Responsibility Strategies Research Articles

A review on lactic acid production via microbial fermentation from biowaste: insights on scaling up to industrial process

AbstractLactic acid (LA), the starting material for polylactic acid, is currently in high demand owing to rising bioplastic production. Large‐scale production of LA typically uses a first‐generation feedstock, namely food‐grade sugars, owing to the absence of contaminants and ease of processing. However, it is not ethically correct to grow crops exclusively for LA production as the available land, water and resources should be utilized for food. Utilizing biowaste as a feedstock, which does not compete with the supply of the food chain, is a more responsible strategy. This review intends to address the most critical aspect of recent advances in laboratory‐ and pilot‐scale LA production that utilizes biowaste as the substrate. Based on the review, the biowastes used for LA fermentation can be categorized into four main groups: starchy materials, lignocellulosic materials, food and dairy wastes. A flowchart that summarizes the process of developing a pilot scale LA production is proposed. It covers essential parameters to be considered, such as the substrate, fermentation process and inoculum. The future insights concerning LA production are critically addressed at the end of this review.

The interaction effect of family ownership, board gender and skills on CSR strategy with ESG performance: evidence from ASEAN-5 countries

Purpose This study aims to examine how corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy impacts environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in public listed firms across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-5 countries. Additionally, it examines the interaction effect of family ownership, board gender diversity and board skills on the relationship. Design/methodology/approach This study used a fixed-effect panel regression to analyse 1,212 observations collected from ASEAN-5 public listed firms, covering the years 2017–2022. To address the endogeneity problem, this study used a two-step GMM. Findings The findings indicate that the ESG performance of firms in ASEAN-5 countries is significantly and positively influenced by their CSR strategy, suggesting that robust CSR strategies lead to superior ESG performance. Family ownership is found to weaken the positive impact of CSR strategy on ESG performance, indicating that family firms prioritize CSR less. Furthermore, female and skilful boards are more likely to implement effective CSR strategies, as reflected in their improved ESG performance. Practical implications This study urges firms, particularly family-owned firms, to enhance their CSR strategy. It also recommends that policymakers integrate gender diversity and a variety of skills into corporate boards, possibly by revising regulatory frameworks and corporate governance guidelines. Originality/value The results of this study are novel and specifically tailored for ASEAN firms. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to examine the roles of board skills, gender diversity and family ownership in the relationship between CSR strategy and ESG performance in the ASEAN context.

Still dare to be different? Peers' CSR engagement and analysts' response to focal firms' CSR strategies

AbstractThis study investigates how security analysts' response to focal firms' corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies varies with the level of CSR engagement among peer firms, about which contradictory arguments can be drawn from the perspectives of legitimacy and competitive dynamics. Legitimacy theory underscores the importance of conformity to peers' behaviors, while the competitive dynamics perspective suggests that firms should differentiate from their peers. The optimal distinctiveness theory suggests an orchestration between CSR conformity and CSR differentiation, combining the arguments of legitimacy and competitive dynamics. Based upon a sample of Chinese listed companies from 2009 to 2018, this study uses a second‐hand panel dataset and employs three‐way interactions and the generalized method of moments (GMM) system. The empirical results show that as CSR engagement among peer firms increases, heavier legitimacy pressure is imposed on focal firms, and their CSR scope conformity attracts more analyst coverage, and this effect is more prominent for firms in institutionally developed regions. On the other hand, the competitive advantage gained from CSR emphasis differentiation is weakened by rivals' engagement in CSR, and the influence of CSR emphasis differentiation on analyst recommendation is weakened by peers' CSR engagement, and in highly competitive industries, this effect of peers' CSR engagement is stronger. We propose that peers' CSR engagement has different impacts on the importance of CSR conformity and differentiation. Finally, both the theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Understanding the impact of environmental, social, and governance incidents on food producing corporations

This study investigates the intricate relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance-related reputational disasters and the financial performance of prominent, food-producing agricultural corporations. Results reveal a significant differential response pattern between large and small firms after ESG-related events. Large entities initially exhibit resilience with no immediate negative returns, while smaller entities face substantial, significant, and persistent stock market depreciation. Furthermore, direct interactions are identified between the depth of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) incorporation and the severity of stock price decline. For investors, ESG track record emerges as a critical assessment criterion. The theoretical implications extend to understanding the importance of robust ESG frameworks, not just for reputational integrity but also for financial stability. The findings emphasise corporations’ urgency to integrate forward-looking, socially responsible strategies, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Management of social responsibility strategies of multinational corporations in russia during the war against Ukraine

