View Of Corporate Social Responsibility Research Articles

Employees’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility in a selected manufacturing enterprise in South Africa

Despite small and medium enterprises (SMEs) being the backbone of any economy, their performance is not satisfactory. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is frequently utilised to improve business sustainability and meet stakeholder responsibilities. However, literature focuses on CSR practices in larger corporations, neglecting the practice in SMEs. On the other hand, CSR research usually overlooks internal stakeholders such as employees. In order to bridge this gap, the researcher investigated internal stakeholders’ perceptions of CSR in a South African medium-sized organization located in the eThekwini municipal area, as this perspective is critical in developing a comprehensive CSR strategy. Data for this research was gathered through interviews and focus group discussions with managers and employees of the selected organization. Thematic content analysis was the primary method utilised for analysing the collected data, which was aided by NVivo 12 software for complete data processing and organization. The findings revealed that employees view CSR as a viable practice that encourages dedication and motivation to improve work performance. CSR implementation within the organization is seen as an effective motivational tool, resulting in greater output, increased staff dedication, decreased absenteeism, and increased employee turnover. The researcher argues that CSR can increase employee performance and emphasizes the necessity for SME managers to incorporate social, environmental and employee-related CSR projects into their business strategy to improve overall performance.

Institutional view of corporate social responsibility in the Iranian context

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how formal and informal institutions play a role in the Iranian context in shaping corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and practices.Design/methodology/approachUsing a multiple case-study approach combining comparative and cross-sectional methods with semi-structured interviews, primary data was collected from eight corporations that actively participated in CSR activities in Iran. A microanalysis approach was used to examine the meanings and dynamics in the data. Through thematic analysis and pattern-matching techniques, the authors separately examined the roles of formal and informal institutions. Cross-case analysis was used to highlight the cases’ similarities and differences.FindingsThis study demonstrates that both formal and informal institutional structures exist in Iran and that both types influence CSR. This study also shows that informal institutions (such as personal values, culture, religion, traditions, charity and philanthropy) play a more explicit role than formal institutions (such as legal regulations and laws) in shaping CSR adoption policies and practices. The results indicate that, among institutions linked to CSR, formal and informal institutions are complementary and potentiate each other in Iran. Nevertheless, compared to formal ones, informal institutions play a more prominent role in shaping CSR policies and practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors recognize that, although the eight corporations are large, and although they interviewed their key personnel, they do not claim that these findings are generalizable, owing to the qualitative nature of the study and the small number of selected corporations.Originality/valueThis study makes relevant theoretical and empirical contributions. First, it contributes to the growing body of CSR literature that highlights the necessity of linking informal and formal institutions. Although the CSR literature lacks research on informal institutions in developing economies, researchers have yet to push forward and explore how the CSR adoption process works in developing economies that have influential informal institutions.

Exploring the Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment in the Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee Performance: Evidence from Henan's Universities

