CSR Initiatives Research Articles

Study shows significant influence of HRD to shape and inspire CSR and sustainability initiatives

PurposeThe authors wrote their study in response to the pressures businesses face today to behave responsibly. More than 90% of the largest 250 MNCs in the world, they said, disclose information about various aspects of their CSR and sustainability. Meanwhile, HRD practices play a significant role in the design and effectiveness of these initiatives.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted an analysis of the contents of CR reports to detect themes. They used a list of the top 100 CSR companies in the 2016 Global CSR Rep Trak 100. Overall, 55 reports were included from 23 large MNCs in 17 industries and 10 countries across Europe, Asia and North America. Household names included BMW, Campbell Soup, Dell, FedEx, Nike, Visa, Sony, Honda, Samsung, LEGO, Air Canada, Hilton Worldwide, and Fujifilm.FindingsInitial analysis showed that seven areas of HRD work were the most important in supporting CSR and sustainability agendas. They were (1) Diversity, equity and inclusion. (2) Community engagement. (3) Work-life balance. (4) Employee long-term growth and development. (5) Performance management. (6) Business ethics and ethical culture and (7) Raising CSR awareness.Originality/valueThe study addressed two fundamental questions: First, what is the role of HRD in CSR and sustainability as portrayed in CR reports? Second, what areas of HRD work are highlighted in CR reports as important in the context of CSR and sustainability?

Does company size matter in corporate social responsibility? An examination of the impact of company size and cause proximity fit on consumer response

Two experimental studies were carried out to investigate the effect of company size and cause proximity on consumer response to CSR initiatives. Findings from Study 1 demonstrated that, for a large company, the national cause led to more favourable attitudes toward the ad and the company, and a more socially responsible corporate image than the local cause. By comparison, for a small company, the local cause produced more positive attitudes toward the ad and the company, and a more socially conscious corporate image than the national cause. Further delving into the cognitive mechanism of this fit effect, Study 2 investigated the mediating role of message credibility and explored how the mediation varied with consumers’ level of cause involvement. A series of moderated mediation analyses showed that when company size and cause proximity were congruent, participants displayed higher message credibility, which led to more favourable attitudes toward the ad and the company and a better corporate image than in an incongruent condition. This research suggests that company size does matter in consumer response to CSR engagement and offers initial explanations for it. Implications and suggestions for future research are provided.

What Prompts Small and Medium Enterprises to Implement CSR? A Qualitative Insight from an Emerging Economy

The topic of corporate social responsibility (henceforth referred to as CSR) has been a central topic during the last decade, but the majority of the existing literature discusses CSR relationship with large organizations. Whereas, its contribution in small and medium enterprises (henceforth referred to as SME) sector has received little attention. There have been some studies that focused on CSR activities in SME sector quantitatively in the context of developing economies like Pakistan, but the fact is, to date, SME sector of Pakistan is not participating actively in CSR-related activities due to some constraints. The present study is a pioneer attempt, to explore CSR barriers that restrict SME sector of Pakistan from practicing CSR initiatives. For this reason, the present study explores these barriers qualitatively in order to gain in-depth knowledge of different CSR barriers. In doing so, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews from 9 SMEs in Lahore city of Pakistan. We performed thematic analysis, which produced five relevant themes of CSR barriers, including: Lack of resources, lack of regulations, lack of top management commitment, lack of CSR knowledge, and passive customer behavior. Our analysis further showed that lack of resources is the most related barrier that hinder SMEs to be engaged in CSR activities. This paper contributes to CSR literature in emerging economies’ context. Through an increased awareness of barriers, policy makers and practitioners may take necessary steps to improve CSR practices in SMEs.

The perception of corporate social responsibility and its impact on consumer buying behaviour in the process of globalization

Research background:In the current era of globalization, corporate social responsibility has been gaining an increasing attention. By implementation CSR activities into their business strategy, companies can gain positive feedback from stakeholders including consumers and thus new competitive advantage. Creating positive attitude on CSR from the consumers that subsequently can influence their buying behaviour depends on many factors such as how the companies understand and perform their CSR initiatives and finally, how they communicate them to stakeholders.Purpose of the article:The main aim of the article is to determine the perception of corporate social responsibility and its impact on consumer buying behaviour in the process of globalization. This includes the literature review on the issue and analysis focused on the perception of corporate social responsibility and its impact on consumer buying behaviour.Methods:General scientific methods were applied for the processing of the data as well as mathematical-statistical methods to evaluate the data collated from the results of the questionnaire survey and to statistical hypothesis testing. The secondary data for the analysis were obtained from scientific researches, statistical tables and professional publications. In order to determine the perception of corporate social responsibility and its impact on consumer buying behaviour, a questionnaire survey was conducted among Slovak consumers.Findings & Value added:Based on analysis and questionnaire survey results, measures for the efficient implementation of corporate social responsibility are proposed, and its benefits are highlighted, such as strengthening the company’s image, improving customer relationships, gaining their loyalty and competitive advantage.