This study examined how multinational corporations adapted their corporate social responsibility strategies while operating in russia during the ongoing war against Ukraine. Specifically, the analysis investigated the impact of different corporate social responsibility approaches on financial performance, stakeholder trust, and corporate reputation for multinational corporations operating in russia during the war. A game-theoretic model evaluated three distinct strategies: minimal corporate social responsibility engagement (Strategy 1), increased corporate social responsibility involvement (Strategy 2), and a complete exit from the russian market (Strategy 3). The quantitative analysis showed that companies choosing the exit strategy (Strategy 3) gained the highest payoffs for financial performance, stakeholder trust, and reputation. In contrast, minimal corporate social responsibility engagement (Strategy 1) resulted in negative outcomes, including reputational damage and potential exposure to sanctions. On the other hand, increased corporate social responsibility involvement (Strategy 2) produced neutral outcomes, offering short-term benefits but still leaving companies vulnerable to ongoing risks. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of these outcomes. The study concludes that exiting the russian market not only aligns with ethical standards but also ensures long-term sustainability, offering critical insights for corporations navigating corporate social responsibility challenges in war zones. AcknowledgmentsWe sincerely express our gratitude to Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Marko Sarstedt, the LMU Fellowship Grant (LMU Ukraine support-fund) for the support of Ukrainian scientists.

Boosting Engagement: Effects of Wellness Programs in Hospitality Workplaces

The objective of the study is twofold: to investigate the direct effect of employee wellness programs on employee engagement in the hospitality industry, and to examine the mediating role of corporate social responsibility as well as the moderating role of employees’ health conditions in these relationships. This study adopted a cross-sectional survey method on a sample of 347 U.S. hotel employees to evaluate the proposed conceptual model. With a series of data analyses, including analysis of variance and mediation and moderation analysis, the study results validated the mediator role of corporate social responsibility, the moderator role of employees’ health conditions, and the direct effect of employee wellness programs on employee engagement at hotels. Specifically, wellness programs, perceived positively as CSR by hotel employees, significantly influenced employee engagement, with the impact moderated by employees’ health conditions. The study findings contribute to the theory in the fields of employee wellness and engagement in the hospitality fields and provide valuable implications for practitioners who intend to adopt corporate social responsibility strategies in promoting employee engagement at hotels.

La Construcción y consolidación de la paz: acciones en el marco de la responsabilidad social de las mipymes en colombia

This article is the result of one of the objectives formulated in the research project, developed between the Minuto de Dios University Corporation - UNIMINUTO, Bogotá headquarters, the ITM Higher Education Institution of Medellín and the National Institute of Professional Technical Training - INFOTEP of San Juan del César (La Guajira), which seeks to propose Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies for MSME that encourage the linkage of these organizations to peace-building actions from the territory. It starts from the question: What are the actions within the framework of social responsibility, carried out by MSME, that enable the construction and consolidation of Peace in their territories? The reference places, the Metropolitan Area of Medellín, the municipality of San Juan del César and the municipality of Aguazul (Casanare), were taken into account as analysis scenarios. The topic of Social Responsibility for MSME is framed, in an analytical and descriptive manner, in the components presented by the ISO 26000 standard (ISO, 2010), and the lines of action formulated in the 2016 Peace agreement between the government of President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos and the extinct FARC Guerrilla (today the Comunes party) in Colombia. Based on the findings obtained, the business actions that are formulated in a CSR Plan must seek to deepen their relationship with the environment, positively impacting a stable and lasting construction of peace.

Enhancing Social Sustainability in Malaysian Supply Chains: Integrating Occupational Safety and Health for Resilient and Ethical Business Practices

This conceptual paper examines the insufficient integration of Occupational Safety and Health into Malaysian supply chains' social sustainability frameworks, despite its recognized impact on worker well-being and economic performance. While Malaysia has advanced in sustainability overall, incorporating OSH into broader social responsibility strategies remains underdeveloped. This paper argues that protecting worker well-being is essential for sustainable supply chains, directly contributing to social sustainability and economic performance. The study examines the ethical, legal, and business justifications for prioritizing OSH in supply chain management. It draws upon international human rights declarations, treaties, and conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the ILO's Occupational Safety and Health Convention, to underscore the fundamental right to a safe and healthy work environment. This model developed through analysis of existing literature and policy frameworks, aims to guide a more comprehensive approach to OSH management within Malaysian supply chains. By analyzing these frameworks, the paper highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that aligns OSH with international standards and sustainable development goals. Ultimately, it advocates for a more resilient and equitable supply chain framework in Malaysia, where worker well-being is central to sustainable business practices.

