Corporate Social Responsibility Content Research Articles

How to alleviate consumer skepticism concerning corporate responsibility: The role of content and delivery in CSR communications

AbstractDue to heightened levels of consumer skepticism, it has become crucial for many companies to discern what corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities to undertake and how to deliver CSR‐related information to consumers. We aim to examine the role of consumer evaluations of a company's CSR, from both content and delivery perspectives, in shaping consumer skepticism about overall corporate responsibility and advancing retail patronage intentions. We conducted an online nationwide survey with 402 U.S. consumers and used structural equation modeling for the data analysis. The results indicate that the fit between a company's core values and the CSR activities it communicates plays a significant role in alleviating skepticism, while the fit between a consumer's personal values and CSR activity does not have significant effects on skepticism. Both inauthentic information and self‐promotional tone significantly increase skepticism, and skepticism is found to be a significant mediator in the paths from CSR content and delivery factors to retail patronage intentions. Our supplementary analyses suggest that delivery of CSR information can be more important than the content itself in affecting skepticism. The results should inspire practitioners, when planning for CSR communication, to carefully consider fit, tone, and authenticity in order to minimize skepticism and avoid negatively impacting consumers' retail patronage intentions.

How Can an Image of Sustainability Be Trusted? The Inner World of Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is widespread in the commercial world, but companies often face suspicion regarding the latent motivation behind their CSR activities. How can firms make outside observers perceive their CSR as authentic and gain trust? Instead of focusing on CSR content and activities, we look into an organization’s intrinsic sensemaking process of CSR. Identity orientation, legitimacy, and posture are identified as three important attributes that reflect firms’ mental frame regarding CSR. We demonstrate type-by-type links among these sensemaking attributes and build configurations of CSR profiles to explore how these attributes work in combination to help firms gain trust from outside observers. Two scenario experiments are employed to test our hypotheses. The results indicate that observers’ trust is high when these three attributes are perceived as consistently and coherently underlying firms’ CSR activities. Specifically, when individual identity orientation is configured with pragmatic legitimacy and a defensive posture or when relational identity orientation is configured with moral legitimacy and a tentative posture, observers’ trust can be enhanced.

Communicating corporate social responsibility issues on Facebook’s corporate fanpages of Latin American companies

The new organizational context in Latin America has changed the relationships between companies and stakeholders. Companies need to increase trust and transparency, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication can help Latin American companies become legitimated in the social environment by strengthening relationships with their stakeholders. This study analyzes how Latin American companies communicate their CSR activities to their stakeholders on Facebook. The research includes a specific analysis of CSR presence, activity, contents, and resources on the corporate fanpages. The results reveal that content about CSR topics are not frequently published in this social network. Companies focus their communication on their economic topics rather than their social issues, and they are using Facebook as a dissemination channel rather than as a communication channel. They mainly manage fanpages to obtain visibility, thereby missing the opportunity offered by the social network to promote dialogue and participation about CSR activities with their stakeholders.

Development Strategy of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Context of New Era—Based on the Analysis of Network Governance

Based on the theory of network governance and taking corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the new era as the governance goal, this paper puts forward the internal regulation model and external communication model of CSR. We find that, every enterprise's CSR performance should be matched with its own development conditions, and we should adjust the content of CSR periodically. It’s the precondition of improving the CSR performance in China. Secondly, we should give full play to the positive leading role of the core enterprises in the social networks, and improve the government's supervision mechanism, in order to achieve sustainable development of enterprises while improving the performance of corporate social responsibility.

Corporate Social Responsibility of Forestry Companies in China: An Analysis of Contents, Levels, Strategies, and Determinants

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has gained attention in the forestry sector, especially among Chinese forestry companies, which faces serious challenges. This study explores the CSR activities of Chinese forestry companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges and analyzes how they differ from their international counterparts. CSR contents, levels, strategies, and determinants are examined through a quantitative content analysis and statistical analyses. The results show that Chinese forestry companies’ CSR contents, like their international counterparts, are diverse and include the environment, employees, communities, general social issues, consumers and products, investors and creditors, governments, and supply chains. Both of them focus on environmental and employee responsibility and pay less attention to community responsibility; however, their CSR priority activities differ. While Chinese companies rank employee responsibility activities first and environmental activities second, their international counterparts prioritize environmental activities over employee responsibility. Chinese forestry companies have four types of CSR strategies—reactive, focused, opportunistic, and proactive—and the majority of these companies adopt reactive strategies. Only a few Chinese forestry companies choose proactive strategies. Forest resources partially explain the variance in the levels of government responsibility among forestry companies, and the industry type influences the levels of corporate environmental responsibility.

