Corporate Social Responsibility Research Articles

Revisiting tokenism: impact of gender diversity on corporate social performance of Indian companies

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance, in particular board diversity, and corporate social performance (CSP) amongst the top 500 listed companies in India.Design/methodology/approachData from the top 500 listed Indian companies constituting the BSE500 index for a five-year period from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2019 are used to test the impact of the proportion of women directors, proportion of women independent directors, female CEOs and other corporate governance variables on CSP.FindingsThe results of panel regression analysis suggest that firms characterised by high proportions of women directors, independent women directors or a female CEO spend more on corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Furthermore, CEO duality, board size and board independence are positively related to social performance. These findings are of relevance to the policymakers and board of directors who are engaged in meeting corporate governance requirements.Practical implicationsThis is one of the initial studies to document the impact of executive-level female representation on CSP following India's 2013 regulations on mandatory women representation on boards and CSR expenditure. The study reveals that greater gender diversity on corporate boards significantly boosts CSP, offering strategic advantages in governance and CSR. The study offers practical benefits for various stakeholders including corporate regulators, policymakers and corporate managers.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the corporate governance and CSR literature by showing that good governance practices and high women representation on boards promote social performance. Our study is one of the preliminary efforts to document the level and impact of female representation at the executive level on CSP after the regulation of minimum women representation on corporate boards and mandatory CSR expenditure requirement introduced in India in 2013.

The Construction of Equality vs. Equity and Its (Un)Transparent Communication. A Corpus-Based Analysis of ESG Communication in the Car Transportation Sector

Abstract Studies across various disciplines have shown that, although they sound similar, there is significant difference in the meanings of the words equality and equity. However, no research has been conducted on the linguistic and discursive construction of these two concepts, especially in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures, which are increasingly used by companies to show their commitment to these issues. In light of this, the primary objective of this study is to assess the usage of equity and equality in ESG communication, comparing it with their usage in a general English corpus. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate the transparency of companies’ communication regarding their commitment and approach to equality and/or equity. Through a synchronic corpus-based analysis of a pilot corpus of ESG reports from companies operating in the sectors of car rental and ride sharing, followed by a comparison with the enTenTen21 Corpus, this paper provides insights into the linguistic profiles of the two words and the communication strategies in both contexts. The findings attempt at contributing to an updated linguistic definition of the distinction between equity and equality that is still lacking in the literature.

ENHANCING BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH CSR: A CASE STUDY OF "BETTER LIVING IN MALAHING” IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF CARROLL'S PYRAMID

This study examines PT PKT's CSR initiative, "Better Living in Malahing," in relation to business sustainability and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research underscores the critical role of economic responsibility and profitability in sustaining both social and environmental goals. Using a qualitative case study approach, the study delves into the implementation of the CSR program based on Carroll's Pyramid of responsibilities, encompassing economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic dimensions. Data collection methods include in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. Findings reveal that the program significantly improved the quality of life for coastal communities in Bontang while simultaneously bolstering the company's reputation. Moreover, a strong correlation between corporate social responsibility and sustainable financial performance is identified. The conclusion emphasizes that integrating CSR into core business strategies is crucial for long-term sustainability. This research contributes by illustrating the necessity of well-structured, enduring CSR initiatives in supporting economic, social, and environmental dimensions of corporate operations.

Framing Diversity in Corporate Communication on Twitter and CSR Reports. A Corpus-Based Study

Abstract Nowadays, companies are required to produce annual reports on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and consider the promotion of diversity as one of their fundamental values, particularly in terms of reputation and image (Fuoli 2018; Maier and Ravazzani 2018). Given its importance, diversity is included in companies’ communication planning (Mundy 2015). The aim of this work is to explore how eleven companies (Amazon, Calvin Klein and Pfizer among others) frame diversity and talk about it on their Twitter (now X) profiles and CSR reports over a timespan of five years (2018-2022), filling a gap in the literature which, to date, has mainly focused on the study of companies’ websites rather than their social media channels. To do this, we analysed a corpus of tweets and reports to identify recurring patterns and phrases related to diversity and inclusion. The findings reveal disparities between the two communication channels, with an overall positive framing of diversity, although the term is mainly used in passive voice constructions which indicate that as a principle and value it is far from being considered established in its own right.

