Corporate Social Responsibility Approach Research Articles

Commitment to corporate social entrepreneurship in the context of a health crisis: The case of the scientist–entrepreneur couple who founded BioNTech

ABSTRACT If corporate social responsibility (CSR) calls for a virtuous process in which health for all becomes egalitarian, ethical and equitable, the health crisis (COVID-19) revealed certain limitations to this process. The aim of our research is to identify the limitations that can hinder corporate social entrepreneurship (CSE)’s commitment of coentrepreneurs (founders of BioNTech) in the dissemination of “their” vaccine in the context of a health crisis. The difficulties encountered in disseminating the Comirnaty vaccine (Pfizer–BioNTech) on the African continent are exemplary in this respect. A literature review presents the concept of CSE associated with the contributive advantage concept in the creation of social and economic values. We then present two research proposals: How can CSE influence the double CSR performance (social and economic) of copreneurs? What kinds of limitations may hinder CSE’s commitment to success in a health crisis context? Are ethics and profit always reconcilable? Concerning the research method, we use a qualitative approach with the investigation of a unique case study of the scientist–entrepreneur couple who founded BioNTech and led the Lightspeed project that gave birth to the Comirnaty vaccine Concerning the results by showing how CSE could expand the scope of companies’ activities and their organizational values, we are pushing them to rethink their current CSR approaches by combining team commitment, will, and desire to create common economic and social values. We also have illustrated a promising path for practitioners in a crisis context, where they can achieve their economic and social objectives to take a sustainable advantage.

The effect of corporate social responsibility hybridity on firm performance: moderating role of aspirational talk

PurposeThis study explores a novel conception of corporate social responsibility (CSR) hybridity and investigates its effect on returns following CSR announcements and the moderating role of aspirational CSR talk.Design/methodology/approachBased on an event study of 136 Chinese companies’ CSR announcements, this study empirically insights into an overall tension between the short-term firm performance (FP) loss and medium-term FP success of CSR hybridity.FindingsFirst, CSR hybridity has a negative impact on short-term FP. Second, although there is positive effect on medium-term FP, this influence is not permanent. Third, aspirational CSR talk has a moderating role on the positive relationship between CSR hybridity and FP. These results point to the unique features of hybridity that require time to diffuse the impacts.Originality/valueFirst, by adopting new concept of CSR hybridity, this study contributes to the literature by considering better solutions to integrate strategic CSR. Second, by investigating the complexity of the CSR hybridity–FP dialogue, the results provide insights into the questions of why and when organizations could be incentivized to adopt hybrid CSR approaches. Third, this study contributes to the CSR–FP and stakeholder literature by demonstrating that aspirational talk is key in CSR’s medium-term success. The implication of this is a growing pressure on companies’ CSR communications with investors through managerial talk that depicts organizational ambitions for CSR engagement.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Needs in Health Care Sectors-A Critical Analysis of Social Innovation in the Health Sector in Taiwan.

Social innovation is often used as a mechanism to jump-start public-private partnerships to leverage resources to achieve social impact; the analysis of sustainability and the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) cannot be emphasized enough. Due to advances in the information and communication technology industry in Taiwan, this paper aims to explore whether these advancements drive CSR as a form of social innovation to meet health needs in Taiwan. This paper uses a case study to look at CSR programs in the health sector in Taiwan. Corporations with diverse missions and different CSR approaches that are available on the internet are selected. The analysis of the case study takes a qualitative, exploratory approach to shed light on current initiatives. The majority of CSR programs in Taiwan are private sector activities that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic; current CSR activities in Taiwan are driven by awards, public relations, and external interests. Corporations in Taiwan have the potential to address the health care gaps of urban-rural health utilization among Taiwanese indigenous communities. It is recommended for corporations to (1) develop partnerships with public health experts or to (2) employ CSR personnel with health care backgrounds who can navigate the intersection between health, business, and policies to develop CSR strategies. Further evaluation of the projects mentioned in this paper to assess the direct and indirect impact on health outcomes could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the field of CSR in the health sector in Taiwan.