Content in the context of welfare configurations: a comparative institutional analysis of self-reporting on corporate social responsibility

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine corporate social responsibility (CSR) content in the context of four differing national institutional arrangements for welfare. An analysis is presented on how self-reported CSR differs in content across two western welfare states (the UK and Sweden) and two emerging economies in southern Africa (South Africa and Mauritius).Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a qualitative content analysis of the CSR self-reporting of 40 companies. This involved 10 of the largest companies incorporated in four countries, namely, Sweden, the UK, South Africa and Mauritius. The content is categorised into community involvement, socially responsible production and socially responsible employee relations. For each category, an analysis is provided of the reported issues (the question of what), the geographic focus of reported issues (the question of where) and ways of working with these issues (the question of how), as well as the extent of reporting and level of reporting (the question of how much).FindingsThe study shows that companies place focus on aspects, issues and localities in ways that differ between countries and can be understood in relation to current institutional arrangements for welfare. The content of self-reported CSR can be both complementing and mirroring the welfare arrangements. Differences in self-reported CSR agendas are particularly evident between the two western welfare states on the one hand and the two emerging economies on the other, as these represent two distinct contexts in terms of welfare arrangements.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to research on the institutional embeddedness of CSR in three ways: first, by going beyond measures of country differences in terms of extent of CSR to consider differences in CSR content; second, by focusing on the social aspects of CSR and placing these differences in relation to welfare configurations; and third, by contributing with empirical findings on how CSR content differs across national settings and across the established/emerging economy divide.

Evaluating Constitutive Dimensions of CSR E-Communication: A Comparison between ‘Business-To-Business’ and ‘Close-To-Market’ Companies

ABSTRACTPurpose – The aim of the paper is to analyze if the proximity to market influences the extent of disclosure of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on corporate websites of companies included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSWI).Methodology/Approach – Starting from an examination of the extant literature on CSR e-communication, the paper identified several key dimensions of the selected topic. Then, through a content analysis research design, the study explores how companies communicate on corporate websites their CSR efforts, applying a four-dimensional model.Findings – Different from assumptions (not demonstrated) in the previous research, the paper highlights that Business-to-Business (B-to-B) companies are more prone than Close-to-Market (C2M) organizations to be engaged in the disclosure both of CSR orientation (i.e. how their value statements reflect their commitment to sustainability) and structure (i.e. how they communicate their governance structure and certifications of CSR and how they engage with stakeholders). Moreover, the paper shows similarities in how C2M and B-to-B companies communicate their efforts in using interactive tools and presenting CSR content on their corporate websites.Research Implications – From a conceptual point of view, both institutional and political theories can explain why disclosure of CSR values, governance structures, and engagement mechanisms is becoming more and more frequent in B-to-B companies. These kinds of organizations are, in fact, potentially more problematic in terms of environmental issues. Hence, the paper demonstrates that the increased public scrutiny pushes B-to-B companies to play the parts of ‘political actors’, thus making them more likely to invest in processes that engage different stakeholders in CSR decision-making.Practical Implications – The research has the merit of tracing back the main differences between C2M and B-to-B companies in terms of CSR e-communication to the inherent nature of the industry to which organizations belong. This involves the view that managers of B-to-B companies can benefit from suggestions on how to use CSR e-communication to sustain specific corporate strategies. B-to-B companies are becoming more aware that mechanisms for approaching CSR communication can help them to prevent greenwashing accusations, which are very common and risky for industrial companies and their partners.Originality/Value/Contribution of the paper – The paper adds several insights to the debate on CSR communication in B-to-B research, pointing out the constitutive dimensions and the diverse motivations that can push companies to adopt specific approaches in CSR disclosure.

Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure of Sharia Banks in Indonesia

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Formation and disclosure of information on social responsibility of agribusiness enterprises

The purpose of the article is to substantiate theoretical provisions and develop practical recommendations for the formation and disclosure of information on social responsibility of enterprises in the agrarian sphere of economy. The research objectives are as follows: to study and specify the economic essence of the notion of “corporate social responsibility”, to substantiate theoretical foundations and propose new methodological approaches of corporate social responsibility assessment and the formation of social reporting. The essence and content of corporate social responsibility, principles of formation and structure of the social report are studied with the help of such general scientific methods as systematic approach, comparison, economic-statistical method and data systematization and generalization method. The paper presents the main sections subject to including in the social report and suggests forms of social reporting, which include key performance indicators which help to assess the socio-economic performance of organizations in the agrarian sector of economy.

