Adoption Of Corporate Social Responsibility Research Articles

Corporate Social Responsibility and Organizational Performance of Mount Kenya University.

Assuring the success of their organizations is every manager's most important responsibility. It is feasible for an enterprise to hastily achieve its objectives and gain a competitive edge by integrating a sustainable CSR. This research project aimed to determine how corporate social responsibility affects an organization's performance. The following clear goals served as its guide: to ascertain how CSR's economic, environmental, social, and humanistic cultural dimensions affected the performance of Mt. Kenya University. A descriptive research design was employed in the study. The study's target audience was the management team entrusted with conceptualizing and operationalizing the adoption of corporate social responsibility. The university administrative structure served as a guide for the study area selection, explicitly targeting employees of all management offices. The study made the best use of the primary data, which was gathered using semi-structured questionnaires with open-ended and closed-ended questions. The questionnaires were distributed using the drop-and-pick technique. The data gathered from the questionnaire findings underwent both quantitative and qualitative cross examination. Descriptive statistical methods were used in quantitative analysis. The usage of frequencies, means, and percentages that were aggregated and displayed using tables, graphs, and charts were complemented by descriptive statistics. The linear regression model was incorporated to facilitate data analysis analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Notably, the research reveals that increasing the economic dimension by one unit increases organizational performance by 0.158 points, the environmental dimension by 0.227 points, the social dimension by 0.590 points, and the humanistic cultural dimension by 0.442 points. The descriptive and correlational analyses indicate that CSR positively impacts all aspects of performance at MKU. In future studies, it is recommended that researchers examine the impact of CSR initiatives on the satisfaction of consumers as a dependent variable.

The peer effects of corporate social responsibility in China: A pre-registered report

In recent years, businesses worldwide have shown a growing interest in adopting corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. The driver of corporate CSR engagement has attracted widespread attention. This study seeks to examine how firms react to the CSR practices of their peers in China. The ordinary least square would be used to validate our hypothesis and the instrumental variable approach would be utilized to alleviate endogeneity threats. In addition, we propose two channels, named as market competition hypothesis and institutional pressure hypothesis to account for this peer effect. We plan to provide some empirical evidence to support both channels.

CSR perceptions and practices in small hotels in urban cities

PurposeThis study aims to examine the perception and practices related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) implemented in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), focussing on small hotels in London.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research design comprising detailed semi-structured interviews was employed with 12 small hotel owner-managers in central London and its outskirts. The study adopts a social constructionist approach to explore CSR perspectives and practices, along with a social capital framework to investigate how CSR is perceived at the individual level and consequently manifested into CSR practices.FindingsThe findings indicate that a small hotel’s implementation of CSR is influenced by long-term versus short-term considerations, as well as socio-economic and socio-political conditions. Individual-level factors, like hoteliers’ CSR conceptualisation and personal and business values, affect CSR adoption in small hotels. Lastly, institutional-level factors, such as ineffective institutional participation and the hotelier’s cultural background against the cosmopolitan context of a big city, have contributed to a muted response to socially responsible issues.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was conducted with a limited sample of 12 participants from small hotels in London and its outskirts, which may limit the generalisability of the findings. Future research could enhance these findings by involving a larger and more diverse group of participants from various urban areas, potentially employing a quantitative research approach for broader applicability. This study’s insights can guide policymakers in educating small business owners on CSR benefits and implementation. It also proposes how governments could encourage sustainable practices among small hotels seeking to enhance their reputation. Moreover, these findings enable small businesses to develop their stakeholder strategies for greater CSR initiatives.Originality/valueThis study integrates social capital theory into investigating CSR in small hotels in London, broadening the literature on CSR perception and integration, particularly in SMEs and the hospitality sector.

