Corporate Activities Research Articles

When corporate silence is costly: Negative consumer responses to corporate silence on social issues

AbstractResearch SummaryThe growth of corporate activism on contentious social issues creates a puzzle as to why companies would risk engaging on divisive topics. Indeed, a mixed body of evidence identifies that such activism often reduces stakeholder support. We shed light on this puzzle by reversing attention to the costs of not engaging in corporate activism. Grounded in the cognitive model of stakeholder behavior, we theorize whether and when consumers will negatively respond to corporate silence on a social issue based on the visibility of silence. Our theory also suggests that peer activism and market niche are pivotal contingencies that exacerbate or mitigate such negative responses. Using a rigorous within‐company cross‐platform difference‐in‐differences econometric model, we find support for our theory and uncover substantial costs of corporate inaction.Managerial SummaryWe study stakeholder responses to corporate silence on social issues, using the empirical context of fashion firms and the Blackout Tuesday event in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, which occurred on Instagram but not Twitter. We find that there are sizeable risks to staying silent on a highly salient social issue. For firms that do not participate in the event, follower growth slows 33% and likes on their posts drop 12% in the following month on Instagram as compared to Twitter. In addition to issue salience, managers should closely attend to peer activism, which exacerbates these negative reactions. They should also consider their market niche, as a narrow niche offers protection while firms with a wider market experience larger declines in stakeholder support.

Addressing the commercial determinants of menstrual health: a call to regulate menstrual product manufacturers.

Over the last two decades, menstrual health and hygiene have become increasingly common on the global health agenda. While governments and international organizations are adopting measures to make menstrual products more accessible, corporate actors producing them have only been subject to limited scrutiny. Yet, their products and commercial practices raise environmental, health, equity and societal issues, which warrant attention and regulation. As such, commercial disposable menstrual products are largely made up of plastic, sometimes as much as 90%. Menstrual pads and tampons also contain some chemicals, the health impact of which is still unclear. In addition, these products are often sold with high-profit margins, and marketing campaigns to sell such products tend to reinforce shame and secrecy. So far, no global standards exist to regulate menstrual products and manufacturers, and evidence in the field of menstrual health and hygiene is lagging behind. To fill this gap, countries have started to regulate menstrual products and the International Standards Organization is in the process of developing global standards to better regulate the content and labeling of menstrual products. To support the emergence of regulation in this area, this article conceptualizes for the first time a comprehensive framework for the regulation of menstrual product manufacturers. This framework encompasses five complementary measures to regulate the content; labeling; production and waste management; pricing; advertising and marketing of menstrual products. The article also calls for more research to produce evidence and for increased governmental and inter-governmental attention to menstrual product manufacturers.

Understanding the landscape: assistive technology and work challenges for people with disabilities in Saudi Arabia

Barriers, such as inadequate accessibility and accommodation, may impede employment access and progression for people with disabilities (PwDs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study examined how assistive technology (AT) utilization influences the employment experiences of PwDs in KSA. We explored AT types in use and whether gender, age, and disability type shape AT effectiveness. We sought to identify challenges hindering AT adoption, and effectiveness in workplaces. We explored potential remedies through government and corporate actions. A qualitative case-report study was conducted with 13 PwDs (10 males, 3 females; age range, 26‒47 years) of varying occupations. Diverse disabilities were represented: cognitive impairment, speech impairment, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), visual impairment, mobility impairment, hearing impairment, learning disability, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), physical impairment, and anxiety disorder. Individual interviews were conducted in Arabic with open-ended questions addressing employment opportunities, work challenges, the importance of employment, and employment-related factors. Mixed descriptive and inductive methods were used to identify themes. The participants also completed a 21-item Likert-type standardized exploratory questionnaire. The findings indicated that workplace inclusivity of PwDs and widespread AT adoption in KSA are hindered by a lack of awareness, stigma, accommodation costs, limitations of technical compatibility or lack of standardization, and inadequate AT training and technical support. Greater disability inclusion support in workplace environments, with tailored assistance and comprehensive accessibility measures, is needed in KSA. Companies should pursue accommodation individualization and actions aimed at improving awareness and reducing stigma. Governments should pursue legislation that supports AT adoption and awareness campaigns.