Innovation stakeholders: Developing a sustainable paradigm to integrate intellectual property and corporate social responsibility

AbstractInnovation is usually framed in terms of expanding the knowledge frontier or the commercialization of new ideas. However, it is much more than that. Innovation is also about providing greater well‐being for society and the various stakeholders that support a firm's efforts to innovate. This article examines the paradoxical status of innovation and its related legal domain of intellectual property rights, which largely exists beyond the purview of corporate social responsibility (CSR) theory, practice, and discourse. To address this conceptual deficiency, this article interlinks intellectual property, innovation, and CSR to offer three contributions. First, this article provides a working definition of the various stakeholders that must be identified to define CSR goals related to innovation. A critical aspect of CSR is the identification of relevant stakeholders. Second, this article discusses how established CSR approaches will accommodate these innovation stakeholders. Third, this article introduces and positions the managerial strategy of open innovation as a feasible and desirable approach that ethically recognizes, engages, and balances the interests of innovation stakeholders with the interests held by the firm and society. The normative argument made is that the firm's fiduciary leaders have an ethical obligation to pursue open innovation practices as a default norm to achieve the best CSR results for the firm and its various innovation stakeholders.

Co-evolutionary dynamics and heterogeneity in corporate social responsibility: A case study on multinational corporation subsidiaries

This study aims to understand the heterogeneity of corporate social responsibility (CSR) approaches across subsidiaries of the same multinational corporations (MNCs) and determine the co-evolutionary dynamics that enhance the global cohesiveness of MNCs' CSR strategies and performance. The study draws on co-evolutionary theory and adopts an explanatory research design based on embedded multiple case study methodology. Semi-structured interviews with top management and employees responsible for CSR or related areas were conducted, and secondary data collection was done for triangulation and validation. The findings suggest that MNCs experience heterogeneity in their CSR, particularly in the implementation approaches, philanthropic and environmental CSR dimensions, and that MNCs with significant heterogeneity at the strategic level have less cohesive strategic CSR practices. The study also found that MNCs that encourage and facilitate active collaboration between subsidiaries have more cohesive and strategic CSR, and each MNC's CSR is driven by different co-evolutionary dynamics. The study contributes to the expansion of co-evolutionary theory to the study of CSR and offers a dynamic CSR co-evolution model explaining MNC CSR heterogeneity in real-world situations, along with potential levers to achieve more globally cohesive strategic CSR.

EMPOWERMENT OF THE MALAHING TOURISM VILLAGE COMMUNITY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CREATIVE ECONOMY

This community service aims to understand the empowerment of the tourism village community in the Development of Ecotourism Potential in Malahing Tourism Village, Tanjung Laut Indah Village, South Bontang District, Bontang City, East Kalimantan Province. The main problem is the sustainability of the creative economy community empowerment program for the community, especially batik craftsmen. The research method used in qualitative descriptive research displays data as it is in Malahing Tourism Village without a process of manipulation or other treatments, including exposure and clarification of existing data from a phenomenon that occurs. PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur's CSR approach is carried out holistically, including social responsibility programs by paying attention to social, economic, and environmental aspects that emphasize the sustainability of community development for strategic stakeholders. The study results show that community empowerment in Malahing Tourism Village can independently improve the quality of life without dependence on the program organizer, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur.

The Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance

With the rise of sustainable development, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have become crucial for evaluating corporate social responsibility. This research therefore examines the relationship between CSR and company financial outcomes using statistical regression analysis. Strong evidence is noted that the relationship of financial outcomes with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity postulates a positive relationship amid CSR's shareholder accountability and both the comprehensive CSR index and corporate performance. These findings point out that integration of ESG criteria in investment decisions is important because they provide insight that a company is bound to sustain and meet up with its resistance in the long run. Further, research has outpointed the significance of corporate governance directing CSR efforts towards infusing business with transparency and responsibility. Focusing on sustainability and social responsibility enhances the way a company is perceived, attracts investment, and helps to mitigate risks linked with the environment and society. These are the main observations that underline the importance of public awareness and the necessity for organizations to develop future-oriented CSR approaches that would positively feed into a more sensitive corporate environment and sustainable economic development.

The paradox between means and end: workforce nationality diversity and a strategic CSR approach to avoid greenwashing in tourism accommodations

This paper provides tourism companies with new solutions to enhance sustainable value creation through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), following a triple bottom line approach. We consider the driving role of workforce nationality diversity (WND) on CSR, and we highlight the role of a strategic CSR orientation as a mediator in the CSR-performance relationship. We apply the PLS-SEM technique to 202 coastal accommodations in Spain that make up the study sample. The results show a positive direct effect between WND and CSR practices. Furthermore, when accommodations integrate their CSR actions into the corporate strategy through a strategic CSR orientation, the bottom-line effects of CSR activities are enhanced. We draw useful conclusions for both managers and academics in the sector. First, we extend the traditional economic focus on WND to the analysis of its benefits for CSR. This encourages companies to take advantage of their classic diversity characteristic to improve the development of their responsible practices. Second, we highlight the need to integrate CSR actions into the core business of the company to create value and to avoid the practices of greenwashing and greenhushing.