Managing CSR communication

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse how service and product-based industries communicate their efforts in corporate social responsibility (CSR) as legitimacy-seeking strategies. The service companies are thus compared to product companies in their use of different rhetorical strategies and associated legitimacy approaches on their corporate websites.Design/methodology/approachA thematic content analysis of the websites of companies belonging to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index was conducted, to identify different rhetorical strategies (institutional, political and strategic), each associated with modes companies use to gain legitimacy (cognitive, moral and pragmatic).FindingsThe study shows that service and product companies differ in terms of how they symbolically manage legitimacy. Service companies are less active in communicating CSR in two out of three of the identified rhetorical strategies. Other differences are observable at an industry level.Practical implicationsThe study provides an in-depth understanding of legitimacy approaches elicited by online CSR communication. Managers of service companies can benefit from suggestions on how to use CSR content to sustain specific legitimacy strategies.Originality/valueThis study represents a starting point in connecting the ongoing debate on legitimacy theory with different rhetorical CSR approaches. It demonstrates that the seeking of legitimacy is to some extent restrained within the service industry.

Employer branding and CSR communication in online recruitment advertising

While multiple studies have discussed the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in recruiting, two important but unaddressed questions constrain the understanding and practice of presenting firms’ socially conscious efforts to their prospective employees. First, are companies engaged in CSR communicating their CSR practices effectively in online recruitment advertising? And second, what CSR information should companies include in online job advertisements to improve their employer attractiveness to prospective candidates? The findings of this study show that CSR communication in recruitment advertising is often limited, an ad-hoc practice, and mostly focused on company practices concerning employee participation and development. Even companies with a great CSR reputation take surprisingly little advantage of their CSR image when it comes to attracting job candidates. To improve employer attractiveness, we recommend that human resources managers consider (1) optimizing the structure of online job advertisements by including a company overview section in which CSR information can be presented easily, (2) expanding the scope of CSR dimensions in job advertisements to include environmental performance and community relations, (3) offering information about opportunities for employee engagement with CSR, and (4) adopting a strategic approach to the inclusion of CSR content in online job advertisements.

Corporate Social Responsibility on SKI KEHATI Index Corporate Performance: A Case Study

Many companies are now increasingly aware of the importance of implementing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as part of their business strategy and as the embodiment of the company's concern to society. This study specifically examines the SRI-KEHATI Index which is a new index that specifically includes issuers that have excellent performance in encouraging sustainable businesses, as well as having awareness of the environment, social and good corporate governance using an analysis technique that is regression weight in structural equation modelling used to examine the relationship between the variables. The model for this research is illustrated by the path diagram. It proves that the environment influences the company's financial performance, showing that the better the environmental performance, the respondent will respond positively through the fluctuations in the company's stock price which can improve the company's financial performance. The higher the corporate governance, the higher the corporate performance will be. Corporate Social Responsibility disclosure activities have a significant influence on the company's financial performance. The higher the social responsibility, the higher the corporate performance SRI-KEHATI. The strength of the theory of organizational legitimacy in the content of corporate social responsibility in developing countries has two elements; first, the capability to place profit maximization motives and second this makes a clearer picture of the company's motivation to increase its social responsibility.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РОЗВИТКУ КОРПОРАТИВНОЇ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНОСТІ В СИСТЕМІ ПУБЛІЧНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ

Intensive development of technologies, international relations, promotion of democratic values and implementation of effective governance mechanisms in public administration in Eastern Europe forms new trends in public life, entrepreneurship, public sphere and local self-government. The desire for sustainable development forces not only business organizations to change. At the same time, the institutions of public power are being transformed. Social responsibility extends to all spheres of public life. Corporate social responsibility of business, having one of the stakeholders as institutions of public administration, promotes the development of public-private partnership, activation of civil society, as well as gradually implemented in the activities of public authorities. Revision of the principles of the organization, taking into account stakeholders, including staff, becomes inherent in the public sector. The combination of the country's development strategies, the pursuit of sustainable development goals, public administration reform and local self- government are becoming key factors in the comprehensive and systematic development of corporate social responsibility in the public administration system. The article examines the fundamental content of corporate social responsibility in general, as well as the specifics and perspectives of its implementation in the activities of public administration and state enterprises.

Business Ethics and CSR in University Curricula in Nepal

The paper aims at examining the current practices concerning the education of business ethics (BE) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the university curricula in Nepal. Since the issue of business ethics and CSR has the direct bearing on business and management domain, the paper has explored the syllabi of management and business schools. The study — based on a descriptive approach — sought to draw out a perspective on the content and pedagogy of the BE and CSR module in Nepali varsities. Encompassing the existing Nepali universities and/or the business schools under their fold, the study discovered that Tribhuvan University, the only central and national university of Nepal, has offered more the BE and CSR contents either as a separate, independent module or as an integral part of other related subjects in a larger number of bachelors and masters programmes. Yet, pedagogical arrangements have to be specified and ameliorated in most of the universities in Nepal. Since BE and CSR are relatively very young modules in graduate and post graduate levels, the study findings should prove instrumental for Nepali universities to formulation of curricular plans and strategies vis-a-vis foreign business schools in the days to come.