Norm Contestation in the BHR Field—The Role of Corporate Actors as Entrepreneurs, Antipreneurs, and Saboteurs

Norm Contestation in the BHR Field—The Role of Corporate Actors as Entrepreneurs, Antipreneurs, and Saboteurs

From Transport Development to Land Reclamation: Contested Spatio-Temporalities ⁠along Penang’s Littoral, Malaysia

“One island is enough” was written on a banner shaped like Penang Island, Malaysia, during a demonstration against the plan to create three artificial islands. The Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project, adopted by the local administration and developers, aims to finance the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP). This ambitious plan includes several components, such as monorail and light rapid transit lines. While land reclamation is not new in Penang, this mega-development project has faced unprecedented opposition from a wide range of actors. In dialogue with fishers and activists supporting the Penang Tolak Tambak (Penang Rejects Reclamation) campaign, and through the analysis of government documents, non-governmental reports, news articles, and social media, this paper traces how state, corporate, and civil society actors have shifted their focus from the PTMP to the PSR project. Thus far, scholarly literature on island environmental movements has focused on the right to the island and the right to nature, while claims related to the land-sea interfaces, which so clearly delineate island spatialities, have been somewhat neglected. By exploring the contested spatio-temporalities of this land reclamation project off the south coast of Penang, this paper expands the dialogue of the right to the island to include the right to the sea.

Counter-Activism Against Ideological Opponents: Evidence Based on the Competitive Dynamics of Corporate Engagement in Advocacy Giving

A growing body of literature has sought to understand the strategic drivers of corporate activism, emphasizing the ideological composition of a firm’s workforce as its salient internal driver. Despite these advancements, however, the heterogeneity in its effect remains underexplored, leaving it unclear when employee ideology is more likely to translate into activism. I address this gap by considering competitors’ actions—another important driver uncovered in the scholarship—as a key source of heterogeneity. I examine how these actions can shape the external context in which a firm’s employees evaluate the value of its activism, thereby influencing the firm’s incentives to act on employees’ preferences. My central conjecture is that activism by so-called ideological opponents of a firm’s employee base will be a particularly strong driver of its own activism. This is because actions taken by competitors who hold stances opposite to those valued by a firm’s employees can create a temporal window during which the firm can gain enough employee appreciation for its activism—particularly counter-activism opposing the stance of the competitor. Leveraging the donation records of corporate foundations to advocacy nonprofits as a novel channel for studying corporate activism, I find support for this conjecture. Consistent with my theory, I further find that this effect is driven by firms whose employees hold homogeneous ideological preferences and arises primarily around issues with strong ideological contention. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2023.17382 .

The impact of anti-Russian sanctions on the Chinese multinational corporations' activities in Russia

Subject. This article discusses the prospects for the development of Chinese transnational enterprises in a changing geopolitical environment. Objectives. The article aims to assess the impact of international sanctions on the investment activity and the range of activities of Chinese companies in the Russian market. Methods. For the study, we used systems and comparative analyses. Results. The article finds that Chinese corporations are cooperating and interacting with the Russian market in a cautious manner due to fears of secondary sanctions and the risk of losing reputation with European partners. The question of the expediency of the rapid development of Chinese business in Russia in the context of high costs for attracting financing and the volatility of the Russian ruble exchange rate remains debatable. Conclusions. The impact of anti-Russian sanctions on the activities of Chinese multinational corporations in Russia cannot be unambiguously assessed. Despite the difficulties, unique opportunities are opening up for Chinese corporations to take the place of European companies in the Russian market. To develop the activities of Chinese transnational corporations in Russia, it is necessary to create the parallel imports volumes.

A Comprehensive Study of Stock Market Volatility: Types, Determinants, and Measurement Methods

The Volatility, a critical aspect of financial markets, quantifies the uncertainty associated with asset price movements. This paper provides a comprehensive review of volatility, encompassing its definition, types, determinants, and measurement methods. Various factors, including macroeconomic indicators, market sentiment, liquidity, global events, and corporate actions, influence volatility. A range of methods, such as standard deviation, historical volatility, implied volatility, GARCH models, EWMA, and range-based volatility, are employed to measure volatility. Understanding volatility is essential for investors, traders, and risk managers to make informed decisions and manage risk effectively. Future research can delve into advanced volatility models, volatility spillovers, investor behavior, and the relationship between volatility and asset pricing.