How does innovation moderate the CSR impact on financial performance? An exploratory study and an empirical validation in the Tunisian context

Purpose This paper aims to examine the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm performance (FP) of companies listed on the Tunis Stock Exchange. Design/methodology/approach This paper reports on two empirical studies. The first was an exploratory qualitative study carried out on a sample of 30 Tunisian companies operating in different sectors. The second empirical study used a panel data regression analysis, to examine data from 46 companies listed on the Tunis Stock Exchange during the 2017 to 2021 period. Findings The results of the exploratory qualitative study pointed out the specificities of the Tunisian context as to the importance of CSR. The results highlighted also the importance of the 2018 CSR law in Tunisia, yet it drew attention to the non-implementation of its applying texts, meaning that CSR is not always enforced in the Tunisian context. Moreover, in this qualitative study, most companies confirmed that CSR is a key factor behind good governance practices. By studying the impact of CSR on various FP proxies, the results highlight that CSR has a positive and significant impact on FP measured by ROA as an accounting variable and stock returns as a market-measure variable. In addition, the authors confirm the moderating effect of innovation on the CSR and FP relationship. Indeed, innovation affects corporate FP differently. It hinders accounting-based FP while fostering the market-based one. Practical implications The study provides insights for managers into how CSR approaches can be used to maximize profits, improve its FP and reputation, while considering the corporate innovative capacities. CSR is a real performance lever for companies, a means of improving their economic, environmental and social efficiency. It enables companies to anticipate constraints and prevent risks, reduce certain operational costs, optimize resources, communicate a good image and stand out from the competition, gain easier access to innovation, strengthen their competitive edge, gain easier access to financing and strengthen their territorial and social roots. Originality/value The main contribution of this paper is the adoption of two empirical approaches. These two methods are complementary. The first is an exploratory qualitative approach aimed at better understanding the current state of CSR implementation by Tunisian companies. The second one is quantitative, a panel data regression analysis. Furthermore, the authors test the moderating effect of innovation on the studied link. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that investigates the moderating effect of innovation on CSR FP in the Tunisian context. Finally, robustness tests were conducted to test the reliability of this study’s results.

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.

Corporate Social Responsibility Trends in the Airline Industry: A Bibliometric Analysis

The aim of this study is to perform a bibliometric analysis of corporate social responsibility (CSR) research in the airline industry, underscoring current developments and future trends. Utilizing open-source R software (version 4.2.3), including the Bibliometrix R library (version 4.1.4) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20), this study notes a significant rise in CSR research. It highlights influential studies, leading scholars, and key journals in the field. The co-word analysis shows CSR’s impact on efficiency, value, employee perceptions, and customer loyalty. Post-COVID trends indicate an expanded focus on health, safety, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. The research suggests a shift towards integrated CSR strategies in the airline industry, emphasizing sustainability, stakeholder inclusion, and transparent reporting. This shift marks a movement towards more comprehensive and effective CSR approaches in stakeholder communication.

Do Industries and Corporations of this Generation Align with the Thoughts of Milton Friedman on Corporate Social Responsibility?

This research paper delves into the alignment of modern corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices with Milton Friedman's theory that a corporation's primary responsibility is profit maximization for its shareholders. It examines the pharmaceutical, banking, and food and beverage sectors to assess Friedman's theory's relevance in the current business environment. Contrary to Friedman's 20th-century view that dismissed broader CSR obligations, the 21st century has witnessed a shift towards recognizing corporate duties toward society, the environment, and a broader stakeholder group. The study scrutinizes how these sectors balance profit goals with social responsibility, including sustainable investing, responsible lending, sustainable sourcing, waste management, and nutritional transparency. Employing a mixed-method approach with data from corporate reports and sustainability indices, preliminary findings indicate a spectrum of adherence to Friedman’s profit- centric model versus a comprehensive CSR approach. Results show that while profitability remains central, many corporations have integrated CSR into their business models to varying degrees, influenced by a complex mix of factors. This nuanced exploration provides insights into the evolving nature of CSR, offering a critical perspective on Friedman's relevance today and the degree to which corporations have embraced broader social responsibilities. It lays the groundwork for future research on the interplay between corporate profitability, shareholder value, and social responsibility, contributing valuable information for stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers interested in corporate ethics and sustainability.