Harvest To Heritage: Tracing The Footprints Of Corporate Social Responsibility Towards Rural Development In India.

Purpose- In this competitive market, every company is running after profit. While running after profit , they should remember that like government , they are also equally responsible for the upliftment of the society. Since India lives in its villages, so their area of concern should be more focused on rural development. Thus, this paper is basically highlighting on rural development through CSR initiatives with respect to areas Livelihoods, Medical Facilities, Education Facilities, Infrastructure Development, Disaster Management, Environment Sustainability Programmes and Women Empowerment by some corporates and also evaluating the current status of CSR activities towards rural development and also suggesting the various ways to promote rural development through CSR activities in this COVID-19 pandemic situation. Approach- This study is a qualitative study which follows a descriptive research design comprising of 20 public and private companies. The findings are based on the various projects undertaken by the mentioned companies during the year 2018-2019 towards rural development. Findings-The findings of this research reveals that under this COVID-19 pandemic situation, the companies are lacking in disaster management initiatives like conducting adequate programs towards awareness of Covid-19 Pandemic among the rural people, providing adequate healthcare facilities in rural sector and also in providing livelihood opportunities for migrant labours.

Role of NGOs in Implementation of CSR Activities in India

Purpose: Corporate social responsibility is becoming a necessary component of doing business. India is the first country to establish a minimum wage for CSR initiatives aimed at improving the future. The Indian government has implemented new CSR criteria that require businesses to invest 2% of their net profit in such projects. CSR enables businesses to contribute to the betterment of society, the environment, and nature to achieve this goal. NGO's play an important role because they manage various financial assistance programs and assist businesses in achieving various goals. This study is mainly focused to know the contribution of CSR made the business organization toward inclusive growth and the reasons beyond the implementation on CSR by business organization. Methodology: Business organisations' contributions to inclusive growth through corporate social responsibility are examined in this study, as are the reasons for CSR's adoption by businesses. A case study is used to examine the role of non-profit organisations in the implementation of CSR activities. This study focuses on the role of non-governmental organisations in implementing CSR activities that benefit society by creating a systematic framework. Findings: The paper finds that majority of the organizations are conscious of the concept of Corporate Responsibility, which means most of the organizations they are responsible for society. Practical Implications: This study implies that CSR is based on the profit and need of society. Building strong public-private partnerships and working closely with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) as implementation partners is accomplished through company’s collaborative methods by organizations and various NGOs at the ground level are needed to develop which is beyond micro-credit to increase women's endowments and improve their trade outcomes vis-a-vis the family markets state and community. Originality/Value: These findings have been made based on available secondary data and have identified the role played by non-governmental organisations in the implementation of CSR activities, as well as how their priorities and focus shifted towards developing society. This paper also outlines the evolution and advancements of CSR activities Paper Type: Conceptual Research.

Social marketing through (S)CSR initiatives implemented by football clubs and their impact on communities

Currently, organizations must be aware not only of the signals that come from shareholders but also of those from the stakeholders that are part of their business environment, which claim for engagement with corporate social responsibility supported by social marketing to address diverse social matters effectively. The football industry is not indifferent to this challenge, especially if considered its unique social role in the communities it reaches. As a sport, football has been commonly accepted as a powerful vehicle to promote education, health, social equity, sustainable awareness, and cultural understanding and integration. This article consists of a literature review on this topic, aiming to understand better the marketing role of football clubs’ corporate social responsibility initiatives and the extent to which they impact the communities they engage with.

Analysis of GRI and CSR Reports, submitted by Ukrainian Companies

Abstract. Introduction. The article investigates practical implementation of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility initiatives, based on GRI and CSR reports analysis. Purpose. The aim of this study is to analyze SD and CSR reports and based on obtained results to make conclusions regarding practical implication highlighted concepts in Ukrainian business realities. Results. Firstly, the authors elaborate an approach for analyzing given types of reports submitted by Ukrainian companies. Offered approach includes analysis of two separate samples (GRI and CSR reports) based on assessing 23 aspects which refer to SD and CSR initiatives. Secondly, main aspects and pieces of information, which are commonly used for describing SD and CSR in business practice are considered in detail and summarized. Conclusions. Conclusions are made on the general comprehension of current practical implication of SD and CSR concepts, based on sequence of actions conducted by Ukrainian companies, highlighted in the reports. Keywords: sustainable development; corporate social responsibility; reports; Ukrainian companies.