Structural corporate ownership links to corporate cash and financial earnings: New evidence from non-financial firms

Institutional and executive shares account for the majority of ownership and have a considerable impact on the firm’s future financing, investment, earnings, and other corporate decision-making activities. This study aims to investigate the statistical links of institutional ownership and executive ownership on financial earnings and the corporate cash level of non-financial firms using a balanced dataset of 200 non-financial listed firms in PSX (Pakistan Stock Exchange) during the period 2013 to 2018. Among many advanced econometric methods, fixed effect models with pooled ordinary least square (OLS) estimation were found more appropriate to our investigation. Our main findings are twofold. The outcome of our analysis indicates that institutional ownership and executive ownership are significantly related to financial earnings. Further, our results suggest that there is a significant relationship between executive ownership and corporate cash level, as well as a positive and significant relationship between institutional ownership and finance. The cash level of firms can only be identified and predicted through executive ownership in a developing economy like Pakistan. This study provides insightful information for non-financial industry shareholders and policymakers in Pakistan.

MICROPRUDENTIAL ASPECT BEYOND RULE OF THUMB IN RURAL BANK INDUSTRY IN INDONESIA

Objective: This research aims to examine the microprudential aspects beyond traditional rule of thumb measures in the regulation of Rural Banks in Indonesia, particularly focusing on the implications of recent regulatory changes that have prompted Rural Bank mergers. Theoretical Framework: This research utilizes a framework that incorporates financial ratios as critical indicators of bank performance and health. It considers the influence of regulatory frameworks—especially those outlined in POJK regulations—on the operational effectiveness and stability of Rural Banks. Related to the forced corporate action, reason that administrative reform may not have increased merger activity as expected is that larger, combined activities are likely to be more readily able to absorb the significant costs of complying with administrative reform than smaller Rural Bank. Method: This research methodology used is a qualitative descriptive method. In conducting this study, researchers used primary data and secondary data. Primary data obtained from the results practitioners' perspective of interviews (in-depth interviews) with experts and practitioners, who have an understanding of the issues discussed in Rural Bank Industry so that we can presumably determine the real current situation using a Qualitative Descriptive method with a Phenomenology study approach. While secondary data was complemented by data collected from literature studies, from the Financial Service Authority (OJK) official website, Several Rural Bank Performance Report and Financial Report during 2019 - 2023, scientific articles, books, information from the mass media and other relevant sources of information. Result and Discussion: This study highlights that reliance solely on the rule of thumb can be misleading in assessing bank health. It shows that a detailed analysis of various financial ratios—such as capital adequacy, asset quality, earnings, and liquidity—provides a more comprehensive understanding of a bank's performance and risks associated with mergers. The banking industry those had time to familiarize itself with the subject and to put legislation into concrete action. Other findings indicate that the enforcement of regulations aimed at increasing capital adequacy and reducing systemic risk has led to forced mergers among Rural Banks. Research Implication: The study underscores the importance of integrating microprudential regulations into the operational frameworks of Rural Banks. It suggests that regulators should prioritize comprehensive assessments based on financial ratios rather than simplistic heuristic methods, especially in the context of forced mergers driven by regulatory pressures. Effective and appropriate use of the merger strategies forced by regulator (OJK) have not facilitated Rural Banks’ efforts exactly to earn above-average returns. However, even when pursued for value-creating reason, merger strategies are not problem-free. Reason for the use of merger strategies and potential problem with such strategies are suboptimum goals congruence because of management control problem – include lack of direction, motivational problem, and personal limitation (Merchant et al, 2017). Recommendation: The research recommends that Rural Banks systematically evaluate their financial health using detailed financial ratios and adapt to the new regulatory landscape that encourages mergers. It also urges regulators to refine their guidelines to include these metrics as essential tools for ongoing performance assessment. Enhanced training for bank management on interpreting and applying these financial ratios can improve overall operational effectiveness, particularly in the context of mergers. Merger is not just about consolidating financial aspects, but also harmonizing the combination of tangible (Numbers on Balance Sheet) and intangible assets (Human capital aspect).