CSR dan Kinerja Keuangan Perusahaan Publik Terdaftar di Malaysia

Implementing a corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy is believed to bring financial benefits to businesses while also enhancing their corporate image. However, there are numerous reasons for engaging in CSR activities. It is clear that CSR involvement requires substantial financial and resource investment, which can impact a company's profit margins. Nonetheless, CSR efforts have been shown to boost a company's reputation and present a positive image to stakeholders. Although businesses incur costs, these investments are expected to yield increased profits and strengthen shareholder trust and confidence. This study aims to examine the effect of CSR on the financial performance of selected sectors that contribute to Malaysia's economy. Using a quantitative approach, this research analyzes secondary data collected through Stata 14 SE software, covering the period from 2016 to 2020 for 124 publicly listed Malaysian companies in the construction, industrial products and services, consumer products and services, plantation, and energy sectors. The study reveals that CSR has an insignificant impact on the return on assets (ROA) of these companies. However, the findings also indicate that CSR significantly affects financial performance when measured by net profit margin (NPM) in these sectors.

Dual career in the workplace: co-creation of a conceptual framework by employers and employee-sportspersons incorporating corporate social responsibility and brand alignment.

The purpose of this study was to provide an evidence base and conceptual framework to inform new guidelines for achieving a balance between sports and employment commitments (i.e., dual career, DC) of the employee-sportspersons. To shape a DC discourse in the workplace, the distinct and combined views of the employee-sportspersons (i.e., the Employee), the managers (i.e., the Employer) were considered. Following a concept mapping methodology, 257 international participants (25% employers and 75% employee-sportspersons) sorted and rated 50 potential statements associated with DC circumstances and supports in the workplace. Six distinct clusters emerged, with the combined employers-employee co-creation scenario assigning 6 statements to the micro dimension (Cluster 1 = Workplace Benefits), 4 statements to the meso dimension (Cluster 2 = Role of National Sports Governing Bodies), 19 statements to the macro dimension (Cluster 3 = Dual Career Policy Development), 4 and 5 statements to the organizational dimensions (Cluster 4 = Employee-Employer Collaboration and Responsibility; Cluster 5 = Sport Career Integration), and 12 statements to the policy (Cluster 6 = Workplace Strategies for Dual Career Support) dimension. With respect to the employers, the employee-sportspersons showed higher scores (p < 0.05) for importance of clusters 2, 4, and 6, and for feasibility of clusters 2 and 6. These findings suggest priorities for changes within the DC dimensions identified, and envisage flexible models for aligning corporate brand values and corporate social responsibility strategies through meaningful and proactive DC support of the employee-sportspersons in the workplace. The findings provide a rigorously derived evidence base to inform the formulation of new DC workplace guidelines.

Strategi Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) dalam Membangun Citra Perusahaan Pada PT. Crown Worldwide Indonesia

This research is titled “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategies in Building Company Image at PT. Crown Worldwide Indonesia” (Qualitative Study of Public Relations in carrying out CSR in a company). Image and reputation play a crucial role in communication for organizations, companies, and government institutions. PT. Crown Worldwide has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility program aimed at enhancing its corporate image. The purpose of this thesis is to understand how PT. Crown Worldwide Indonesia improves its image through the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. Another objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of CSR programs in enhancing the company’s reputation. The author employed a qualitative descriptive and using RACE (Research, Action, Communication, &amp; Evaluation) research approach, emphasizing in-depth investigation and utilizing image theory to gain insights into the effectiveness of CSR practices in terms of perception, cognition, motivation, and branding image related to PT. Crown Worldwide Indonesia. In addition, this study also uses Triple Bottom Line analysis to analyze PT. Crown Worldwide. The research findings indicate that the CSR program successfully builds a positive company image and serves as a communication function, making the company well-known among relevant communities and adding value to the organization itself.