Tracing the path to sustainable governance: CSR committees as mediators of board impact on ESG performance in the MENA region

Purpose This study aims to explore the mediating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) committees in the relationship between board characteristics and environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, specifically within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Design/methodology/approach Based on a panel of 178 firms spanning 2015–2022, the analysis uses Baron and Kenny’s (1986) mediation approach, supplemented by structural equation modeling (SEM) path analysis for robustness. Findings The findings demonstrate that CSR committees play a significant mediating role in the impact of board size, expertise and gender diversity on ESG performance. Furthermore, the study confirms the direct, positive influence of both board characteristics and the presence of CSR committees on ESG performance, underscoring their strategic importance in fostering sustainability in this regional context. Practical implications The findings highlight the strategic importance of diversifying and enhancing board skills to improve ESG performance. Companies are encouraged to recalibrate their governance frameworks to leverage the mediating influence of CSR committees and promote sustainable business practices. Social implications By demonstrating the positive effect of CSR committees on ESG performance, this study aligns with global trends in responsible business conduct and highlights the importance of corporate governance in addressing environmental and social challenges. This alignment is critical for achieving sustainable development goals and reinforcing stakeholder trust in the region. Originality/value This research provides novel empirical insights into the mediating effect of CSR committees within the MENA region, offering a unique contribution to the discourse on corporate governance and sustainability. By highlighting region-specific governance dynamics that shape ESG outcomes, it deepens the understanding of effective governance practices.

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES OF FINANCIAL POSITION ASSESSMENT IN COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATIONS

The evaluation of the financial position has traditionally been carried out by the results of the commercial activities of organizations and basically pursued private interests. Business partners made investment plans based on such assessments, analyzed partner risks and considered the competitive positions of commercial organizations in the market. However, currently commercial organizations are considered not only from the point of view of financial stability, but also from the point of view of the social responsibility of their activities to the public, and the existing international standards require the publication of combined financial reports, which assess financial risks of public interest. The article proposes new approaches to assessing the financial position of organizations in the context of corporate social responsibility.

Foreign directors and corporate social responsibility reporting in China: the moderating role of institutional pressures

Foreign directors and corporate social responsibility reporting in China: the moderating role of institutional pressures

CSR Strategies for Promoting Sustainable Development in the Emerging Market: An Analytical Study

Business can now address significant social environmental and economic issue under the framework of corporate social responsibility (CSR) this is especially true as corporate ethics and sustaianbility become more widely recognized. With rapid technological advancement, economic expansion and urbanization frequently accompanied by environmental degredation, social inequality, and governance problem, corporate social responsibility is crucial to fostering sustainable development in emerging economies. A weak regulatory structure, scarce resources and the stakeholder participation are some of the particular difficulties this sector faces. Years are covered in this study to examine how multinational corporations are implementing CSR initiatives in emerging economies in order to match them with the sustainable development goals ( SDGs) of the UN. They will focus on issues including social justice environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation. Using case studies from the emerging economies, the article thoroughly examines the unique opportunities and problems associated with the application of CSR in emerging markets, where striking a balance between responsible corporate practice and economic success is crucial. This article gives useful insights into how CSR can be effectively used to promote long term economic growth, boost public wellbeing and assure environmental sustainability creating innovation, establishing strategic networks, incorporating CSR into core company strategy and promoting sustainable development. They also emphasize how crucial it is to boost stake holder participation in order to improve results.

Corporate engagement in mitigating plastic pollution: examining voluntary initiatives and EU regulations

Plastic pollution has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge, with far-reaching ecological, economic, and social implications. This article addresses the fragmented nature of the current literature on plastic pollution regulations and their impact on the corporate sector and aims to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of the current EU regulatory framework and corporate voluntary self-regulatory initiatives relevant to plastic pollution. Examining voluntary initiatives – including corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and the emerging concept of plastic credits – in terms of their potential to tackle plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability, the article presents novel insights on how different regulatory mechanisms and voluntary self-regulatory initiatives engage the corporate sector in mitigating plastic pollution. While highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies and businesses, the study critically evaluates the challenges and limitations of current approaches. It addresses concerns about the efficacy and transparency of CSR initiatives, with particular attention to the issue of greenwashing and its potential legal implications. By synthesizing diverse sources, this article emphasizes the need to combine stringent regulatory frameworks with responsible business practices to engage the corporate sector in preventing and mitigating plastic pollution, specifically within the context of the European Union’s pioneering environmental policy. Ultimately, the study suggests that the most effective long-term solution lies in reducing plastic production altogether while acknowledging the role of transitional measures in the interim.