Aims: This study aims to examine the mediating role of organizational commitment in the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and employee performance within Henan's universities, highlighting the strategic importance of CSR in enhancing organizational effectiveness and employee outcomes. Study Design: This study utilized a cross-sectional survey methodology to explore the relationships among Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Organizational Commitment (OC), and Employee Performance (EP) within Henan's higher education sector. A stratified random sampling approach was employed to select faculty and administrative staff from universities engaged in CSR initiatives. The analysis, conducted through Structural Equation Modeling and mediation analysis, aimed to understand both direct and indirect effects of CSR on employee performance, with a particular focus on the mediating role of organizational commitment. Place and Duration of Study: Zhengzhou University, Henan University, Henan Normal University, Henan Agricultural University and Henan Polytechnic University, in December 2023. Methodology: The study adopted a quantitative research design using a cross-sectional survey method to explore CSR's impact on organizational commitment and employee performance in Henan's universities. A stratified random sampling strategy was utilized to select faculty and administrative staff from universities engaged in CSR, aiming for a sample size of 328 to ensure statistical significance. Validated scales measured CSR, organizational commitment, and employee performance, with data analysis conducted through Structural Equation Modeling and bootstrapping for mediation effects. Results: In this study, the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on Employee Performance (EP) and Organizational Commitment (OC) within Henan's universities was examined. Findings indicate that CSR positively influences EP both directly and via OC, serving as a mediator. Significant relationships were confirmed: CSR to EP (β=0.433), CSR to OC (β=0.825), and OC to EP (β=0.442), all highly statistically significant (p<0.001). Mediation analysis showed CSR impacts EP through OC, accounting for about 45.73% of the effect. This underscores CSR's dual role in enhancing performance directly and by fostering organizational commitment. Conclusion: This study not only underscores the pivotal role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in enhancing employee performance within Henan's universities but also sheds light on the crucial mediating role of Organizational Commitment (OC). The dual pathway through which CSR influences employee performance underlines the significance of integrating CSR into the core strategic management practices of educational institutions. It signals to university administrators and policy-makers that CSR initiatives are not just external obligations but essential strategies for cultivating a committed and high-performing workforce. This realization opens up avenues for universities to re-evaluate and strengthen their CSR strategies, ensuring they are aligned with both organizational goals and employee values. Moreover, it encourages educational institutions to view CSR as a lever for organizational improvement and a bridge to deeper engagement with employees, ultimately contributing to the advancement of educational quality and societal contributions.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Its Effects on Brand Trust in Bank: Evidence from Nigeria

The purpose of this study is to determine how corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects consumer trust in the banking industry. The study's emphasis is on CSR's four primary facets: economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic. A model was used in this study to demonstrate the effects of several CSR elements on brand trust. A questionnaire was distributed to 400 bank clients, and 397 responses were received, valid and entered for descriptive and cause effects as the method of gathering primary data from respondents for analysis. The results showed that clients view CSR initiatives as a key component when engaging with banks. When banks engage in these activities, their brand trust is strengthened, and CSR activities and brand trust have statistically been linked in favorable and substantial ways. Customers of banks have different perceptions of the relevance of these activities. The findings would be enhanced by a larger sample size, the inclusion of more stakeholders, such as employees and managers, and the replication of the study in other nations. In order to improve their corporate reputation, banks are encouraged to take into account the study's variables in their operations and promote CSR. The topic of CSR has been covered in a lot of research, but only a small number of them focus on the banking industry and the Dala Kano, notably in Nigeria. For a better understanding of CSR initiatives and their implications on brand trust, this study recommends further research in the field.

Doing business and contributing to conflict prevention and development in Ghana

While some scholars argue that companies implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) for altruistic reasons, to gain an advantage over rivals in the industry, to enhance corporate reputation, and to be seen as ethical for addressing environmental and socio-economic difficulties, other scholars view CSR as unnecessary. These scholars argue that CSR initiatives adversely affect corporate profits. The understanding of this phenomenon remains incomplete, especially with the lack of empirical understanding about why corporate bodies execute CSR in spite of their primary goal of maximizing profits. To better understand this gap in knowledge, this case study of the Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) ascertains why the company implements CSR in the mining communities they operate. This study contributes to the debates on CSR and the global call for businesses to address societal problems. Navigating the qualitative research approach and human-needs conflict theory, this study discovered that despite its voluntary application, failing to implement CSR would have prevented NGGL to have the social license to operate, and violent and nonviolent conflicts would have occurred. The study also found that CSR was implemented to address the fundamental needs of host communities adversely affected by mining. Together, these results suggest that CSR is treated as a conflict prevention and development initiative. Therefore, the study recommends that CSR be made mandatory.

How Do Bank Customers’ Perceptions of CSR Influence Marketing Outcomes: Their Trust, Identification, and Commitment?