Sustainability Reporting in India – A Study of Infosys Sustainability Reports

Sustainability reporting is becoming more prevalent, driven by a growing recognition that sustainability-related issues can materially affect a company’s performance. In India, with the Companies Act 2013 making CSR mandatory in specified areas, more and more companies are undertaking sustainability and CSR initiatives. However, accounting and reporting of these activities are still at a nascent stage, with nearly 40 companies disclosing their sustainability performance. One such Indian company to report on CSR operations is Infosys. Infosys Ltd has proved to be the first IT firm in the globe to publish a sustainability report under the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) G4 framework. This case study aims to explore the reporting methods followed by Infosys and to comprehend the effect it has on the synergy and development of the business. It studies the sustainability report of Infosys for 10 years and tries to understand the reporting policies and practices. Infosys has been one of the pioneers in sustainable development and reporting the same. Sustainability reports help not only to showcase the CSR activities but also serve as an effective medium for reaching nations sustainability goals.

Assessing SME Perceptions of Using Green Social Media Marketing

The image of an enterprise in relation to the environment in which it operates is currently of increased importance (Liskova, Cudlinova, Partlova & Petr, 2016, p.64). An enterprise's brand image is a customer's perception of a brand and can help customers assemble information, discriminate brands, create positive feelings, and create a reason to purchase (Huang, Yang & Wang, 2014, p.263). Therefore, enterprises aim to create a strong positive image of their brand which can be generated through marketing programmes. Social media marketing is the application of marketing principles, tools and techniques to social media platforms to differentiate and position the brand better than competitors (Neti, 2011, p.3). Enterprises should therefore use social media to promote and communicate their green initiatives to their stakeholders because of the prominent benefits it offers. Conscious and careful use of social media is the most promising investment for furthering an enterprise's green marketing strategies and by implementing green projects as a CSR initiative SMEs can satisfy their stakeholders (Williams, Page & Petrosky, 2014, p.26). SMEs do not effectively and efficiently market their enterprises due to the lack of funding, insufficient cash flow and the need for technical assistance to market their enterprise (National Small Business Chamber, 2016). Social media is the most popular means of communication in society and provide a good solution as it allows enterprises to interact with their stakeholders through dialogue and engagement to identify and satisfy stakeholder expectations (Bibri, 2008, p.14). The implementation of marketing activities that communicate enterprises' social and environmental initiatives creates added value and enhances financial performance (Bibri, 2008, p.14). If SMEs promote their green initiatives in their marketing communications that are directed at their stakeholders, they could succeed in marketing their business effectively and as a result grow and survive in the long term. However, few SMEs in South Africa are aware that implementing green strategies can improve their profitability and their survival. Keywords: Green marketing; social media marketing; SME's

Controversial Industries, Regional Differences, and Risk: Role of CSR*

AbstractControversial industries such as the alcohol, gambling, tobacco, and firearms sectors have long suffered from organizational legitimacy problems. Using data covering 32 countries, we show that controversial industry firms’ engagement in CSR initiatives has a substantial risk‐decreasing effect, thereby increasing the probability of maintaining the social license to operate. The effect of CSR on firm risk, however, is more pronounced for firms in Europe and North America than in the Asia‐Pacific region, suggesting that the CSR–risk association varies by region. Our results are consistent with the view of the “social license to operate” and the “differential recognition” hypotheses.

COVID‐19 and Global Governance

Abstract The COVID-19 epidemic has sent economic and social shockwaves reverberating across the globe, and has shaken governance institutions at every level and across a range of issues, from trade to health and climate change An important question is whether COVID will accelerate, slow, or perhaps reverse some key trends in global governance Most prominently, the global and multilateral governance regimes that developed post-World War II were already weakening and fragmenting before COVID (Acharya, 2016) In a closely related phenomenon, cosmopolitan liberalism, as a set of institutions and ideologies committed to a democratic open society, human rights, and multiculturalism, has also retreated in the face of rising populism and authoritarianism in recent years (Norris and Inglehart, 2019) COVID could also affect a third important trend, the decline of state regulation and the rise of private, voluntary, and disclosure-based governance (Levy, Brown, and de Jong, 2010) The impact of COVID on these trends suggests some fruitful new directions for scholars of global governance and organizations

Socially responsible banking behavior?