Fuzzy Logic Method for Measuring Sustainable Decent Work Levels as a Corporate Social Responsibility Approach

The purpose of this study was to propose an interactive computer system that utilises the MATLAB Fuzzy Logic Designer to measure the level of implementation of SDG 8, which focuses on sustainable decent work (SDW) and economic growth. This study used policies and laws as parameters to determine the presence or absence of SDW. The fuzzy method was implemented in car windshield manufacturing in the auto parts industry as a case study to define and quantify work conditions and to determine the level of sustainable decent work (SDWL). The study described environmental conditions, such as noise, lighting, and heat stress; ergonomic factors, such as exposure time, the mass of the object manipulated, and lifting frequency; and organisation at work, such as workplace violence, salary, and workday, as linguistic variables. The level of the presence or absence of SDW was defined as their membership functions. The resulting vectors determined the absence of SDW with a score of 1.5 in two linguistic variables: environmental conditions and ergonomic factors. Some features of SDW in the linguistic variable organisation at work had an SDW score of 5. The SDWL vector determined a final score of 1.24, indicating the absence of decent work in production areas. This study found that the workers suffer a lack of long and healthy lives and a bad standard of living without economic growth due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders and work illnesses, increasing their out-of-pocket spending and catastrophic health expenses. As a CSR approach, assessing SDWLs helped managers improve policies and work conditions.

Corporate Voluntary Codes of Conduct for Preventing Human Trafficking through Corporate Social Responsibility Approach : An Empirical Study

This study explores the effectiveness of Corporate Voluntary Codes of Conduct(CVCC) for preventing human trafficking through a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach. The research involved a diverse sample size of 543 participants, including corporate governance professionals, international justice authorities, human trafficking combating establishments, and non- governmental organizations (NGOs). Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to test hypotheses, utilizing a range of statistical methods such as, Mean, Standard Deviation, Coefficient of Variation, Skewness and Kutosis and t-test, ANOVA, Correlation, Multiple Regression, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA ) respectively. The study utilized a 5-point Likert scale to assess 125 factors reduced to 15 combined factors out 77 factors, and 48 factors become redundant by administering data reduction technique related to preventing human trafficking, encompassing Corporate Voluntary Codes of Conduct and CSR. The findings were employed to develop a comprehensive frameworks to hold corporations accountable for human rights violations. Human Trafficking Controlling and Prevention Model. The results highlight the significance of CVCC inconjuction with CSR initiatives in addressing human trafficking issues beyond the confines of corporate codes. This research contributes to the evolving discourse on corporate responsibility and its potential impact on preventing human trafficking, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that extends beyond regulatory frameworks

Are Firms Adopting a Going Vertical or a Going Lateral CSR Approach Equally Innovative? An Empirical Analysis on Medium-Sized Enterprises

This article explores the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and innovation, focusing on medium-sized enterprises and adopting a stakeholder-based view. Using a platform launched by the Italian government, which provides information about CSR efforts and innovation performances at the firm level, the authors distinguish, by means of a hierarchical cluster analysis, two types of CSR approaches (going lateral and going vertical) that differ in terms of breadth and depth of the stakeholder-oriented actions implemented. A bivariate probit model, estimated to explain the different types of innovations (product and/or process), shows that firms adopting a going lateral approach are more likely to innovate in both products and processes. Results provide a theoretical contribution regarding the CSR-innovation relationship, by adopting a stakeholder theory lens. Most studies delve into the relationship between specific stakeholder-oriented CSR actions and innovation, while we consider them in aggregation. Our research also increases knowledge on CSR in medium-sized companies, which are scarcely investigated.

Integrating Education and Responsibility: Enhancing Carbon Neutrality through CSR, EnEd, and USR Synergies

This article explores the dynamic relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environmental Education (EnEd), and carbon neutrality in the industrial sector, with a special focus on the enhancing role of University Social Responsibility (USR). Through a detailed analysis of various case studies, we examine how integrated CSR and EnEd approaches contribute to effective carbon-zero/negative initiatives. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data, and includes insights from a comprehensive literature review of USR case studies focused on environmental sustainability. Findings reveal that EnEd significantly influences CSR strategies, which in turn impact carbon neutrality efforts. The introduction of USR is proposed as a key component to strengthen this sequential link, fostering a more holistic approach to sustainability. Novel recommendations for future academic research and strategic directions are presented, emphasizing interdisciplinary studies, technological integration in sustainability efforts, and the importance of aligning educational initiatives with corporate environmental goals. The article contributes to the ongoing discourse on CSR and EnEd’s role in achieving environmental sustainability, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and policymakers in fostering a sustainable future.

Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on Changes in Profitability at PT Unilever Tbk Indonesia

Multinational Companies located in a country definitely have them programs that are expected to be able to get the company involved directly in the existence of improvement and progress in wrong society the other is the Unilever company in Indonesia. The aim of this paper is to understand Unilever's form of social responsibility through its USLP program in Indonesia. In this paper we use a CSR approach to analyzing Unilever programs.

Sustainable CSR Approach in Mitigating Industrial Disaster/Accidents in India

Abstract: The Economic and Social Council of the UN in its 45th session raised a concern about the environment and moved a resolution on this subject to intensify the urgent action at the national as well as international levels. Stock Holm Conference on Human & Environment again emphasized the issue of the environment and the suffering of poor people. It recommended the participating countries to make necessary arrangements in their countries to sustain the environment and development. The significance of environment and development made the UN General Assembly 1983 to establish the World Commission on Environment and Development. It submitted its report in 1987. Where the word sustainable development is coined and defined. Principle 1 of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration of 1992 used the word sustainable development. In order to meet the international obligations to achieve the sustainable development goal, respective countries adopted sustainable practices and policies. Business operation is very often associated with hazardous operations. This leads to industrial accidents and caused personal injury and property damages. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one such policy that is introduced in the 21st-century Business ethic and practice. In India, CSR is comprehensively dealt with in the Company Act, 2013. In this present research paper, the authors have studied the sustainable CSR approach to mitigate the industrial disaster for effective implementation of the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.

Creating Shared Value in Support of Coffee

This study offers a comprehensive analysis of Nescafe's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy within the context of Indonesia. Employing a literature review methodology, the research draws on an extensive range of sources, including prior journal articles and official Nescafe company reports, to unravel the intricacies of Nescafe's CSR approach. The focal point of this examination is the globally recognized multinational coffee producer, Nescafe. The research involved an exhaustive review of eight selected journal articles that delve into Nescafe's CSR initiatives and sustainability reports. The outcomes of this analysis unveil a holistic perspective on Nescafe's sustainability strategy in Indonesia. A central facet of this strategy is dedicated to addressing pressing environmental concerns, chiefly marked by the ambitious objective of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an impressive 35% per metric ton of soluble coffee. This reduction is meticulously monitored through regular assessments encompassing critical factors such as water resources, soil quality, and biodiversity. Notably, the paramount goal of Nescafe's CSR program in Indonesia is to support local coffee farmers, enabling the distribution of Nescafe coffee products throughout the country. In a symbiotic relationship, Nescafe leverages the strengths of local farmers to source raw materials while simultaneously imparting advanced production technologies, ultimately enhancing the quality of the products. The depth of Nescafe's commitment to CSR is manifest through a plethora of documented programs and activities, all thoughtfully disseminated via the company's official website. This study provides a valuable lens through which to understand Nescafe's strategic CSR and sustainability efforts, underscoring the company's role in fostering environmental sustainability, uplifting local communities, and elevating product quality in Indonesia.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IMPACT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF PRIVATE SECTOR EDUCATION

Private-sector educational entities require strong corporate strategies. To be effective in a globally competitive world, the Corporate Social Responsibility Approach must be embraced. This research examined corporate social responsibility in the district of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and its effect on secondary schools in the private sector. Primary nature research and data were collected through a five-point Likert scale questionnaire distributed to private sector high school teachers to get the data about the impact of corporate social responsibility on organizations’ performance. The questionnaire was fielded to private sector secondary school teachers in order to get data about the impact of corporate social responsibility on the performance of secondary schools. The population of the study was 184 registered private sector secondary schools (140 boys and 44 girls) which included 900 teachers (who taught to class 10th students during the session 2017-18) in district Peshawar. A sample of 280 teachers (140 male and 140 female) in 70 private sector secondary schools (35 for boys and 35 for girls) were selected through equal allocation sampling formula. Mean, Standard Deviation and t-test were applied for analyzing the data. The Pearson’s correlation r was used to evaluate the variable effects. The result from the data indicated that all the four aspects of CSR have positive significant impact on the performance of secondary schools.