Connections of social responsibility, ethics and sustainability principles in the context of enhancing the organization’s reputation

The article analyzes the concept of social responsibility; concepts used by Lithuanian scientists areprovided; the content of corporate social responsibility and the main trends defining social responsibility principal provisions in accordance with which the organizations of Global Compact network are functioning. The article analyzes the principles of ethics and sustainability as important components in the context of corporate social responsibility; highlights the connections of following ethics; sustainability and social responsibility principles and the significance in shaping the company's reputation; thereby assuring stakeholders’ (employees; the public) favour for the organization carrying out any economic activities (services; production; trade)

Corporate Social Responsibility and Web Reporting

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) represents the obligation of an individual, or in this case the company, to be beneficial to the society. The concept will no longer consider profit maximization of a company but to take care of the society and the environment in which they operate. In simple words, Corporate Social Responsibility is the way of doing business by combining economic benefit with sustainability of the environment. This paper puts special emphasis on the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility reporting and on the role of companies’ websites in it. This is the main reason why we analyzed the websites of the companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the specific focus on the CSR content.

Women Empowerment through Corporate Social Responsibility - The Role of Indian Commercial Banks

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities have started since 1990s now has become a medium for most of Indian corporate to contribute to inclusive growth of Indian society. Now the companies are participating actively in CSR initiatives by spending 2-5 per cent of their net profits. The new Companies Bill also made it compulsory to spend 2 per cent of net profit of the company towards CSR activities. Consequent to the decision, the Indian Corporate have shifted their focus beyond traditional activities. The present paper focuses on how CSR extends beyond the traditional business to encompass new governmental and social drivers and emphasised on the gender content of CSR in banking sector for the inclusive growth since development and empowerment of women ultimately imperative for the inclusive growth of the nation. The study also emphasised on the comparison of CSR content among different ownership patterns of Indian Commercial Banks in the era of competitive globalisation towards inclusive growth.

Local or global

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the link between the globalization/adaptation debate and corporate foundation activity within a small subset of such foundations. In the light of this debate, the study analyzes the corporate social responsibility (CSR) approaches of this sample of corporate-owned foundations using the tri-dimensional CSR research model of Arthaud-Day (2005) to articulate the perspective, content and strategic orientations of the companies. Design/methodology/approach – The study selects three different corporate foundations based on internationalization scale and field of activities. A content analysis methodology is applied to the data collected from the official web sites of 24 corporate foundations. Findings – The analysis results show a general compatibility between the subsidiaries and the main branches of the corporate foundations, at least on the conceptual level. However, the practices of CSR activities, targeted stakeholders or content domains differ at the opera...

Global, Local, or Glocal: Investigating CSR Strategies of Best Corporate Citizens in India

This study examined the corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies of 38 multinational corporations with operations in India. Seventy-six global and Indian corporate websites were cross-examined to determine the prominence and extent of CSR reporting as well as the dimensions most salient in the CSR content to determine whether these corporations follow a global, local, or glocal CSR strategy. The findings revealed that most of the companies follow a global approach to CSR management and communication in India. This context-specific examination of CSR strategies expands the knowledge of global CSR practices. Also, it exemplifies how cultural, political, and economic environments can inform strategic communication's understanding of transnational CSR programs, and contribute to theory building in an emerging area of glocalization in a transnational context.

Key CSR dimensions for the food chain

PurposeThis paper aims to identify and define the content of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for the food chain.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research approach was applied in the study, based on participatory and case study research methodologies. The study drew on three different case food products and their supply chains: rye bread, broiler chicken products and margarine. The content of CSR was built through participatory workshops, the aim of which was to elicit the ideas of different stakeholder groups.FindingsThe study identified seven key dimensions of food chain CSR: environment, product safety, corporate nutritional responsibility, occupational welfare, animal health and welfare, local market presence and economic responsibility.Originality/valueThe results provide food and agribusiness companies with a better understanding of core CSR issues and their relevance in complex chains and networks. This may encourage the companies to promote their activities in a more responsible and sustainable direction and offer elements to build sustainable business cases. In addition, the results may indicate a change towards broader understanding of what is meant by corporate social responsibility.