CSR Engagement Research Articles

The Role of Stakeholder Engagement in Enhancing CSR in Private Universities in Kenya

This study explored the role of stakeholder engagement in enhancing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within private universities in Kenya, focusing on Instagram as a strategic communication tool. This research investigated how stakeholder engagement through Instagram can enhance CSR efforts in Kenyan private universities, providing insights into effective strategies for leveraging Instagram to drive positive social impact and promote responsible practices. A qualitative research design was employed by stakeholder theory, focusing on five prominent private universities in Kenya: Management University of Africa, KCA University, Kabarak University, and St. Paul's University. Semi-structured interviews with corporate communication experts provided in-depth insights into their CSR strategies. Additionally, a qualitative content analysis of Instagram posts identified patterns and trends in stakeholder engagement. The findings highlight that Instagram plays a key role in building a sense of community among stakeholders, including students, staff, alumni, and the community. Through transparent communication and interactive content, universities can foster trust and collaboration, essential for successful CSR initiatives. The study emphasizes understanding stakeholders' motivations and expectations to create effective engagement strategies. By utilizing Instagram's interactive features, private universities can enhance their CSR efforts, promoting social responsibility and sustainable development.

Biomass supply chain coordination considering government subsidies and corporate social responsibility

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of various decision-making approaches and government subsidies on supply chain performance, aiming to enhance the profits of disposal firms and retailers as well as to improve social welfare.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a two-echelon biomass supply chain composed of a disposal firm and a retailer is developed. Firstly, considering the effects of government subsidies, we analyze biofuels prices, corporate social responsibility levels, social welfare and supply chain profitability under centralized and decentralized decision-making scenarios, respectively. Furthermore, we assess how subsidies influence pricing, market participation, profitability and social welfare. Secondly, we propose a revenue sharing–cost sharing contract to enhance the profits of the disposal firm and retailer. Thirdly, we extend the supply chain to a disposal firm and two retailers and explore the impact of competition intensity on corporate decision-making behavior. Finally, numerical analysis is conducted by taking one biomass energy firm as an example to support the results.FindingsOur research finds that (1) Equilibrium strategies under the centralized decision-making scenario are greater than those under the decentralized decision-making scenario. Centralized decision-making can increase market demand and consumer surplus. (2) Government subsidies can promote corporate social responsibility levels, despite causing a slight increase in retail price for biofuels. When market competition intensifies, companies usually reduce their investment in CSR, and this trend is particularly pronounced in the absence of subsidies. (3) In both the decentralized and the centralized decision-making scenarios, increasing conversion rates and the CSR coefficient can significantly increase the overall profitability and social welfare.Research limitations/implicationsA three-echelon biomass supply chain involving collection station, disposal firm and retailer can be studied in the future.Originality/valueBy examining the effects of subsidies on CSR engagement and market outcomes, our study contributes valuable insights into policy design for promoting sustainable practices in biomass industries.

How do green CSR initiatives influence green employee engagement among tourism and hospitality employees?

AbstractDrawing support from social identity theory (SIT), the present study examines green corporate social responsibility (GCSR) initiatives, green organizational identity (GOI), and green service‐oriented behavior (GSOB) as antecedents of green employee engagement in the hotel sector. In addition to the direct association between the study constructs, the study assessed the mediating effects of GOI and GSOB on GCSR and green engagement association. Data collected from hotel employees in India utilizing a three‐wave time lag was analyzed through PROCESS macro. The finding confirmed the direct as well as the serial mediating effects of GOI and GSOB for the relationship between green CSR and green engagement. The study is insightful in understanding how GCSR activities can build a green reputation for a company that in turn will enhance the identification of the employees. The uniqueness of this study is evident in studying the constructs that have a strong alignment with the nature of the tourism and hospitality sectors. Conceptualizing the serial mediating effects of GOI and GSOB for the relationship between GCSR and green engagement in the tourism and hospitality sector is also a novel addition to the existing literature.