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The banking sector is failing to fully realized the benefits of utilizing CSR initiatives and adopting SCSR plans to gain a competitive advantage. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

A citizen-centred approach to CSR in banking

PurposeThis study aims to demonstrate how banks can align their CSR investment to community needs and citizen preferences. A grounded theory inductive approach is applied to deliver a community-centred process that banks can apply to inform CSR investment decisions.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a sequential mixed-method research design to identify areas of need from the perspective of community leaders and members through depth interviews. Following thematic analysis, citizen preferences for eight priority areas were elicited using best-worst scaling (BWS).FindingsClear investment preferences emerged with citizens preferring six community investment causes, namely, (1) infrastructure, (2) crisis and prevention support, (3) community groups, (4) youth facilities and activities, (5) initiatives that support the local environment, and (6) physical activity promotion. The forming of community advisory committees emerged as one approach that banks could apply to ensure long-term citizen-centred CSR investment decisions.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to one community and one community bank and a small convenience, cross-sectional data sample.Social implicationsCommunity-oriented financial institutions should centre investment decisions on community need and citizen preferences ensuring investments made deliver the greatest societal benefit and community support for the banks is garnered.Originality/valueThis paper provides important contributions to improve the effectiveness of CSR initiatives, providing an inductive, methodological approach that financial institutions can follow to better align their CSR investment to community needs and preferences.

Gender diversity: the corporate social responsibility and financial performance nexus

PurposeThe authors investigate the role of gender in the way firms evaluate and resolve the ethical dilemma founded on the corporate social responsibility–corporate financial performance (CSR–CFP) nexus. This study is premised on Gilligan's “two voices” theory and the social role theory that there is a gender-based difference in moral thinking.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt the two-stage least squares (2SLS) and generalized method of moments (GMM) approach to control for simultaneity between female representation on boards, CSR and financial performance. The sample consists of 9,569 firm-year observations from 1,527 US firms for the period 1996–2014.FindingsThe authors find that CSR initiatives and activities undertaken by US firms are profit maximizing. However, the return on investment in CSR decreases with the proportion of female directors on the board. This study underscores the importance of considering gender in furthering the understanding of how firms address the CSR–CFP nexus.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is not without limitations, which includes the way the authors operationalize CSR. The CSR scores from the MSCI ESG database have been criticized for being relatively weak predictors of actual CSR outcomes. Since the CSR–CFP nexus is likely to be far more complex than that portrayed by the KLD scores, the authors encourage future research to explore metrics of other social rating agencies which perhaps better capture the quality of a firm's CSR.Practical implicationsIn the face of the long and unresolved debate on the effect of gender diversity on the board's monitoring efficacy and decision- making process (Adams and Ferrera, 2009), the authors’ finding that female directors' moral orientation and investment in CSR affect firms' bottom-line figures has important implications for shareholders and regulators, helping them to see how gender may play an important role in addressing this relationship.Originality/valueAlthough prior studies provide useful insights into the nexus between CSR and CFP, little is known whether gender affects this relation. This research provides empirical support for Gilligan's “two voices” theory that there is a gender-based difference in moral thinking.

Configurational paths of employee reactions to corporate social responsibility: An organizational justice perspective

AbstractCorporate social responsibility (CSR) is critical for organizations who want to pursue sustainable development and competitive advantage by influencing employee attitudes. Drawing on the deontic justice theory, we argue that internal and external CSR initiatives promote self‐focused and other‐focused justice, respectively, which contribute to employee‐perceived organizational justice and shape positive employee behaviors. This study applied a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis method to determine the interactive effects of employee perceptions of CSR practices and organizational justice on employee outcomes. An examination of data from 1,231 employees in Taiwan revealed that high CSR perceptions lead to high perceived justice among employees who attach high importance to justice. In addition, while high perceived justice by itself is insufficient to determine positive employee outcomes, the combination of high perception of internal CSR, external CSR, and organizational justice is sufficient to predict positive employee outcomes. The findings provide implications for both research and practice.

Audit Committee Features and CSR Disclosure: Additional Evidence From an Emerging Market

This study aims to measure the level of corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRDL) in an emerging market, Jordan. It also aims to investigate the effect of audit committee (AC) features on CSRDL. The study’s data, obtained from annual reports, comprises 576 company-year observations from industrial and services companies listed on the Amman stock exchange for the period 2011 to 2016. Content analysis is used to measure CSRDL, and multiple regression techniques to test the proposed relationships. The results show that CSRDL among Jordanian listed companies is low, suggesting that companies have less incentive to disclose CSR practices. Additionally, AC independence and AC ownership positively influence CSRDL. The findings from this research have limited generalisability due to the specific characteristics of the sample, which is from a developing country. However, they have implications and value for policymakers and different stakeholders interested in improving CSR initiatives. The findings are also significant in reducing agency costs and enhancing corporate transparency. Within the limits of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first to provide preliminary evidence on the effect of AC features on CSR disclosure in an emerging market context, specifically in Jordan.