How does destination social responsibility impact residents’ quality of life? The mechanisms of disclosure entity, communal relationship, and perceived warmth

Rooted in signaling theory and attribution theory, this research investigated how destination social responsibility (DSR) strategy (ability-oriented vs. effort-oriented) impacts residents’ quality of life (QOL) and support for tourism. A mixed-method approach combining semi-structured interviews and scenario-based experiments was conducted. The results revealed that effort-oriented DSR strategies increaseed residents’ QOL and support for tourism more than ability-oriented DSR strategies, in which perceived warmth and communal relationship play a serial mediation effect. Furthermore, the study identifies a key boundary condition: DSR disclosure entity. The relative dominance of effort-oriented DSR strategies weakens when DSR messages are self-disclosed rather than third-party disclosed. These findings advance prior knowledge on DSR and resident QOL and offer destination managers useful guidance on how to adopt DSR strategies to effectively enhance residents’ QOL and support for tourism. Future research could examine a wider range of outcomes, participant groups, and boundary conditions to build on this study’s conclusions.

Exploring firm and country's specific factors affecting carbon emission reduction performance: Study on selected ASEAN countries

The research aims to analyze the determinants that impact a company's capability to mitigate carbon emissions in various ASEAN countries, specifically Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore. The investigation delves into company-specific factors, including corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, green innovation, corporate governance, and product responsibility, as well as country-specific factors such as voice and accountability, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, and the rule of law. The results reveal that all examined company-specific factors exhibit a positive and significant influence on a company's capability to reduce carbon emissions. Nonetheless, the influence of country-specific factors on emission reduction performance remains indefinite. While regulatory quality and government effectiveness are significantly associated with a company's emission reduction performance, the same relationship does not apply to voice and accountability and the rule of law.

CEO Regulatory Focus and Corporate Social (Ir) Responsibility Strategy: Broad or Narrow?

CEO Regulatory Focus and Corporate Social (Ir) Responsibility Strategy: Broad or Narrow?

Going Green and Firm Value: Mapping the Relationship Through a Literature Review

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to do a literature review of articles that study the effect of environmental initiatives and firm value. Theoretical Framework: In recent years, there has been a growing global interest in sustainability and environmental care. Companies have developed initiatives such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies, and Environmental Performance (EP) indicators to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability Method: The analysis includes publications on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), CSR, EP, and environmental disclosure published between 2017 and early 2023. Results and Discussion: The findings show a positive relationship between firm value and CSR, EP, ESG, and environmental disclosure. Companies that adopt environmental initiatives tend to have greater protection against market uncertainty and generate greater stakeholder confidence. This positive relationship is more significant in developed countries than in developing countries. Research Implications: An opportunity for further research on this topic is identified due to the relatively low number of studies that explore the relationship between environmental behaviour and firm value in Latin America and the Caribbean.

KOMUNIKASI KO-KREASIONAL PROGRAM SEHAT SEJAHTERA (SESERA) PT PUPUK SRIWIDJAJA DENGAN MASYARAKAT PULAU KEMARO

Abstract. The purpose of this study is to investigate the co-creative communication of the Sehat Sejahtera Program (Sesera) and to construct a collaborative model between corporate and community in the context of implementing ecotourism at the Kemaro Island tourist attraction in Palembang City. This study uses qualitative methodologies and a case study design to handle primary data based on interviews, non-participant observation, and documentation as secondary data. The data analysis employs the Miles and Huberman Interactive Model in three steps, beginning with data reduction and structured in a relationship pattern to facilitate interpretation and drawing or verifying results. Research findings show that co-creational communication referring to Co-Creation Theory is implemented through social responsibility strategies focussing on tourist experiences and interactive relationships with the surrounding community. The collaboration carried out is PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja Palembang's social and environmental responsibility (TJSL) approach to the Kemaro Island tourist destination.