The authors of this study aimed to evaluate the links between corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, trust, identification, and commitment to measure the impact of consumer perceptions of CSR initiatives on these three marketing outcomes (trust, identification, and commitment). A structured questionnaire was administered to 341 bank clients as part of an empirical study to examine the hypotheses. The study’s proposed model was tested in the Indian banking industry and examined the use of the structural equation modeling (SEM) method in the AMOS program. According to the findings, consumers believe that CSR initiatives significantly affect two marketing outcomes (trust and identification). The findings of this study are useful in helping policymakers at various banking institutions comprehend the major impact that CSR initiatives have on influencing consumer behavior. This study provides a greater knowledge of how consumers view CSR and how that impression may affect marketing outcomes.

Corporate Social Responsibility under the Maqasid Syariah Concept in Malaysia: Why Does it Matter?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an essential component of the shariah corporation framework. In the current corporate model, CSR is still an option rather than a company objective. The need for CSR is still being debated among companies, with some believing that it is in the long-term self-interest of a business to be socially responsible, while others view CSR as weakening a business's primary purpose. Islamic law requires Muslims to not only be governed by the al-Quran and as-Sunnah but also to be subject to the objective of Syariah, namely Maqasid Syariah. The research aims to provide analysis and recommendations to improve the practice of CSR according to the concept of Maqasid Syariah. This qualitative research used doctrinal legal method with employing secondary data. The outcome of this research is significant as a basis for law reform to develop a Shariah Compliant Corporation. It is crucial to incorporate CSR into the Shariah-compliant business model to ensure that businesses are responsible not only for maximizing profits but also for contributing positively to society. The incorporation of CSR into the Syariah-compliant business model is crucial in achieving the objectives of Syariah, namely, the promotion of human welfare, justice, and sustainability

Corporate social responsibility as a factor of forming the companys positive image and business reputation

An enterprise that puts only profit as the basis of its existence is doomed, because today it is not enough just to work within the framework of the law and pay taxes. In particular, the war in Ukraine provoked a new stage in the development of corporate social responsibility of business, since it is no longer enough to be a good taxpayer, the first place is the civic position of the enterprise, with whom it cooperates and what social principles are close to it. A modern company is, first of all, a socio-economic system that functions to meet the needs of society as a whole and its employees in particular. The article examines the essential nature of the enterprise's corporate social responsibility. The influence of the level of corporate social responsibility of the enterprise on its positive image and the formation of business reputation is outlined. The main duties are defined through the prism of corporate social responsibility. The connection between corporate social responsibility and corporate image is established, which can be found in the benefits that socially responsible activities have on the image of the organization. In addition to forming a positive corporate image, CSR gives consumers the opportunity to feel that they have made the right decision by choosing a specific product or service. A positive image allows the organization to attract new customers and increase the benefits and trust of all stakeholders. The image of a socially responsible organization establishes and strengthens competitive advantages, improves brand credibility, increases consumer loyalty, and creates an emotional connection between the organization, customers, and employees. The essence of corporate social responsibility is revealed. The obligations of organizations to society from the point of view of corporate social responsibility are outlined. The impact of CSR on the corporate image is emphasized by the fact that the image consists of factual and emotional factors. The actual aspect of image encompasses the organization's production and financial results. The emotional aspect of the image is related to the corporate personality and the organization's responsibility for the environment and society. They made the right decision by choosing a specific product or service.

ბიზნესის კორპორატიულ სოციალურ პასუხისმგებლობასა და სოციალურ მეწარმეობას შორის მსგავსება-განსხვავების ანალიზი

ბიზნესის კორპორატიულ სოციალურ პასუხისმგებლობასა და სოციალურ მეწარმეობას შორის მსგავსება-განსხვავების ანალიზი

“We should educate the public that cosmetic procedures are as safe as normal medicine”: Understanding corporate social responsibility from the perspective of the cosmetic procedures industry

