Global Corporate Social Responsibility Research Articles

Mobilising tensions: transnational union network formation in the Asia-Pacific region

Trade unions are an important actor in the social regulation of the transnational corporation. How and why trade unions engage with the continued rise of global corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives remains largely under-researched, particularly in transnational arenas beyond Europe. Transnational trade union networks are a concerted development intended to advance collective worker voice and influence, especially in contexts without a history of strong social dialogue. Our qualitative fieldwork centres on a transnational trade union network comprised of global, national, and local union representatives from different countries in the Asia-Pacific representing workers from one Germany-headquartered multinational corporation in the chemical sector. We examine how labour actors involved in the network engage with global CSR initiatives to advance worker voice and influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Our micro-sociological and relational approach focused on the practices, relations, and affective dimensions of building and sustaining a transnational network. What emerged is the centrality of tensions and how actors creatively utilise and shape those tensions into resources for building the network. We analyse the nature of the tensions and their effects and discuss how key actors work generatively with tensions.

Make it up to you or not: understanding the role of substantive versus symbolic CSR activities following product-harm crises

Product-harm crises are a global concern and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities are applied to withstand such crises and mitigate financial risks. Recent studies have focused on ‘when’ CSR activities can or cannot mitigate financial penalties following product-harm crises; however, the focus is usually on developed countries, and little attention is given to transitional countries like China. Indeed, CSR activities may vary among countries because the leading forces of and motivations behind CSR activities differ across institutions. In China, a government-dominated market, CSR activities are often state-led and used to access government resources. Some Chinese firms adopt symbolic CSR campaigns (versus substantive CSR activities) to garner such resources, given the low scrutiny of CSR activities and the low costs of CSR claims. Considering the specificity of Chinese CSR, this study explores ‘when’ CSR activities can or cannot mitigate financial risks following product-harm crises. The results find that substantive CSR activities can buffer the financial penalties due to the crisis, whereas symbolic CSR campaigns burden its financial penalties. Moreover, institutional investors can discount the buffering and burdening effects. These findings offer insights for firms seeking CSR activities to mitigate financial risks in transitional countries.

Orientasi Eksternal, Tanggung Jawab Sosial Perusahaan, dan Emisi Polusi

Companies in open economies with stronger external orientations have come under pressure from customers and other stakeholders to implement global corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities since the 2000s. The purpose of this study proposes a relationship between CSR, the level of external orientation, and pollution emissions, such as pollution reduction. It uses an empirical methodology using secondary data for manufacturing companies. The results showed that external orientation is related to pollution emissions, corporate social responsibility is negatively related to pollution emissions, and there is a proven moderating effect on pollution emissions. The higher the external orientation but with high corporate social responsibility can withstand the increase in pollution emissions by manufacturing companies.

Global expatriate entrepreneurs and corporate social responsibility in developing economies: an examination of the relationship between the individual difference variables of sex, age, and personality

Global expatriate entrepreneurs and corporate social responsibility in developing economies: an examination of the relationship between the individual difference variables of sex, age, and personality

Global Automobile Manufacturers Mission Statements and CSR Letters

This study takes the triple bottom-line perspective to compare the communications of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in some of world’s top automakers’ mission statements and the CEO’s introductory letters to annual CSR reports before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Content analysis based on Text Network Analysis (TNA) approach was deployed to examine the central messages and sub-themes of these documents based on CSR goals, time-orientation, and stakeholder groups, and then statistically compared within and among companies. Results reveal that Automakers’ mission statements collectively emphasized profit and customers, whereas CSR letters prioritized planet, people, and general society. As the pandemic progressed, the emphasis on people increased, indicating that organizations shifted their CSR focus towards supporting employees and local communities. However, the attention to profit and planet goals remained constant during the studied period.

One Size Fits All? How CSR Communication Influences Donation and Revisit Intention Differently in Local Independent and Chain Restaurants

Considering that limited research has been conducted to explore corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the local brand context, compared to the global brand context, this study is to bridge the gap by comparing CSR initiatives in local independent restaurants with those of international chain restaurants. Two studies were performed to examine the impact of CSR type and construal level in CSR messages using experimental designs. In addition, the mediating effects of perceived warmth and competence were examined as potential psychological mechanisms explaining consumers’ reactions. Findings show that consumers are more likely to donate to CSR initiatives of chain restaurants and revisit them when the initiatives lean toward local community CSR rather than global environmental CSR. Also, consumers prefer local community CSR initiatives that are presented in detail in local independent restaurants. This study also reveals different mediating effects of perceived warmth and competence in relation to CSR type, restaurant type, and consumer behaviors.