CSR Engagement Through Social Media: Implications for Indian Public Sector Banks

CSR Engagement Through Social Media: Implications for Indian Public Sector Banks

The Surprising Dark Side of MNCs’ CSR Engagement: Dynamics Between National Culture and Gender

The Surprising Dark Side of MNCs’ CSR Engagement: Dynamics Between National Culture and Gender

The Role of Social Aspirations in CSR Engagement

The Role of Social Aspirations in CSR Engagement

Subsidiary CSR Engagement During Bilateral Political Tensions

Subsidiary CSR Engagement During Bilateral Political Tensions

Media Coverage of Corporate Social Irresponsibility and Firm value: The Moderating Role of CSR Contracting

ABSTRACT This study investigates the role of CSR contracting in the relationship between negative media coverage of corporate social irresponsibility (CSiR) and firm value. By analyzing firms from 44 countries spanning the period 2003–2016, we find that media coverage of CSiR motivates firms to employ CSR contracting as a means of restoring their reputation, which in turn, leads to increased levels of CSR engagement and higher firm value. These findings align with theoretical arguments suggesting that CSR contracting can serve as an effective mechanism for improving a firm’s CSR reputation, thus enabling them to remedy damage caused by media coverage of CSiR and boost firm value.

CSR spillover effects of corporate M&As by U.S. Acquirers

ABSTRACT This study explores CSR spillover effects within industries experiencing mergers and acquisitions (M&As), focusing on the response of non-target firms to M&As led by high-level CSR acquirers. We examine whether the involvement of socially responsible acquirers in M&As affects the CSR strategies of industry peers not directly engaged in these deals. Through an analysis of publicly listed U.S. firms from 1995 to 2018, we discover that non-target firms increase their CSR engagement following acquisitions by high-level CSR acquirers. Additionally, we observe that this spillover effect on CSR engagement is significantly amplified in industries characterised by high levels of competition. Our findings shed light on the extensive impact of M&As on CSR practices across industries, emphasising the importance of CSR spillover in influencing CSR activities industry wide.

Analyzing CSR and customer engagement through green banking digitalization: with the mediating effect of perceived environmental value and moderation effect of customer’s eco-consciousness

Analyzing CSR and customer engagement through green banking digitalization: with the mediating effect of perceived environmental value and moderation effect of customer’s eco-consciousness

Convergent and Divergent Corporate Social Responsibility in South Korea: Collaborative and Adversarial NGO-Corporate Networks

Background: The differences between NGO networks for two distinct types of CSR practices are underexplored: convergent CSR, which pertains to the global standards embraced by both the local and global institutions, and divergent CSR, which is framed primarily by local economic, political and social conditions. Purpose: Grounded in institutional and network theory, the study explores the significance of three forms of network centrality in different types of CSR (convergent/divergent) and varying modes of interaction (collaborative/adversarial) across global versus local NGOs in South Korea, a state-led market economy. Research Design: The study conducts network analyses and descriptive analysis of NGOs’ collaborative and adversarial networks with corporations, in relation to their engagement in convergent and divergent CSR. Study Sample: The NGO/corporate network dataset consisted of 2073 nodes and 4158 edges (ties). The sample of CSR practices consisted of a total of 8715 instances of convergent CSR practices and 396 instances of divergent CSR practices. Data Collection and/or Analysis: A total of 260 reports from 52 South Korean corporations and a total of 430 reports from 78 NGOs in South Korea were used to develop a corpus of corporate/NGO network dataset (collaborative and adversarial) and the dataset of the type of CSR practices they engaged in (convergent/divergent). Then degree, eigenvector and betweenness centralities of the 78 NGOs were computed within the NGO-corporate network. The relationships between the three centralities and CSR types (convergent/divergent) were found through standard regression analyses and descriptive analyses. Results: The findings suggest that when engaging in convergent CSR, as opposed to divergent CSR, NGOs would benefit the most from developing collaborative ties to central others in their NGO-corporate network (eigenvector centrality). A descriptive analysis of the findings suggests that adversarial divergent CSR practices are primarily reported by a potentially isolated group of local NGOs. Conclusions: CSR practices develop in multiple forms within a national institution, rather than simply converging with the universal norms. They form under the communicative pressures of different types of global and local institutional actors, through different network positions (centralities) and nature of relationships (collaborative and adversarial).