Discovering the deep roots of corporate social responsibility in SMEs

Purpose This article looks at the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Cameroon's dynamic landscape, exploring the motivations driving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt socially responsible practices. In contrast to the emphasis on CSR in large companies, we highlight the central role played by SMEs as catalysts for sustainable development. Design/Methodology/Approach Using a quantitative methodological approach, this study examines the different factors that influence the adoption of CSR in Cameroonian SMEs. We established a non-probability sample of 124 SMEs based in the following four Cameroonian cities: Douala, Yaounde, Garoua and Ngaoundere. We used binomial logistic regression to analyse the impact of financial resources, institutional environment, company size, sector of activity, managerial ethics and company age on SMEs' commitment to socially responsible practices. Findings and implications Our study highlights the key determinants of commitment to CSR in Cameroonian SMEs. Our results show that financial resources, the institutional environment, the size of the company, the sector of activity, the ethics of the manager and the age of the company appear to be key factors influencing the implementation of a CSR approach. However, the factors studied have different weights of influence in the implementation of this CSR approach. These results prompt a reassessment of CSR implementation strategies and provide valuable pointers for improving the reputation, sustainability and relevance of Cameroonian SMEs in a rapidly changing context. Limitations Although this study makes a significant contribution to the understanding of CSR in Cameroonian SMEs, certain limitations must be acknowledged. The research is specific to the Cameroonian context and the results may not be universally applicable. In addition, the dynamic nature of business environments introduces a temporal component that may impact the generalisability of our results over time. Finally, the absence of a relationship between the nature of the technologies used and the implementation of a CSR approach is counter-intuitive and would merit being tested on larger samples or being the subject of further qualitative research in order to identify other components of the variable.Originality This research fills a crucial gap in the literature by shedding light on CSR in the context of Cameroonian SMEs. The identification of multifaceted determinants offers a unique contribution to the wider CSR discourse, challenging conventional perceptions and providing practical implications for both academics and practitioners.

Circular economy orientation from corporate social responsibility: A view based on structural equation modeling and a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis

AbstractSeeking sustainable development, companies voluntarily implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach, considering economic, social and environmental aspects of interest to global society. Searching for sustainable development, the Circular Economy (CE) emerged as a new philosophy of life to meet the new challenges in society. This research links CSR and CE but considering jointly the Institutional and Stakeholder Theories to delimit the sustainable development framework from the EC approach driven by CSR. According to this framework, it was tested whether the CSR practices of companies positively and significantly impacts on a business orientation towards CE, through two models (Model A and Model B) each of them analyzed with two independent samples of companies in Spain. Both samples are composed of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at two different stages of CSR adoption. The hypotheses were analyzed through a structural equation modeling‐fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (SEM‐fsQCA). The result of the SEM supports the hypothesis in both models. So, CSR practices are driving companies towards CE, incorporating propositions on stakeholders' value creation. Moreover, an fsQCA revealed combinations of relationships that ensure the consistency of obtained results, generating five configurations based on two models defined. Main contribution of this work is CSR practices of companies and their orientation towards CE can be linked. This encourages to deep in analysis about the relations between CE and CSR, and of the specific CSR practices that should be enhanced for their beneficial effect on the implementation of CE.

Millennials’ CSR Adoption: A Stakeholder Approach and the Impact on Profit

Business education emphasizes an analytical approach to decision making and strategy development. However, certain factors, such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), are challenging to quantify in corporate strategy. The consideration of CSR, including Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance, by Boards of Directors, is among these difficult-to-quantify factors. Business schools now teach students to focus more on a CSR/stakeholder approach, in line with updated standards such as Advance Collegiate Schools of Business Standard 9, which has increased the focus on societal impact in curricula. The CSR/stakeholder approach has emerged as a global strategic management option but is not without challenges, including non-homogeneous CSR issues and potential greenwashing. Moreover, a measurable stakeholder approach might lead to decreased profitability. Individual differences, particularly among millennials, influence support for or against CSR initiatives. This paper evaluates these differences and their impact on decision-making, which will significantly influence society as millennials rise to leadership roles.