From Farm to Fortune: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges in Rural CSR Ventures

The concept of rural development is extensive and encompasses a significant portion of the population residing in rural areas. This paper examines corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the context of rural development, with a specific focus on the impact of CSR activities on the socioeconomic development of rural communities in India. This research employs a methodology that relies on secondary data. Six public and private companies have been studied to comprehend their operational framework in the context of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This research also aims to understand that Indian companies have recognized the significance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for business growth, regardless of the sector, size, and business objectives. The actions taken by these companies have demonstrated a positive impact on the development of the rural sector and their own business. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Rural CSR, Opportunities, Challenges, Sustainability.

CSR as a mediating to company characteristic, corporate governance, and firm value

Investors use the company's value as a benchmark to assess financial performance. Therefore, we must conduct research that uncovers factors capable of enhancing the company's value. Moreover, the majority of research conducted to date has primarily focused on direct testing. This research aims to explain the mechanism of comprehending factors in generating company value based on the signaling theory framework. This study investigates the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices, as well as mediators such as profitability and size, on firm value in manufacturing firms that have listed their shares on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI). The data analysis was performed using the EViews application based on the collected sample of companies in the period 2019–2022. The results of this research indicate that the level of profitability, company size, and corporate governance effect firm value components directly. This study also suggests that, in line with the signaling theory stream of research, corporate social responsibility (CSR) acts as an important channel to bind the profitable and large-sized firms along with governance mechanisms through the utilization of signals by investors about influential variables such as profitability levels or company size; overall governance practices enacted.

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

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

Effects of disability employment on guest perceptions and behavioral intentions in the hotel sector

This study investigates the influence of employing persons with disabilities (PWD) in hotels on consumer behavior, with an emphasis on word of mouth and repurchase intention. The research delves into the underlying mechanisms behind these effects and examines potential boundary conditions using hotel characteristics. Utilizing two between-subject design experiments, 1443 responses were analyzed using the propensity score weighting scheme and multigroup analysis. Results reveal that PWD employment in the hotel industry has a positive impact on word of mouth and repurchase intention through the moral decision-making process, specifically progressing from moral judgement to moral obligation, and perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR). These effects remain consistent across different hotel star ratings and whether chain or independent. The findings enhance the literature on equality, diversity and inclusion by identifying the underlying mechanism of how hotel guests respond to PWD employment in the hotel industry, drawing insights from moral psychology and perceived CSR.

Business Strategy and Finance research of Honda Motor Company, Ltd

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of Honda Motor Company, Ltd, examining its business segments, financial performance, and strategic positioning to identify key areas for improvement. It highlights the automobile segment as the main revenue driver and employs Porter's Five Forces and the 9Ms model to assess Honda's competitive strengths and resources. The article also categorizes stakeholders using the Mendelow matrix and explores strategic options with Ansoff's matrix and the Boston Consulting Group model. A financial comparison with Toyota from 2018 to 2020 reveals areas where Honda's profitability and liquidity could be enhanced. The article concludes with recommendations to reduce operational costs, optimize asset investments, improve inventory turnover, extend payable terms, mitigate losses in the power products segment, and increase investment in new power vehicles, all while emphasizing corporate social responsibility. Despite existing weaknesses, the article confirms Honda's strategic direction and competitive strength in the global automotive market.