The cosmetic procedures industry is profitable and expanding. Through its premise and promotion, the industry contributes to unrealistic societal appearance pressures considered harmful to body image. In the context of limited regulation, there is an uneasy reliance on businesses in the sector to act in a socially responsible way. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to voluntary business practices designed to benefit society, and engagement in CSR is shaped by extrinsic and intrinsic drivers. This study aimed to explore how senior UK industry professionals view CSR as it applies to their sector and to body image. Findings from 14 semi-structured interviews show that participants’ understanding of CSR was limited to a myopic focus on patients. Little reflexivity was demonstrated in relation to the industry’s responsibilities concerning negative body image in society. More broadly, the drivers of socially responsible practice were overwhelmingly extrinsic – oftentimes explicitly linked to bolstering or protecting company and/ or industry reputation. Participants, acknowledging a lack of intrinsic motivation for CSR across the sector, were largely in support of greater regulation. This research contributes to understandings of how the adoption of a CSR agenda might combine with regulatory efforts to curb the industry’s impact on negative body image.

Building corporate reputation through corporate social responsibility: the mediation role of employer branding

PurposeThe paper analyses the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR), employer branding (EB), and corporate reputation (CR). Considering the signaling theory and social commitment of organisations, the paper investigates the role of EB as a mediator.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through structured questionnaires from 684 employees from the Indian information technology (IT) sector. The conceptual model and hypotheses were tested using the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach.FindingsAs a part of employer attractiveness, the social value/social commitment of companies perceived as a result of CSR strengthens the CR. The results also suggest that EB mediates the relation between CSR and CR.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper contributes by integrating the CSR of organisations with their EB process for creating CR. Based on signaling theory, it further demonstrates scholarly value addition by providing a deeper understanding of the mediation effect of EB from a social commitment perspective. Scholars may further consider other stakeholders’ perspectives to test the role of CSR based on ethical/legal/environmental dimensions in building CR.Practical implicationsThe paper would help managers/employers invest in CSR activities, creating strong employer brands to attract various stakeholders. It will also help companies to focus on an attractive value proposition to attract various stakeholders, mainly job seekers.Originality/valueThis study extends the literature on CSR and EB by suggesting a statistically tested model of mediation of EB for creating CR. Furthermore, considering the signaling theory, the paper views CSR, CR, and EB from the employee’s perspective and explores their linkages.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2021-0541.

Assessing Perception and Practice of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by Energy Sector Firms in Ghana

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in Ghana are spearheaded by large-scale multi-national companies and have gained momentum in recent years possibly due to the discovery of oil. The goal of this study is to learn more about how energy companies in Ghana view and practise CSR. A mixture of quantitative and qualitative methods was adopted for this study. Structured questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from selected energy companies and inhabitants. Descriptive statistics, t-tests and content analysis were the analytical tools adopted. The findings suggest that CSR was seen as a voluntary activity in the Ghanaian energy supply industry, with enterprises being obliged to work within societal norms rather than regulatory standards in the country. In the lens of the level of CSR practiced by the energy supply company, the findings indicate that the companies do practice CSR but based on their own planned policy objectives with most of the interventions geared towards social interventions like education, provision of potable water for communities, scholarship schemes, and road development. Policymakers will make use of the findings of the research to inform their knowledge in designing policies related to CSR. The outcome will also guide corporate firms in the energy sector to make decisions to either consider stakeholders as vital movers of development in the communities they operate, or they are being a hindrance to their CSR mandate. This study is unique as it extends knowledge on CSR in the energy sector of Ghana.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Its Role in Enhancing Competitiveness and Growth of the Private Sector in Developing Economies: Implications for Policy and Practice

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a double-edged sword which can benefit both organizations and the public. However, although several studies enumerate the advantages associated with organizations engaging in CSR activities, many organizations especially in the developing countries continue to pay little attention to it, thereby missing out on the advantages that come with it. The aim of this paper was to assess the role of CSR in increasing the competitiveness and growth of private sector organizations as well as the transformation of society. Specifically, this paper examined the role of CSR in enhancing the competitiveness and growth of private sector organizations as well as the effect of the involvement of organizations in CSR activities on the transformation of society. The researchers conducted a systematic review of secondary data sources to inform the paper. This involved an extensive review of both published and unpublished literature which links CSR to organizational competitiveness, growth and community or societal transformation. Data was analyzed thematically, and findings written accordingly. Findings revealed that corporate organizations view CSR activities as those which are out to drain their resources, which kills societal expectations of organizations generating shared values. It also emerged that CSR increases organizational competitiveness and growth of the organization and facilitates community transformation. It is an effective window and strategy that private sector organizations can grab and exploit to enhance their visibility and improve their corporate image, accountability, and acceptability by the public.