Relationship between Working Capital Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, Liquidity Risk, and Profitability on the Performance and Sustainability

The objective of this study is to investigate the correlation among working capital management, corporate social responsibility, liquidity risk, profitability, performance, and sustainability in Indonesian manufacturing companies. Data were collected from 150 companies in West Java, Indonesia, and analyzed using the PLS-SEM approach. The analysis results show working capital management, corporate social responsibility, and liquidity risk have a significant positive effect on profitability, which in turn has a positive impact on performance and sustainability. These results support the research and provide insights into the importance of managing working capital, adopting corporate social responsibility practices, and reducing liquidity risk to improve profitability, performance, and sustainability in Indonesian manufacturing companies.

Acting responsibly in the global marketplace

In a value chain, products flow from primary producers to end users, often through intermediaries. The distribution of market power in each of the successive stages of the value chain is usually unequal and affects the financial compensation of participants. Unorganized primary producers in food or clothing chains tend to fall victim to heavy competition in consumer markets or to extreme efficiency requirements by retail chains. Increasingly, entrepreneurs running value chains are expected to take on responsibilities regarding the well-being of all participants, especially primary producers in developing countries. But what does acting responsibly mean for these entrepreneurs? Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) provided clear guidance on what the content of acting responsibly should be for Christians and non-Christians alike. However, is his concept of acting responsibly also relevant for leaders in value chains? Entrepreneurs are expected to adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) requirements, which, among other things, imply that all participants in a value chain enjoy an appropriate livelihood. I explore whether entrepreneurs, if they take Bonhoeffer’s criteria for responsible action seriously, do justice to all stakeholders in their value chain.

Business response to mandatory corporate social responsibility with evidence from India

AbstractThere has been a lot of discussion on the shift from voluntary to mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its impacts in different countries across the globe. India is unique in this context as the reporting and expenditure of a certain amount under CSR has been mandated for companies. This article analyzes the changes and responses of Indian businesses post‐2014, when new CSR rules were enacted. The key objectives of this study are to assess the level of awareness and compliance, thematic and geographical focus areas for CSR projects, and drivers and barriers to the adoption of mandatory CSR. We performed a secondary analysis of the data from 60 companies, followed by extensive primary research through in‐person interviews and offline questionnaire responses with 100 key CSR professionals from different companies in India. A key finding from the study is that the awareness of CSR policy and the pool of CSR funds has increased. The policy mandates have been a good driver in improving transparency and reporting quality. However, there is a predominant focus on four thematic areas of education, healthcare, hunger, and poverty alleviation despite the government's efforts to expand in other areas. The geographical spread of expenditure is limited to a few key industrial states in India, limiting CSR's contribution towards national development. The study adds to the CSR literature associated with institutional and stakeholder theories by looking at the response of legally bound organizations toward society and the environment. Finally, the study provides valuable information for governments and regulatory authorities considering the mandatory implementation of CSR expenditure across the globe.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Capital Structure

Objective: We analyze the effects of capital structure influence on corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance, represented by the ESG score. Prior studies have investigated distinct factors to settle CSR adoption. Nonetheless, corporate social responsibility literature has not yet achieved common consent. Method: This study uses a quantitative research approach. We used a sample of listed companies from the United States of America, China, Japan, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Brazil, and Canada. Three estimators were applied in the regression model, OLS pooled, IV 2SLS, and GMM 2SLS. Results: Our findings indicate a positive and significant relationship between Capital Structure and CSR. Furthermore, we understand that the positive and statistically significant findings in the relationship between market value and corporate social responsibility index are because corporate social responsibility has an intangible asset in its constitution: the corporate reputation. Therefore, these results converge into accepting these practices, which generate a firm’s value, justifying the positive and significant association. Finally, it is essential to highlight that the variations found between countries, especially companies from nations with higher GDP, need a more substantial capital structure than smaller ones to obtain a positive CSR index. Contributions: The paper argues that the capital structure can be introduced related to adopting corporate social responsibility. It is worth noting that this research aims not to provide an optimal set of factors that affect corporate social responsibility practices but to highlight the intangible effect of corporate reputation generated by the capital structure that other studies can investigate.