Implementing global corporate social responsibility locally: the example of multinational enterprises and international joint ventures in Myanmar

ABSTRACT Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become an ever more important and increasingly high profile, visible and commented on part of business operations. This is especially so for multinational enterprises (MNEs) seeking practice adherence to global CSR policy when operating international joint ventures (IJVs). In this context we look at the example of land grabbing, a pervasive commercial norm across parts of Asia. It is essential to understand both the sources and mechanics of this practice as well as its costs. To date, however, knowledge remains limited to depictions of ‘exploitative’ Western MNEs, with little accounting for the key moderating influence of local stakeholders. The role and practices of local partners in IJVs has been largely ignored. Addressing this we extend our knowledge of MNE engagement through understanding the domestic partner’s land grabbing practices in an in-depth study of IJVs in Myanmar. Juxtaposing this data with our own experiential data from across emerging South East Asia, we develop a typology of land grabbing engagement comprising ‘obliviousness’, ‘passive collusion’, ‘blind-eye facilitation’ and ‘on-brand’ engagement. Implications for how we understand the management of MNE ‘foreignness’ at the intersection of CSR implementation, IJV management and corporate reputation protection in emerging Asia Pacific countries, are then presented.

Responding to institutional plurality: Micro-politics in the rollout of a global corporate social responsibility norm in a multi-national enterprise

How can we make sense of the range of organizational dynamics that emerge when managers of multi-national enterprises (MNEs) seek to serve their interests as they perceive multiple demands in relation to corporate social responsibility (CSR)? In this article, I conceptualize this situation as a case of CSR institutional plurality. Drawing from the literature on MNE micro-politics, which I connect to the CSR literature, I analyze qualitative data gathered from five subsidiaries of a UK MNE to which their HQ transferred CSR reporting: a global norm with a typical explicit CSR mode. My analysis reveals that subsidiary managers responded to CSR institutional plurality by developing aligned or contested versions of the global CSR norm, that were then promoted through the deployment of discursive and symbolic tactics. I develop a grounded model that improves understanding of three power capabilities of subsidiary actors, that is, their socialization to explicit CSR norms, the exercise of employee voice and their political capital that can be deployed to support or curb the advancement of the managerial tactics. In doing so, I reveal the complex pathways through which lower-status subsidiary actors can take part in the reconfiguration of a global CSR norm.

The COVID-19 global crisis and corporate social responsibility

In order to gain greater insight into the nature of corporate social responsibility (CSR) during a time of crisis, the study examines the commitment of firms to continue to engage in CSR activity despite financial pressures to divert their slack resources elsewhere. The setting of the study is CSR activity during the perhaps unprecedented global crisis associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a qualitative research method approach, both a variety of media sources and the relevant academic literature are reviewed in order to identify examples of CSR activity related specifically to COVID-19. The examples are then categorized and situated according to Professor Archie Carroll’s well-known CSR Pyramid framework describing the economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic domains of CSR. As such, this study is the first to extend the rich literature stream utilizing Carroll’s CSR Pyramid within the unique context of a global pandemic.

Influence of institutional factors on global corporate social responsibility performance

Influence of institutional factors on global corporate social responsibility performance

The relationship between corporate social responsibility, external orientation, and environmental performance

Firms in an open economy with stronger external orientation have been under pressure from customers and other stakeholders to implement global corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities since the 2000s. However, does it pay to be green for an open economy? Attempts to address this question have yielded a key and contentious debate, with mixed evidence from studies on two different relations between the external orientation level and environmental performance, and the status of CSR disclosures and ecological performance. Accordingly, this study extends the debate, reconciling the divergent views by modeling and proposing the relationships between CSR, the level of external orientation, and environmental performance, such as pollution reduction. It employs an empirical methodology using available data from a small open economy. The results testify to the negative (positive) relationship between CSR (external orientation) and pollution. Moreover, CSR exerts a moderating effect on pollution. Indeed, the two viewpoints may be complementary, and open-economy firms and industries with more substantial external CSR exposure likely yield good environmental performance.