Motivations and Strategies of Sport-Based Corporate Social Responsibility: Multiple Case Studies of Taiwanese Enterprises

Since the United Nations announced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guiding global efforts from 2016 to 2030, corporate organizations have increasingly integrated SDGs into their cultures, adopting innovative strategies to practice sustainable development. This integration has yielded numerous inspiring breakthroughs and success stories. Corporate organizations have found significant contemporary relevance in practicing corporate social responsibility (CSR) through sports. This study explores the motivations for and the scope of CSR activities undertaken by Taiwanese enterprises that use sports as a vehicle. Through in-depth interviews and multiple case studies, this study examines the commonalities and uniqueness of sport-based CSR, providing a detailed depiction of the current state and challenges faced by enterprises engaging in sport-based CSR and sustainable development. The findings will lead to new perspectives and feasible strategic directions for the advancement of sport-based CSR.

How safe is the zone, and how voluntarily are the returnees? Turkey’s project for a ‘safe and dignified’ voluntary repatriation of Syrian refugees and the potential implementation of R2P on behalf of returnees

ABSTRACT The millions of refugees in Turkey are left in political limbo. Anti-refugee sentiment in society has also become an issue. However, in contradiction to the earlier Muslim solidarity rhetoric of ‘Muhajir and Ansar’, the Turkish government has been implementing its repatriation project that requires a ‘safe and dignified’ voluntary return of a million Syrian refugees to Turkey's safe zone in Northeast Syria. The article argues that the country's current political, economic and social conjuncture overshadows the voluntary character of the government's repatriation project and claims that Turkey's voluntary repatriation project does not meet the requirements of the international refugee protection regime. Building on the policy-oriented approach to international law, the article examines the potential implementation of the preventive dimension of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) on behalf of Syrian ‘returnees’. The article concludes that the ‘two-phase’ responsibility strategy that imposes responsibilities on the host country and the international community, which would be implemented simultaneously in Turkey's repatriation project, can protect returnees from possible danger in Syria. However, it can also set a precedent for future cases by filling a gap in International Refugee Law that does not address voluntary repatriation.

The Positive Impact of Social Responsibility (SR) Strategy on the Performance of SMSEs and Entrepreneurs in the North East Region of Nigeria

This study, empirical assessment of the effects of social responsibility (SR) strategy on the performance of SMSE’s and possible improvement on entrepreneurs in the north east region of Nigeria was undertaken and found that social responsibility has made an impact on the operation, economic growth and survival of SMSE’s sub-sector in Yobe State of Nigeria. The study was built in SMSE’s sector of the region, the “Thermo Fisher’s 4i Values” (Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement) it made up the sector in questions a great interaction with customers, suppliers and partners, communities and each other. These four values are foundational to our SR approach (Thermo Fisher scientific, 2020). Incognizance of the importance of SMSE, this study has expanded the body of knowledge in respect to social responsibility of small and micro enterprises. Specifically, the study worked out means in which SMSE sector be encouraged profitably. Only few of SMSE’s do participate and recognized the activities of SR. The study also recognized that financial institutions like banks, individual financer and government are attracted to few SMSE that participated in SR (Basariya, Al Kake, 2019). The study realized that “Social Responsibility (SR) has become a fundamental way of defining the role of business in society” (Itziar &amp; Josep, 2011). Other prominent writers in this context believe that, the needs of current and future generations cannot be met unless there is respect for natural systems and international standards protecting core social and environmental values. It is increasingly recognized the critical role of business sector. As a part of society, it is in business’ interest to contribute to addressing common problems. Strategically speaking, the study has captured that business can only flourish when the communities and ecosystems in which they operate are healthy (Marylyn, Caroline &amp; Sheena, 2011., Judy &amp; Victoria, 2011., Cameron, 2011., Tobias &amp; Frank, 2011., Min-Dong, 2011, &amp;Babafemi, 2015).

Familiarity matters: corporate philanthropy and employee workplace giving and volunteering

Employees create and enact corporate philanthropy (CP) programmes, which are a central strategy of corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. Employers rely on employees to donate and volunteer through the workplace. From a survey of more than 500 employees at a large corporation based in the United States, we determined that employees’ likelihood of participating in CP is affected by their length of job tenure, managerial responsibilities and work location (on- or off-site). Using structural equation modelling, we found that employee familiarity with the company’s CP programmes mediates the relationship between giving and volunteering with management positions and working on-site. Employee perception also matters. Employees who think highly of CP programmes’ community impact and workplace environment outcomes (CP ‘walk’) are more likely to give and volunteer. Conversely, perceptions of the company ‘standing out’ (CP ‘talk’) in its industry are negatively related to volunteering with the company. Findings contribute to the development of meso-level dynamics in workplace giving.