Making the mos(s)t of nature? Cleantech, smart nature-based solutions, and the ‘rendering investable’ of urban moss

This article examines the ways in which ‘nature-based solutions’ (NBS) to urban environmental problems are contributing to a re-imagining of the forms and roles of vegetal life in cities. Specifically, we examine the versions of nature that are being produced within a subset of nature-based solutions described as ‘smart’ – that is, those involving the enrolment of non-human lifeforms into digital infrastructures comprising sensors, data flows and automated support systems. Whilst NBS are often celebrated for opening up cities to lively ecological processes – thereby contributing to more convivial, ‘more-than-human’ forms of urbanism – their smart incarnations are becoming a playground for entrepreneurial and financial actors seeking new ways to enclose, commodify and derive profit from non-human life in cities. To explicate this argument, we examine the case of a proprietary ‘nature-based solution’ to urban air pollution developed and sold to local authorities and corporate actors by a European cleantech start-up, predicated on optimising the air-filtering capacities of moss. Our analysis proceeds in three stages. First, we draw on scholarship on the bioeconomy to show how the commodification of moss in this case is predicated on discursive arguments which depict moss as at once inherently productive and regenerative, but also fragile and scarce in urban environments. Secondly, we show how this smart NBS is rendered investable through the enrolment of moss into a carefully designed digital apparatus, which purports to stabilise and optimise its air purifying work, thereby making its contributions to urban air quality continuous, consistent and calculable. Finally, building on an assessment of the entanglement of this example with specific urban geographies and modes of urban governance, we critically reflect on the role that smart NBS in general might yet play in either reinforcing or disrupting prevailing dynamics of privatisation, enclosure and green gentrification in cities.

Examining Consumer Purchase Intentions in China Through Entrepreneurial Endorsement and Corporate Social Responsibility Marketing

This article explores the synergistic relationship between corporate social responsibility initiatives and marketing strategies within enterprises, highlighting their innovative development. Grounded in stakeholder theory, the study investigates how corporate social responsibility marketing influences consumer purchase intentions. It classifies corporate social responsibility marketing activities into three dimensions: (1) social welfare, (2) environmental protection, and (3) consumer rights advocacy. The research confirms the moderating influence of entrepreneurial endorsement on the relationship between corporate social responsibility marketing and consumer perception. Furthermore, it identifies consumer perception as a mediating factor between corporate social responsibility marketing efforts and consumer purchase intentions. This study contributes to the expansion of marketing research by addressing theoretical, practical, and methodological aspects of the impact of corporate social responsibility marketing on consumer behavior.

ESG e tecnologia: como empresas divulgam aspectos ambientais, sociais e de governança no mundo digital?

This study aims to verify corporate actions to disseminate environmental, social, and governance practices in the digital world. It was supported by discussions on environmental, social, and governance practices; technology, and communication. The identification of the most responsible companies (2013-2022) was carried out using the corporate reputation business monitor, especially Natura, Itaú Unibanco, and Grupo Boticário. To analyze the pages about environmental, social, and governance practices, the platforms Semrush and SimilarWeb measured statistics and audiences, whereas Nielsen’s 10 heuristics guided the evaluation of user experience.

Too woke or not too woke, that is the question: Brand responses to culture wars

Culture wars are conflicts between two groups with polarized beliefs about politics and other cultural phenomena. Of late, culture wars have moved to brands, marketing, and corporate activism. In modern brand culture wars, opposing groups will assemble on social media with the express purpose of either damaging a brand’s value or defending brands. Brands are then left in the precarious situation of navigating between two powerful factions in determining strategy moving forward. This manuscript explores the relationship between brand communities and corporate brands, addressing culture wars on a variety of hot-button topics. We scraped data from X—formerly known as Twitter—to analyze the impact of culture wars on social media behavior and sentiment. Drawing from the analysis of the data from X, as well as an examination of extant literature, we then propose a typology and offer a decision tree to guide brands dealing with culture wars levied at their corporations.

Responsibility, Sustainability, and Threat: The Framing of Climate Change by King Charles III

The issue of climate change is reflective of a cornucopia of interconnected variables, which involve political, societal, as well as ethical and moral considerations associated with empathy, responsibility, sustainability, and solidarity (Sadler-Smith & Akstinaite 2022). Due to these reasons, research in climate change discourse has gained currency in the present-day linguistic and mass media studies. One of the means of exploring how corporate and political actors view the issue of global climate change involves framing, which is copiously applied in linguistic, mass media, and discourse-related research directions (Gillings & Dayrell 2024; Schlichting 2013). To-date, however, little is known about how climate change discourse is framed by the current British monarch King Charles III. This contribution presents a qualitative study that explores the way climate change discourse is framed by King Charles III. The study involves a corpus of speeches on the topic of climate change delivered by King Charles III from 2005 to 2023. The corpus was analysed qualitatively in line with the framing methodology developed by Entman (1993, 2004, 2007). The analysis revealed that climate change was framed as A 2 Degree World, Deforestation, Responsibility, Risk, Sustainability, Threat, and Urgency. The findings and their discussion are further described in the article.