Measuring the impact of corporate social responsibility in the energy sector.

Energy companies are in the spotlight regarding the environmental pressure to address the current environmental issues by initiating the sets of social responsibilities. Energy sector companies are actively adopting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices to address the increased pressure and enablement to manage and prevent the risks of environmental impact at the same time concentrating on the economic growth. The current study provides a systematic literature review identifying CSR initiative measures towards sustainability and proposes a framework of CSR measurements in the energy sector. The framework combines the Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis (SALSA) method together with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and PSALSAR (Protocol, Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, Analysis and Report). Moreover, for setting the research scope, PICOC (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Context) is applied. As a result, eleven CSR measures for the energy sector were identified. The measurements were classified into 4 pillars: environmental pillar, stakeholder communication and external image, financial pillar, and organizational pillar. The environmental impact and GHG reduction align with the ecological modernization theories. Green energy innovations find theoretical resonance in the diffusion of innovation theories. Stakeholder engagement and branding link to the stakeholder theory, while financial performance, to the shareholder value theories. Occupational health and safety theory support the employee safety and corporate culture considerations. These measures, selected through theoretical lenses and systematic review, contribute to shaping a sustainable energy landscape. Furthermore, the research results were discussed, and the future research agenda together with policy recommendations were provided.

Sustainable development through corporate social responsibility adoption and its drivers: evidence from corporate industrial sector.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a vital strategy for promoting firms' sustainable development goals, encompassing social, environmental, and economic factors. In emerging economies, manufacturing firms face mounting challenges in ensuring their sustainability. This study aims to identify the key drivers of CSR and examine their impact on CSR adoption in the manufacturing industry of Pakistan. The study employs the survey method to collect data, utilizing a one-to-one interview approach with a matrix-style questionnaire administered to a panel of experts selected through purposive sampling technique. Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) combined with Matrices' Impacts Cruise's Multiplication Appliquée a UN Classement (MICMAC) and structural equation model (SEM) are used for data assessment, modeling, and analysis. The findings indicate that compliance with government regulations and stakeholders' pressure are the essential drivers of CSR adoption and positively influence CSR adoption. Consequently, firms should consider adopting CSR strategies to enhance their sustainability based on the outcomes of this analysis.

Contributing to the sustainable development goals as normative and instrumental acts: The role of Buddhist religious logics in family SMEs

Prior studies suggest that religion matters in the adoption of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in SMEs. This study draws on an institutional logics perspective to illuminate a hitherto underexplored interplay of multiple logics that in combination influence family SMEs when pursuing CSR. Based on a qualitative study of family SMEs in Northern Vietnam, this article aims to deepen our understanding of how constellations of institutional logics entwine to influence their CSR initiatives, in particular where these initiatives include commitments to contributing towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We find that when a religious logic is present there is a shift away from the dominance of a family logic and a turn towards a community logic. Further, whereas non-religious family SMEs act instrumentally towards CSR initiatives, seeking benefits primarily for the family and the firm, a religious logic introduces a normative character to the market logic, whereby economic benefits are construed as resources to support local communities rather than the family. Implications for theory, practice and further research are offered.

Integrating ESG disclosure into the relationship between CSR and green organizational culture toward green Innovation

PurposeThis study aims to propose a conceptual framework to examine the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green organizational culture (GOC) on green innovation with the moderating role of environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure in the Malaysian manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on primary data to be collected from 204 manufacturing enterprises of consumers, products and services sector through a questionnaire that incorporates the five-point Likert scale. The exploratory factor analysis is proposed to be performed using SPSS 24.0 and confirmatory factor analysis is suggested to be conducted using AMOS.21 software to explore the factors and reliability of the items and to confirm the factorial structure of pertinent variables, respectively. Furthermore, partial least square structural equation modeling is proposed to investigate relationships between constructs and latent variables.FindingsThe proposed framework suggests that the comprehensive adoption of CSR and GOC with the moderating role of ESG disclosure has a significant and positive impact on green innovation.Practical implicationsThis study provides insights into formulating strategies for enhancing green innovation and serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders for sustainable development in manufacturing enterprises.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, regarding originality, this is the first attempt at conceptualizing the integrated framework of CSR, GOC, green innovation and ESG disclosure for collective examination that is likely to extend the existing literature. Furthermore, this study extends stakeholders and resource-based view theory by proving their utility in the perspective of CSR, GOC, green innovation and ESG disclosure to achieve environmental sustainability.