Does CSR add Value to Service Innovation Performance via HRM? A Conceptual Framework and Future Research Agenda

Drawing upon social exchange theory, the present study conceptualizes CSR as a strategic asset, and organizational CSR initiatives influence employee’s attitudes and behaviors, including citizenship and innovative behavior. CSR can be aligned with HR strategies to get employees boost and committed to their organization. CSR strategy from an employee perspective may become a rare, valuable, non-substitutable and inimitable resource that gives organizations’ strategic and sustainable competitive advantages. The study concludes CSR is a promising area that affects employee’s attitudes and behaviors within the framework of HRM. Current literature is inconsistent and lacks maturity. The present study integrates CSR with attitudes and behaviors from an innovation perspective. CSR as a strategic resource is an attraction for stakeholders, including employees.

Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Consumer Response in Pakistan: A Mediating Role of Positive Moral Emotions, Attitude, and Identification with the Company

Many companies and brands are using CSR to enhance the brand image, goodwill, and gain the confidence and trust of the people. This study’s aim is to investigate how CSR initiatives got converted into consumer favorable responses. We proposed a theoretical framework, modifying Dedeke's (2015) model that hypothesized that CSR activities and actions affect responses of the consumers towards corporate brands both directly or indirectly through mediating roles of moral emotions, attitude, and identifying themselves with the company (CCI). Positive emotions were further broken down into awe, gratitude, and elevation, whereas consumer responses were measured in terms of purchase intention (PI), recommend intention and loyalty. To establish the empirical validity, a quantitative study was conducted, a close-ended Likert scale type questionnaire was developed whilst data were gathered from 300 adult consumers from Karachi by using convenient sampling. Data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor analysis and Structured Equation Modeling. The results concluded that CSR has a significant positive impact directly on consumer responses (Purchase Intention, Recommend Intention but not on loyalty) whereas CSR has a significant positive effect on all three positive emotions, attitudes, and CCI. However, Positive Emotions have an insignificant effect on consumer responses. Apart from gratitude affecting loyalty. Hence there is a positive mediatory effect of CCI for all dimensions of customer responses. Whereas gratitude and attitude also mediate loyalty and PI respectively.

Ethics in Organizations: Leveraging Organizational Practices to Promote Ethics

This symposium aims to provide practical implications for organizational practices to promote ethics. Drawing upon multiple theoretical perspectives and methodologies, the five papers in this symposium investigate a wide range of organizational practices that can be leveraged to promote ethics in organizations. Specifically, the questions addressed in this symposium include 1) How can ethical voicers frame the message so that their ethical voice is more likely to be supported by coworkers? 2) Under which conditions do a company’s CSR initiatives produce positive reactions by its employees? 3) How can we mitigate the potential immoral evaluation associated with informal hiring to avoid antisocial behavior and promote prosocial behavior? 4) When and why can group diversity improve ethical decision making and performance? Taken together, these papers provide important prescriptive insights (Bazerman, 2005; Chugh & Kern, 2016) by pointing organizations toward both acknowledging the challenges involved in various organizational practices and leveraging these practices to promote ethical decisions and behaviors. Promotion Framing, Moral Elevation, and Positive Reactions to Ethical Voice Presenter: Anjier Chen; Pennsylvania State U. Presenter: Linda K Trevino; Pennsylvania State U. CSR Activities Aligned with Core Business Promotes Employees’ Attributions of Morality & Commitment Presenter: Jimin Lee; UC Irvine Presenter: Christopher Bauman; U. of California, Irvine Hired Through Your Network? Don’t Come To Me For Help! Employees' Reactions to Informal Hiring Presenter: Teodora Tomova; NYU Stern Presenter: Rellie Rachel Derfler; U. of Maryland Checked and Balanced: The Role of Group Faultlines in Ethical Decision Making Presenter: Jihyeon Kim; U. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Presenter: Yekaterina Bezrukova; U. at Buffalo, The State U. of New York Presenter: Erzhuo Wang; U. at Buffalo, The State U. of New York Presenter: Denise Lewin Loyd; U. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Presenter: Chester S. Spell; Rutgers U., Camden Presenter: Hisham Said; Santa Clara U. Transparency of Limitations: The Impact of Team Gender Diversity on Transparency and Team Performance Presenter: Isabel Villamor; George Washington U. Presenter: Hannah Kremer; George Washington U. Presenter: Margaret Ormiston; George Washington U.