Examining the Reasons for Impact Materiality in EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting

Examining the Reasons for Impact Materiality in EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting

Sustainable Business Strategies: Exploring the Role of Corporate Social Responsibility and Virtual Reality in Enhancing Brand Value

This study explores the intersection of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in developing sustainable business strategies that enhance brand value. Employing a qualitative research methodology through a comprehensive literature review and library research, the paper investigates how CSR initiatives, when integrated with immersive VR technologies, contribute to long-term brand equity and consumer engagement. The research highlights CSR's evolving role in aligning corporate activities with social and environmental goals, which not only strengthens stakeholder relationships but also increases brand loyalty. In parallel, VR technologies are gaining traction in marketing and brand communication, offering immersive experiences that create deeper emotional connections with consumers. The study analyzes recent case studies and academic discussions, illustrating how VR can enhance CSR's impact by making initiatives more accessible and engaging to a broader audience. This synergy between CSR and VR not only fosters a stronger brand identity but also provides a competitive advantage by differentiating brands in an increasingly socially conscious marketplace. The findings suggest that businesses leveraging CSR strategies alongside VR can cultivate a sustainable brand narrative that resonates with both customers and stakeholders, thereby improving overall brand value and driving sustainable growth. Future research is encouraged to further examine specific industries where these strategies can be most effectively implemented.

The Effect of Perceived Economic Mobility on Support for Corporate Activism

Companies are more frequently taking public stands on controversial and divisive socio-political issues. Thus, researchers have been paying a great amount of attention to the issues surrounding corporate activism such as how and why certain types draw more support from consumers and other stakeholders. The current research contributes to the literature by examining how people’s perception of economic mobility affects their tendency to support corporate activism. In particular, using two studies with different research designs and diverse participants, the current research demonstrates that perception of high (vs. low) economic mobility leads to stronger (vs. weaker) support for corporate activism, and further shows that this effect is mediated by the locus of control. With this nuanced finding, this research provides theoretical and substantive implications and various future research directions.

UTILIZING LED USAGE ON FORTIMANAGER DEVICE AS A SOFTWARE MONITORING INDICATOR FOR FORTINET ACCESS POINTS

In today's digital era, stable connectivity and fast troubleshooting are crucial to support corporate, academic, and research activities. One important component in network infrastructure is the access point (AP) which functions to provide a wireless connection. With the large number of Access Points (AP) provided by campuses or offices, it is required to be easy to monitor and troubleshoot all Access Point (AP) devices. Fortigate, as a solution provider, offers access point and switch monitoring features using LED Usage. This study aims to explain how access point monitoring can be implemented effectively through the FortiManager device and is important to ensure that network devices are functioning properly. FortiManager devices can monitor switches that are connected with active or inactive status, how many active access points are on each switch are monitored, all of which clients are connected to the network can be monitored. Thus, FortiManager devices are very much needed by administrators and network technical teams to facilitate monitoring and troubleshooting.

STRATEGI IMPLEMENTASI TANGGUNG JAWAB SOSIAL LINGKUNGAN DALAM PERUSAHAAN: DAMPAK DAN TANTANGAN

Environmental Social Responsibility is regulated in Article 74 of Law Number 40 of 2007 concerning Limited Liability Companies as part of Corporate Social Responsibility, which encourages companies to act ethically and contribute to improving the quality of life of the community. This study uses a normative legal method to analyze legal norms related to Environmental Social Responsibility and Corporate Social Responsibility and their application in practice. The problems discussed in this scientific article are related to the review of the implementation of environmental social responsibility by State-Owned Enterprises. The discussion includes strategies for implementing Environmental Social Responsibility which include analysis of community needs, stakeholder involvement, and allocation of sufficient resources. Evaluation of the impact of Environmental Social Responsibility is carried out through sustainability reports and the use of Key Performance Indicators, with support from international standards such as ISO 26000 and the Global Reporting Initiative. In conclusion, the effective implementation of Environmental Social Responsibility requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach, where companies must align Corporate Social Responsibility activities with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals. Advice for companies is to increase transparency and accountability in reporting Environmental Social Responsibility and integrate feedback from the community for more relevant and impactful programs. Thus, it is hoped that Environmental Social Responsibility will not only provide benefits for the company, but also for the community and the environment in a sustainable manner.