Whether corporate social responsibility is used to suppress earnings management practices and could corporate governance mechanisms prevent them? An empirical study

PurposeThis study examines whether managers adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures to suppress earnings management practices and whether corporate governance mechanisms could limit such practices.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was followed, in which secondary data from listed firms from 2014 to 2019 were gathered. Descriptive statistics and inferential techniques were performed, which included correlation, ordered logistic regression and 2SLS panel regression analyses.FindingsThe findings indicate that firms use CSR disclosure to conceal managers' opportunistic behaviour via earnings management as an entrenchment strategy and that corporate governance mechanisms could significantly constrain such behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThis study goes beyond the conventional agency theory by incorporating additional theoretical perspectives from stakeholder and legitimacy theories, resulting in a multi-theoretical perspective in conceptualizing the study.Practical implicationsThe findings are expected to have significant policy implications, especially in limiting the opportunistic use of CSR disclosures and reducing earnings management practices to safeguard stakeholders' interests and ensure the sustainability of business entities.Originality/valueThe levels of CSR and board governance practices are captured using comprehensive indices. Moreover, earnings management was operationalized using both accrual-based and real earnings management proxies. Furthermore, while addressing an empirical dearth noted, the findings provide significant policy implications for limiting managers' opportunistic and unethical use of CSR disclosures with corporate governance mechanisms.

Comprehending The Link Between CSR in SMEs in a Global Marketplace

Despite the rising interest, and existing huge literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR), up to now there is a scarce of research focused on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) featured as discretionary about philanthropic actions mainly in small emerging markets, where is not an ecumenical assumed concept. This study address this issue by drawing upon the existing literature of CSR undertaking their actions to varying degrees in countless spaces particularly with special attention to the critical issue that cause SMEs either behind their setting to entrance global marketplace pertinent for firms’ strategic decisions in a world where CSR is often a viable tool, as well as seen as something more far-attainment, attractive at a much broader level with business operations and relations with markets that are more complex and turbulent time. In addition, CSR in some instances implicate institutional works pointed at tackling some gaps concerning the environment where SMEs operate. Derived from this, the current study present a set of propositions specifying the importance of useful insight issues consumers’ responses, norms and diffusion, competitiveness and social advantages, and forces preventing SMEs embarking in CSR on the business practices outlining a theoretical explanation. There are unavailable confronts for SMEs undertaking CSR, nonetheless by their very nature they have countless features that can aid the adoption of CSR, especially in small emerging markets.

Sustainability leadership: Conceptual foundations and research landscape

Sustainability leadership (SL) is a complex and relevant phenomenon that can contribute to several types of organisations during the process of becoming more sustainability-oriented. Over the past few years, a considerable number of publications have increased the level of knowledge in this field; however, on the other hand, it also has generated more complexity, literature dispersity and lack of complete understanding of the possible research avenues on SL. This paper aims to address this by complementing and building on previous qualitative and quantitative studies of SL by unveiling and exploring the landscape of the research field. This study differs from prior research in three main ways: (1) explores how the term SL evolved from the leadership theory, (2) explores the research streams that scholars have been conducting in the field by adopting a robust search string revised by specialists and considering a wide range of terms related to formal and informal leadership, as well as sustainability-related terms and (3) understands how the several leadership theories and styles are connected to sustainable development (SD) and corporate social responsibility (CSR). After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 1,813 well-cited papers published in top journals that directly tackle sustainability leadership were selected. This sample was then used for the bibliometric assessment based on the co-occurrence of terms technique. The results indicate the existence of four main clusters and twelve subclusters, which can be considered research strands. In addition, this study also explores how the selected studies build on several leadership theories in order to understand how leadership aspects can contribute to SD and CSR adoption.

