Do corporate social responsibility practices have an impact on employer attractiveness – an approach to corporate volunteering programs

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand the impact that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices have on the perceived attractiveness of companies in the eyes of their employees and potential candidates. Moreover, this study assesses the mediation role that Extrinsic (EA) and Intrinsic Attributions (IA) about Corporate Volunteering (CV) have on this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThree hundred and five responses were collected in an online questionnaire and a Structural Equation Modelling model was designed to explain the proposed relationships of the variables under study.FindingsThe authors found that the IA that employees/candidates make about CV programs have a direct and positive impact on the company’s attractiveness; it was not possible to conclude the same about EA.Originality/valueUnlike studies already existing in the area of corporate attractiveness that focus on the perspective of companies and customers, with a high focus on the organizational implementation of CSR and organizational benefits, this study has adopted a different perspective that focuses on the opinion of company employees, as well as the perspective of possible candidates. By not limiting participation to anyone, it covers a wide range of participants, allowing a broader knowledge of the labor market.