Green human resource management and corporate social responsibility as drivers of organizational performance: mediating effects of employee engagement and corporate reputation in Vietnam

Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationship between green human resource management (GHRM), corporate social responsibility (CSR) and organizational performance (OP) of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by examining corporate reputation (CR) and employee engagement (EE) as mediators in Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach This study used the quantitative method with 458 valid responses from mid- to senior-level managers and chief executive officers (CEOs) were obtained and used for data analysis. To analyze and explore the relationships between constructs and mediators, SmartPLS version 4.0 structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data of the SMEs of Vietnam in 2023. Findings The results showed strong and positive relationships between GHRM, CSR and OP in SMEs, with CR and EE serving as significant mediators. Originality/value This research provides new insights into how GHRM and CSR enhance OP by using an integrated model that examines how CR and EE mediate this relationship. It demonstrates that businesses implementing GHRM and CSR can promote sustainable development among stakeholders, leading to improved OP in Vietnam’s dynamic economic environment. The findings have practical implications for executives and managers, emphasizing the need to balance stakeholder, environmental and social interests to optimize GHRM and CSR initiatives and foster sustainable growth. This study’s insights could significantly influence SMEs in the Vietnamese economy.

Strategic corporate social responsibility in the tourism and hospitality industry: Conceptual proposal

Considering the growing significance of CSR in the corporate world, this study critically reflects the extant CSR literature and CSR practices, and proposes a conceptual CSR framework, called Strategic CSR, to highlight the importance of developing and implementing CSR practices that can create and optimize both social and business value. Strategic CSR incorporates four existing concepts and frameworks: creating shared value, enlightened stakeholder theory, resource-based theory, and CSR fit perspective. The essential argument for Strategic CSR is that businesses should develop and implement CSR practices that are directly related to the businesses’ core operations and competencies. This study also discusses several additional important issues to consider in developing and implementing Strategic CSR to enhance the understanding of the framework along with tourism and hospitality industry examples. This study conducted survey of which results generally support the proposed framework. Lastly, the study suggests several research directions for CSR scholars.

Artificial Intelligence and Corporate Social Responsibility: Synergies, Challenges, and Future Directions

Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, has been the subject of an increasing amount of interest with the infusion of artificial intelligence or AI. AI may open up much-needed improvements in CSR practice, including better decision-making, transparency, and sustainable benefits, but it also poses challenges related to the ethical concerns of data privacy, bias, and accountability. This paper focuses on how an AI-based approach enhances CSR activities and identifies risks embedded in AI adoption in approaches to CSR. The study combines qualitative interviews with industry experts and quantitative analysis of CSR reports from AI-adopting firms and thus sheds lights on the upside and downside of AI-enhanced CSR. Finally, this article ends with recommendations in developing a framework that would align AI capabilities with CSR objectives and indicates how that may potentially challenge future research directions in order to mitigate the ethical challenges involved.

Mediation of brand reputation and image in the relationship between perceived corporate social responsibility and brand equity and loyalty of technology companies among Generation Z: the moderating role of gender

Mediation of brand reputation and image in the relationship between perceived corporate social responsibility and brand equity and loyalty of technology companies among Generation Z: the moderating role of gender

The role of environmental social governance on achieving sustainable development goals in Gulf Cooperation Council countries

The role of environmental social governance on achieving sustainable development goals in Gulf Cooperation Council countries

Corporate social responsibility and energy efficiency: Empirical evidence from the manufacturing sector of India

AbstractThe strategic business firm manages today's profitability and tomorrow's sustainability to achieve a comparative advantage in the emerging market economy. Considering India's ambitious emission reduction target and rapid economic development, this study explores the potential relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the energy efficiency of manufacturing firms in India. Using firm‐level data, the panel fixed effects model shows that CSR negatively explains energy intensity (EI). We observed a consistent negative relationship between CSR and EI for all models, with and without controlled firm‐specific variables. Firms that manufacture chemical and chemical products, pharmaceuticals, medical chemicals and botanical products are energy intensive without CSR; however, CSR activities helped these firms become energy efficient. Our result confirms that voluntary CSR is less efficient than mandatory CSR in contributing to environmental and energy‐related indicators at the firm level. Our empirical results indicate several policy implications: (1) CSR should also focus on sustainable business models related to energy efficiency and reduction in carbon emissions; (2) firms should be encouraged to use CSR related to environmentally friendly innovations. We conclude that CSR spending and environmental expenses will increase energy efficiency at the firm level, which will help achieve net‐zero targets and sustainable industrial development.