Factors Affecting the Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Health Technology Industry in Greece.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an evolving business strategy worldwide, focusing on the sustainability of the enterprise and the provision of multiple benefits to the societies and economies. The aim of this paper was to explore the encouraging and deterrent factors for the implementation of CSR actions in companies specializing in pharmaceutical andbiomedical products as well as in medical equipment in Greece. A cross-sectional study was conducted (April to June 2021) in member-companies of the Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies, the Panhellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Industry and the Association of Health-Research and Biotechnology Industry. Data collection was carried out via an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed, using SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The significance level was set at p≤0.05. One hundred twelve questionnaires were distributed, out of which 87 were returned (response rate 77.7%). 81.1% of companies included CSR in their annual strategy, while only 32.4% of them follow the Global Reporting Initiative standards. The majority (62.2%) disposes ≤€100.000 from their annual turnover for CSR actions. The contribution to society and the ethical commitment of the enterprise are stated as the main encouraging factors for CSR, while bureaucracy and the lack of incentives as deterrents. Pharmaceutical companies reported social acceptance as the major CSR enabler compared to other companies (p=0.034), while companies specializing only in medical equipment/biotechnology mentioned industry competition (p=0.003). Bureaucracy has been revealed as the major disincentive for all participating companies. Corporate advertising is found as an important encouraging factor for the adoption of CSR for the international companies compared to the national ones (p=0.023). Moreover, 97.3% stated that the government should reward socially responsible companies by increasing financial incentives. Conclusion: The health technology industry in Greece implements CSR actions. The company's contribution to society and its ethical commitment are important encouraging factors for CSR, while bureaucracy and lack of government incentives are the main deterrents. The reward of socially sensitive companies by the government would provide significant entrepreneurial and societal benefits, supporting the overall Greek economy.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Green Marketing Adoption in Nigeria: A Panoramic View

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green marketing adoption is a twin trend that is fast becoming a global tendency amongst world economies, irrespective of socio-economic outlook. This paper pedagogically links the two concepts in the Nigeria business climes and explores, through a panoramic view the rate of adoption of CSR and green marketing in Nigeria. This study adopted an exploratory research design vis-à-vis a qualitative research approach. Based on the findings, this paper posits that corporate social responsibility in the Nigerian context is highly “localized” to reflect realities in the Nigerian socio-cultural space. However, green marketing adoption is near impossible for the average Nigerian organization; this is due in part to the enormous funds necessary for implementation of green marketing strategies in their businesses. This study therefore recommends the setting up of trust fund for companies (especially, small scale business) by government; this would give the companies the opportunity to fully develop and adopt green marketing strategy

Conceptualizing CSR as innovative adoption by MNCs from emerging Asian economies

AbstractTwo frequently researched fundamental factors in the recent business arena are corporate governance and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Though the earlier is globalized in various aspects, the latter is still traditionally identified as a Western practice for corporations. This research paper argues that Multi‐national Corporations (MNCs) from emerging economies contribute to their parent country's business dynamics including CSR through “reverse knowledge innovation.” To some extent, CSR is prioritized and implemented in these emerging economies, as their MNCs adopt and diffuse CSR practices domestically through reverse knowledge flows. Based on 10 economies from Asia in terms of CSR adoption, we find that CSR is largely considered a Western business innovation among the emerging economies and their home‐grown multinationals are the main vehicle of transfer in this case. This study identifies that there are three different levels of CSR adoption depending on a country's phase of economic development: Luxury, diffusion, and institutionalized. The study thus contributes in terms of a multi‐level theory by highlighting a source of CSR variation at the national level in the domain of Asian emerging economies.