, in turn, positively impact the CSR of apparel suppliers in Bangladesh. The media and buyer firms work together to provide a combined and salient influence on the top management of supplier firms in Bangladesh to shape CSR practices.


Practical implications
The extent of stakeholder influence varies according to the strength of the network and the mediation within interconnected relationships. Suppliers' top management could use the study's findings to improve CSR by focussing on the strongest path of interconnected stakeholders. The Bangladesh Government could take policy initiatives to address CSR-related concerns raised by interconnected stakeholders.


Originality/value
This study contributes to stakeholder and CSR literature by providing valuable insights into the empirical justification of interactive stakeholder influences on suppliers' CSR.