ROLE OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN EMERGING ECONOMY

This research aims to evaluate the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on sustainable energy development (SED) by developing the role of mediating variables such as usage of renewable energy resources (URR) and sustainable energy supply (SES). We use qualitative and quantitative technique such as Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data of collection from experts, economists, executives in Vietnam in 2020. The study has proved the corporate social responsibility (CSR) affecting directly to the sustainable energy development (SED). Besides, the findings suggest a positively significant impact of both sustaining energy supply (SES) and the usage of renewable energy resources (URR) on sustainable energy development (SED). Thus, the research brings the whole view of corporate social responsibility affects to the sustainable energy development (SED) through the URR and SES. This study contributed empirical work in the literature of corporate social responsibility, renewable energy, sustainable energy supply (SES) and sustainable energy development (SED). The outcomes of this study can be used by policy makers, economists, top management in the governmental office and even the corporate. A mediating role of SES as a value-added contribution to this study and can be consolidated and strengthened more in coming research. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy Development, Renewable Energy Resources, Sustaining Energy Supply.JEL Classifications: M14, Q21, Q25, Q43, Q56DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.10774

How Do Independent Directors View Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) During a Stressful Time? Evidence From the Financial Crisis

We explore the effect of board independence on CSR investments during a stressful time, i.e. during the Great Recession. Our results show that independent directors exhibit an unfavorable view of CSR investments during the crisis. Stronger board independence leads to a significant reduction in CSR. In particular, a rise in board independence by one standard deviation reduces CSR investments by about 8.22%. Further analysis shows that managers raised CSR investments during the crisis, consistent with the risk-mitigation view, where managers invest in CSR to reduce their risk exposure. However, managers appear to over-invest in CSR during the crisis as they are forced to cut back in the presence of a strong board, implying that part of the CSR investments during the crisis is motivated by managers’ own risk preference. Additional robustness checks corroborate the results, including fixed- and random-effects regressions, propensity score matching, and instrumental-variable analysis. Our study is the first to shed light on how independent directors view CSR during a stressful time. Finally, we show that CSR reduces firm risk substantially during the crisis, strongly confirming the risk-mitigation hypothesis.

How Do Independent Directors View Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment

We investigate how independent directors view corporate social responsibility (CSR). Exploiting the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) and the associated exchange listing requirements as an exogenous regulatory shock, we document that independent directors view CSR activities unfavorably. In particular, firms forced to raise board independence reduce CSR engagement significantly relative to those not required to increase board independence. Our results are consistent with the risk-mitigation view and the agency cost hypothesis where managers over-invest in CSR to mitigate their own exposure to non-systematic risk. The over-investments in CSR are curbed in the presence of a stronger, more independent, board of directors. Several robustness checks confirm the results, including fixed-effects and random-effects regressions, dynamic panel data analysis, instrumental-variable analysis, and propensity score matching, Lewbel’s (2012) heteroscedastic identification, and Oster’s (2017) method for coefficient stability. We also confirm the risk-mitigation hypothesis by showing that CSR activities reduce firm risk significantly. Our research design is much less vulnerable to endogeneity and is therefore likely to show a causal effect of board independence on CSR.