Rethinking recruitment ethically through the lens of corporate social responsibility (CSR)

PurposeTraditional recruitment practices tend to be rigorous, but some of its elements can be improved. The length of applications, missing or unstated salary details and lack of anonymity in some emerging countries' recruitment processes mean that recruitment standards remain questionable and unethical. This paper presents a conceptual discourse on how current recruitment activities can be improved in light of progress made with global Internet infrastructure and CSR standards.Design/methodology/approachThis is primarily a conceptual paper intended to discuss unethical recruitment practices. The author used selected studies and case studies to present the case for improvements in the field of recruitment.FindingsCompared with easy apply options popularised through recruitment websites, organisations continue to favour traditionally lengthy and complicated applications. The incidence of unstated salary, lack of anonymity and poor communication from some recruiters imply that more has to be done in these areas of CSR.Research limitations/implicationsAs with most conceptual papers, this study lacks adequate empirical support. The claims and propositions made are largely based on a scanty number of current research and industry observations.Practical implicationsThis study will have potential application in scenarios where recruiters are seeking to improve their practice; however, the recommendations may not be applicable to all organisations.Social implicationsThe understanding of ethical values and their application to recruitment will vary from culture to culture.Originality/valueThe paper offers a clear path to debating recruitment ethics and improvements in current practices. No known studies have specifically targeted this area of ethical recruitment.

Evolving boundaries of CSR: South Korea’s PPP-ODA in international development

ABSTRACT Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have become a widely recognized phenomenon in recent years, along with the rising emphasis on the private sector involvement in solving social problems both locally and globally. Against this backdrop, this study focuses on the expanded role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the Korean official development assistance framework. Private stakeholders’ expected roles and responsibilities in the area of international development cooperation have been augmented. The article explores the various factors driving this phenomenon from the perspectives of the public and private sectors. The case study of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is carried out by analyzing the identified factors in the context of KOICA’s PPP strategy. The study found that the motives of the private sector to participate in KOICA’s global CSR program is less likely to be satisfied under the current arrangement whereas the public sector is highly motivated to attract and engage businesses in delivering PPP projects abroad. The study suggests policy implications such as incorporating non-financial performance indicators in evaluation criteria, resolving administrative challenges, and increasing the budget for PPP programs.

“A thread connects all beads”: Aligning global CSR strategy by hotel MNCs

Facing the global challenges of building a sustainable and equitable economy, hotel multinational corporations (MNCs) have leveraged their extensive global reach and business skills to guide local communities through the implementation of global corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. Our study explored the alignment of global CSR strategy by two hotel MNCs—Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International—using an institutional logics framework. Based on a two-country case study of China and Turkey, we uncover the mechanisms of implementation for alignment between MNC headquarters and affiliated hotels in host countries, where a plurality of logics interact and collide with the global CSR logic. We examine the dimensions of plurality of logics in the process of local implementation and unveil novel insights on logic reconciliation and activation to support systemic and transformative change through global CSR strategies of MNCs. We offer theoretical and practical implications and future research directions. • This study examined global integration of a CSR strategy in two hotel multinational corporations in China and Turkey. • Novel mechanisms enabled alignment between headquarters and local hotels for CSR in the context of a plurality of institutional logics. • Corporate logic dominated community and state logic in global strategic alignment of CSR. • Local implementation tensions and facilitators were identified for supporting headquarters mechanisms. • Hospitality logic facilitated strategic alignment, improving the potential of the MNCs to create awareness and impact.

Local Experience of Global CSR in Cocoa Value Chain: Critical Perspective

This paper explores the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at community development of Ivorian cocoa growing communities from the perspective of its intended beneficiaries. While the majority of studies on CSR in developing countries focuses on the global dimension of CSR and its role within global governance arrangements, we seek to bring new empirical insights by shifting the focus to the receiving end of CSR and bringing to the fore the contextualised lived experience of local marginalised actors intended to benefit from the CSR initiatives. Drawing on unique qualitative empirical data and building on critical perspective on CSR, we reveal different types of tensions emerging at multiple levels. We contribute to the critical CSR research by developing a conceptual process model, which theorises the relationship between different types of tensions and shows how unresponded tensions lead to the abandon and failure of the CSR initiative.

Global and local corporate social responsibility: a study of foreign entry mode choice in Spanish quoted firms

PropósitoSe examina las relaciones entre el modo de entrada en el exterior (MEE) de una empresa, su responsabilidad social corporativa (RSC) global y el entorno de RSC local del país de destino en empresas cotizadas en España. Además, analiza el papel moderador de la RSC del país de destino en la relación entre la RSC global de la empresa y el MEE.Diseño/metodología/enfoqueSe utiliza la regresión logística binaria con una muestra de 418 operaciones de inversión directa exterior (IED) entre 2002–2008. Este período se elige para conocer qué sucedió durante el auge de las inversiones españolas en el exterior a principios de 2000.HallazgosLos resultados revelan patrones de comportamiento en relación al MEE de las empresas y los dos tipos de RSC según las hipótesis propuestas. Además, se encuentra que la RSC local del país de destino puede también moderar la relación entre la RSC global de la empresa y el MEE.Originalidad/valorEste es uno de los primeros estudios en proponer como variables explicativas del MEE, dos tipos de RSC (RSC global de la empresa y RSC local del país de destino), gracias a la creación de una base de datos ad-hoc con datos de diferentes fuentes de información de IED (ICEX) y RSC (Eikon ™ y AccountAbility NCRI).

Mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility Explanation

This article describes the development of the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) around the world from several CSR published works. The development of global CSR implementation starts voluntary to mandatory. Based on the discussion, CSR is an obligation (mandatory) for companies in carrying out company operations and is part of the company's investment. Thus its benefits can be enjoyed by the company in the long term.

Global corporate social responsibility reporting regulation

AbstractCorporate social responsibility (CSR) has steadily grown in importance. We show government regulation on corporate reporting of CSR, aimed to spur its growth and increase transparency, has grown in tandem. Such reporting regulation is more readily observable than CSR itself and can be used as a proxy for the latter. We show that larger economies with higher institutional capacity find it easier to develop reporting regulations, and that international influences and local pollution increase concerns are important contributing factors. We show that such regulation also increases CSR, even after accounting for common unobserved factors that may affect both.

Global CSR, drivers and consequences: a systematic review

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of research studies on the drivers and consequences of corporate social responsibility (CSR).Design/methodology/approachThis paper used a systematic literature review using research papers published on the drivers and consequence of global CSR from 2010 to 2020.FindingsThe findings of this paper show that the principal themes of published research articles on the drivers and consequences of CSR are internal drivers, external drivers and consequences of CSR. Publications on the drivers and consequences of global CSR have been dominated by studies that used quantitative approach and cross-sectional design. A significant number of studies also used secondary data source with most of these studies not being sensitive to sectorial influences. More importantly, this study revealed that the emphasis of CSR on actions that demonstrate social responsibility is more associated with overall financial performance and firm value when contrasted against ethical statements of social responsibility which is associated with weaker firm financial performance and outcomes. Moreover the review indicated that the level of CSR engagement and disclosure has been associated with higher share prices whereas low level of CSR disclosure in sensitive industries results in lower share prices. In addition, employees’ intention has been identified as a critical driver for CSR activities. Furthermore, it was also identified that firms engage in CSR because of internal institutional factors such as ethical corporate culture and top management commitment, whereas external drivers of CSR include socio-political factors, globalisation and environmental accountability.Practical implicationsCSR is an area that can be harnessed to contribute to sustainable solutions to global challenges. It also provides an added advantage of ensuring that the perpetuation of the relationship between businesses and society are more complementary.Originality/valueThis review is one of the few studies focussed on highlighting the drivers and consequences of global CSR. This review also provides proof of the areas of research that need attention and provides recommendation on future areas of study on the drivers and consequences of global CSR.

The Corporate Social Responsibility of Polish Energy Companies

If corporate social responsibility (CSR) is expected to work efficiently, there should be a standardised approach for implementation of the CSR concept for all businesses, including companies operating in the energy sector. Although many companies declare compliance with CSR standards, further investigation should be undertaken to evaluate if and how those standards have been applied in practice. The aim of this research is to examine the level of standardisation of the CSR activities within Polish energy companies and explore the good practices developed by those companies. The Polish energy companies have been selected for the investigation as the literature review we conducted demonstrates that there is limited research in this area and there is a knowledge gap regarding how Polish energy companies apply CSR regulation in practice. To accomplish the stated aims, the following research questions were developed: (1) What is the essence of applying the CSR concept in Polish energy companies, and at what level of development is the concept applied? (2) To what extent do Polish energy companies have a common approach to the CSR concept, and in what areas are there differences? (3) To what extent have Polish energy companies applied global CSR standards and solutions? (4) Is there a gap between the declared measures of CSR and their actual implementation in Polish energy companies? The research methodology of this study is based on a systematic literature review of the sources acquired from databases such as ProQuest, Emerald, SCOPUS and the Jagiellonian University Library. The multiple case study approach was identified as the most suitable research tool. Companies for the study were selected according to their affiliation to the energy sector and listing on the main market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. These two assumptions allowed us to base this study on the largest Polish energy companies that have international status. Six areas of CSR annual report disclosures have been identified and used for the investigation and analysis. This research looks at similarities and difference between these six aspects of CSRs disclosed by Polish energy companies. The investigation allows us to conclude that the top three energy companies use similar tools to build their CSR strategies: formalised CSR concept, published CSR reports, disclosure of CSR information on the company website, CSR related activities offered to stakeholders, obtained CSR certificates, and CSR awards. This indicates the existence of a standardised approach to CSR across Polish energy companies.