Leaving a Legacy for my Children: The One-Child Policy Reform and Engagement in CSR Among Family Firms in China

Leaving a Legacy for my Children: The One-Child Policy Reform and Engagement in CSR Among Family Firms in China

Female directors and CSR: Does the presence of female directors affect CSR focus?

This study examines the impact of female directors on CSR by drawing on social role theory and literature about female leadership style. Using a sample of Chinese firms from 2007 to 2021, we show a strong correlation between female directors and an enhancement in aggregate and particularly, internal CSR engagement. The relationship between female director and external CSR is negative but not significant. Further analysis reveals that in regions with stronger societal expectations towards females, the contributions of female directors to CSR activities become more pronounced. Our findings further demonstrate that a critical mass of female directors on the board is necessary to exert substantial influence on internal CSR initiatives. Notably, we find that female directors in independent and monitoring roles particularly effective in advancing internal CSR initiatives.

Does CSR Engagement Deter Corporate Misconduct? Quasi-natural Experimental Evidence from Firms Joining a Government-Initiated Social Program in China

Does CSR Engagement Deter Corporate Misconduct? Quasi-natural Experimental Evidence from Firms Joining a Government-Initiated Social Program in China

Can CSR engagement improve firm’s resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic? Evidence from the Moroccan stock market.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the role of corporate social responsibility engagement on stock returns during the COVID-19 crisis in the case of a sample of Moroccan-listed companies. The authors use a difference-in-difference (DiD) regression estimated on a panel dataset of a sample of 23 Moroccan listed companies for the period spanning from March 2019 to March 2021. We identified the connection between CSR activities and financial returns by comparing the monthly stock returns of the treatment and the control groups. Empirical results reveal that the pandemic-induced decrease in stock returns is stronger for firms with CSR activities. It means that engaging in CSR activities does not immunize Moroccan firms during the pandemic. Our findings show that Moroccan’s stock market is unable to positively value CSR activities. The results indicate that agency problems lead Moroccan investors to overinvest in costly CSR activities, which reduce the value of the firms in times of the COVID crisis and delay their recovery from it. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the relationship between CSR activities and the resilience of Moroccan companies. Also, this study is distinguished by using the DiD method and by exploiting data from the Eikon Refinitiv database.

CSR beyond symbolism: The importance of substantive attributions for employee CSR engagement

Despite acknowledging employees' significance in implementing CSR strategies, a common deficiency lies in comprehending the fundamental incentives driving their participation in CSR initiatives. Drawing from cognitive consistency theory, this research strives to construct a moderated mediation framework elucidating the mechanisms and circumstances through which employees' perceptions of CSR as either substantial or symbolic can shape their involvement in CSR endeavors. To empirically validate the study framework, the research collects primary data, gathered through two time-lagged surveys from 820 employees to assess employee-level variables. This data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in AMOS. The study's intriguing findings revealed that how CSR is perceived plays a pivotal role: when seen as substantive, it remarkably enhances CSR engagement, whereas a symbolic interpretation has an adverse effect and even triggers employee cynicism which further entailing a counterproductive connection with CSR engagement. More interesting findings came to light – CSR attribution, when combined with employees' communal values, remarkably predicts CSR engagement, either substantive or symbolic. Our study has important implications for organizations seeking to enhance their CSR engagement efforts.

