The Nexus between Corporate social responsibility (CSR) dimensions and Sustainable corporate performance (SCP) in the Service-based Enterprises Sector: Zimbabwean managerial insights

Abstract

This study examines the managerial perceptional influence of economic, ethical, environmental and philanthropic responsibilities on sustainable corporate performance (SCP) in Zimbabwean service companies. It aims to understand how these dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribute to the overall social performance of service firms in Zimbabwe from managers' perspective, thereby addressing a gap in the existing literature. Despite the current literature on the positive relationship between CSR and SCP, there is a lack of research on the motivations, challenges and strategies used by the Zimbabwean service sector to engage in CSR activities. The study aims to provide a local perspective by examining the impact of different dimensions of economic, ethical, environmental and community responsibility on SCP. The researchers collected data from 650 senior managers, the unit of analysis, in organisations selected from six sub-strata of the service sector in the Harare region. The measurement items of the online questionnaire related to a mix of stakeholders, legitimacy, and triple bottom line theories that guided the data collection process. The empirical findings highlight the importance of environmental and philanthropic considerations in promoting long-term competitiveness. Companies can use the results to manage their corporate social responsibility activities effectively and tailor their social engagement strategies to local environments and specific company situations. This study adds to the current literature on corporate social responsibility and sustainable corporate performance and provides valuable insights for companies in the service sector in Zimbabwe.