Towards a holistic view of corporate social responsibility. The antecedent role of information asymmetry and cognitive distance

PurposeThis paper aims to enlarge ongoing debate about corporate social responsibility (CSR) proposing reflections about the role of cognitive and information flows in influencing companies’ approaches and market expectations related to CSR.Design/methodology/approachThe paper builds upon the research streams related to the information asymmetry and cognitive distance, for identifying through the interpretative lens provided by systems studies, possible key drivers on which policymakers, researchers and practitioners should act for building a suitable, shared and long-term oriented path for CSR.FindingsThe paper defines a scenario map about CSR in the light of information asymmetry and cognitive distance. Such a map supports both researchers and practitioners in better understanding actions and paths required for building a shared approach to CSR.Research limitations/implicationsRecognizing the multidimensionality of CSR and the multiple managerial and organizational contributions provided for underling its advantages for companies, the paper focuses the attention on the elements and conditions able to promote, stimulate and encourage companies’ CSR strategies.Originality/valueThe paper provides a fresh conceptual framework for explaining conditions and elements required for ensuring the success of strategies for CSR. Adopting a systems view, the paper overcomes the limitations related to a reductionist view about advantages and results of CSR to call the attention on the conditions that should be met for ensuring the emergence of a shared approach to CSR.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DISCLOSURE, MEDIA COVERAGE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS IN THE CHINESE CONTEXT

Incorporating instrumental views of corporate social responsibility (CSR), this paper analyzes CSR in the Chinese context to reveal the media-based mechanism, which clarifies how corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) generates shareholder value. Our results show that firms with better CSRD attract more attention in the media, and high CSRD is positively related to corporate financial performance (CFP), partially mediated by the media coverage. With further investigation, we find that the mediating effect of media coverage is significant only in customer-sensitive industries. This study implies that the strategic use of CSRD to create economic benefits for firms may be of value to managers and investors who desire to understand the effect of CSR and media coverage on firm financial performance.

How do independent directors view corporate social responsibility (CSR) during a stressful time? Evidence from the financial crisis

We explore the effect of board independence on CSR investments during a stressful time, i.e. during the Great Recession. Our results show that independent directors exhibit an unfavorable view of CSR investments during the crisis. Stronger board independence leads to a significant reduction in CSR. In particular, a rise in board independence by one standard deviation reduces CSR investments by about 8.22%. Further analysis shows that managers raised CSR investments during the crisis, consistent with the risk-mitigation view, where managers invest in CSR to reduce their risk exposure. However, managers appear to over-invest in CSR during the crisis as they are forced to cut back in the presence of a strong board, implying that part of the CSR investments during the crisis is motivated by managers’ own risk preference. Additional robustness checks corroborate the results, including fixed- and random-effects regressions, propensity score matching, and instrumental-variable analysis. Our study is the first to shed light on how independent directors view CSR during a stressful time. Finally, we show that CSR reduces firm risk substantially during the crisis, strongly confirming the risk-mitigation hypothesis.

Corporate Social Responsibility Amid Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Crisis: BRICS vs. OECD Countries

This paper compares today’s corporate management in developing markets (BRICS countries) vs. developed markets (the OECD countries). The influence of determining a new social corporate management season considering social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic on emerging markets' economic growth is ascertained and set apart from corporate management in developing markets. This paper helps clarifying and better understanding the role of corporate social responsibility in the conditions of an economic crisis against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic. This work provides scientific arguments that allow solving critical discussions regarding the advantages (growth of quality of life, an increase of business's competitiveness) and costs (limitation of economic growth, non-commercial use of profit, and increased price for goods and services) of domestic production and consumption. In the long-term, responsible financial practices return all investments and allow countries to better cope with a crisis. The research supplies a new view of corporate social responsibility as a measure of crisis management. It reflects its advantages at a time of social distancing in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The institutionalization of corporate social responsibility in emerging countries is not predetermined by internal factors (approach to doing business or organizational culture), if not by external factors (market status, state regulation, and consumer awareness). These circumstances prove the high complexity of strengthening corporate social responsibility in developing countries. In the conditions of social distancing – due to the COVID-19 pandemic – corporate social responsibility goes to a new level. In both developing and developed countries, one of the most widespread manifestations of corporate social responsibility is the entrepreneurship's transition to the remote form of activities. This envisages the provision of remote employment for workers and the online purchase of goods and services for consumers.