Responsible Business, Resilient Nations: Legal Insights into CSR Practices

This paper's main emphasis is on the legal shells created to control and promote CSR in developing nations. We identify the dissonances in these structures across various administrations through a thorough analysis. This relative approach sheds light on the variety of ways used to make legislation governing corporate responsibility. We also examine the effectiveness of these legal structures, fastening on their capacity to promote and uphold ethical business actions. To give practical perceptivity into the legal structure's impact, we offer a series of compelling case studies. These cases spotlight companies operating in different sectors within developing countries, shedding light on their CSR initiatives' tangible outcomes. We probe the symbiotic relationship between CSR engagement and commercial success, as well as its transformative effect on original communities. Amidst these accomplishments, we confront the fearful challenges and limitations essential in administering CSR mandates. These challenges encompass issues of compliance, responsibility, and governance. We explore the intricate part of corruption as a lurking obstacle that can hinder the genuine fulfillment of CSR objects. In response to these challenges, we present an amalgamation of formal practices and forward- looking recommendations. These perspectives are designed to guide policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders in developing countries towards a more effective integration of CSR principles into their operations. Likewise, we dig into the part of multinational associations and cross-sector affiliations in catalysing and sustaining CSR efforts. In whole, this paper provides a multifaceted study of the legal frame upholding CSR initiatives in developing countries. By illustrating the motivations, examining legal structures, analys ing case studies, and addressing challenges, it seeks to equip stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the transformative eventuality of CSR in fostering sustainable and indifferent development.

The role of ownership structure, board, and audit committee in corporate social responsibility disclosure: Jordanian evidence

Purpose This paper aims to explore the extent of corporate social responsibility disclosure (hereafter CSRD) in Jordan and also examine whether ownership structure, board of directors and audit committee characteristics influence CSRD. Design/methodology/approach The extent of CSRD is measured by constructing a CSRD index for industrial firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange from 2016 to 2021. Panel regression analysis is used to examine the potential effect of ownership structure, board of directors and audit committee on the level of CSRD. Findings This study provides empirical evidence that diverse groups of shareholders have different effects on CSR engagement, and board characteristics (board size, board independence and gender diversity) play a vital role in increasing voluntary disclosure, including CSR information. There is no evidence to support that CSRD is influenced by audit committee characteristics. Practical implications This study recommends that corporate regulators and policymakers can improve CSRD practices by expanding the scope of existing disclosure requirements related to CSR and developing a structured CSRD index to measure the degree of CSRD practices for comparative purposes. Encourage firms to actively participate in social responsibility programs by granting tax incentives and government facilities to firms with the best CSR reports. Policymakers should introduce initiatives that support female’s representation on board. Finally, firms should restructure their boards by increasing board size and the percentage of independent directors to enhance their effectiveness to support CSRD. Originality/value This paper contributes further insights into the literature on CSRD practices and disclosure by analyzing data from developing market contexts.

From Good Soldier to Bad Apple: The Dark Side of Corporation Social Responsibility

Corporate social responsibility has been broadly accepted as an effective way to maintain corporations’ sustainability. Many corporations have institutionalized CSR involvement and mobilized their employees to engage in CSR-related activities. However, little research has been done to examine the negative consequences when employees are mandated to engage in CSR activities, not to mention the mechanism connecting CSR mandate and negative consequences. In this research, I found that employees’ CSR engagement under organizational pressure will lead to psychological entitlement, subsequently leading to counterproductive work behaviors. Further, socially responsible human resource management policies and employees’ narcissism influence the effects of interest.

The effect of employees’ CSR engagement on work outcomes: Empirical evidence from Ethiopia

ABSTRACT In this study, we examine the effect of employees’ CSR engagement on work outcomes. Drawing insights from social exchange theory, we propose that employees’ CSR engagement is likely to positively affect their job satisfaction and organizational commitment while reducing turnover intentions, and that this relationship tends to be stronger among senior managers with greater participative leadership style. We tested our prediction using data from 580 manufacturing and service firms in Ethiopia. The results of a structural equation modeling analysis indicate that employee CSR engagement is positively associated with job satisfaction and organizational commitment and is negatively related to turnover intentions. As predicted, these baseline predictions seem to be stronger among senior managers displaying greater participative leadership style. Overall, the findings contribute to the on-going research in this area by focusing on internal-focused CSR activity and its role in promoting productive employee outcomes. Implications for research and practice are discussed.