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Systems
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Business Innovation: From Management Systems to Corporate Social Responsibility
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Business Innovation: From Management Systems to Corporate Social Responsibility

A special issue of Systems (ISSN 2079-8954). This special issue belongs to the section "Systems Practice in Social Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2025 | Viewed by 24684

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Andrea Tick

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Keleti Károly Faculty of Business and Management, Óbuda University, 1034 Budapest, Hungary
Interests: blended learning; online learning; business intelligence; statistics; data mining

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Business innovation encompasses the dynamic processes and strategies that drive organizations to explore and implement novel approaches within various aspects of their operations. The aim of business innovation is to foster growth, enhance competitiveness, and create value for stakeholders.

The scope of business innovation extends beyond traditional management systems to encompass broader considerations, such as corporate social responsibility (CSR). While management systems focus on efficient and effective resource allocation and decision-making, CSR integrates social, environmental, and ethical considerations into business practices. By incorporating CSR into their innovative initiatives, organizations aim to achieve sustainable and responsible outcomes, aligning their objectives with the well-being of society and the environment.

Research on business innovation and the integration of corporate social responsibility (CSR) into management systems is of paramount importance. This area has a strong scientific background and holds immense significance as it explores strategies to achieve sustainable business practices that align economic growth with societal and environmental well-being. By understanding how CSR can be effectively integrated into innovative initiatives, researchers can provide practical insights to businesses and contribute to addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality. This research has the potential to shape the future of business practices, promoting responsible and sustainable innovation for the benefit of companies and society at large.

We are pleased to invite you to submit original, unpublished articles, case studies or reviews to the Special Issue on Business Innovation: From Management Systems to Corporate Social Responsibility.

This Special Issue aims to explore the scope of business innovation, moving beyond traditional management systems and delving into the realm of corporate social responsibility (CSR). This Special Issue seeks to investigate how businesses can expand their scope of innovation to incorporate broader considerations, ultimately driving economic growth while making a positive impact on society and contributing to a more sustainable future.

In this Special Issue, original research articles, case studies and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:

  • Business innovation;
  • Management systems;
  • Corporate social responsibility;
  • Dynamic processes; strategies;
  • Sustainable outcomes;
  • Societal well-being;
  • Environmental well-being;
  • Economic growth;
  • Sustainable future.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Andrea Tick
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Systems is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • business innovation
  • management systems
  • corporate social responsibility
  • dynamic processes
  • strategies
  • sustainable outcomes
  • societal well-being
  • environmental well-being
  • economic growth
  • sustainable future

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 305 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Impact of a Corporate Social Responsibility Program on Member Trust and Loyalty in a Tennis Club: A Pre- and Post-Intervention Study
by Georgia Lagoudaki, Efi Tsitskari, Nikolaos Vernadakis, Georgia Yfantidou and George Tzetzis
Systems 2025, 13(5), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13050321 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 84
Abstract
This study examined the effect of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) environmental intervention program on members’ perceptions of economic, social, and environmental responsibility, as well as trust and loyalty, in a tennis club. It further explored whether membership duration influenced these perceptions, with [...] Read more.
This study examined the effect of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) environmental intervention program on members’ perceptions of economic, social, and environmental responsibility, as well as trust and loyalty, in a tennis club. It further explored whether membership duration influenced these perceptions, with a focus on environmental initiatives. A three-month intervention focusing on environmental initiatives was carried out, involving 250 tennis club members who completed a questionnaire on social, environmental, and economic dimensions before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests and repeated measures ANOVA. The findings indicated a significant improvement in perceptions of environmental responsibility, highlighting the effectiveness of targeted CSR environmental intervention. However, perceptions of economic and social responsibility, as well as trust, remained unchanged. Loyalty was negatively affected. Contrary to the literature, membership duration did not significantly influence CSR perceptions. These results emphasized the importance of designing and effectively communicating CSR initiatives that resonate with member priorities. Sports organizations can leverage such environmental intervention programs to improve their image and align with societal values. However, to foster trust and loyalty, CSR efforts across multiple dimensions are necessary. This study contributes to the literature on CSR in participatory sports by demonstrating the measurable impact of environmental interventions and providing a framework for future CSR program development and evaluation in similar settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Innovation: From Management Systems to Corporate Social Responsibility)
20 pages, 1104 KiB  
Article
How Do Dynamic Capabilities Enable a Firm to Convert the External Pressures into Environmental Innovation? A Process-Based Study Using Structural Equation Modeling
by Xiaoyan Jin, Daegyu Yang and Mooweon Rhee
Systems 2024, 12(12), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12120561 - 14 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1095
Abstract
Recently, dealing with environmental issues has emerged as a critical part of various corporate social responsibility activities. To effectively address the environmental problems along with their generic purposes of increasing competitive advantages, firms pay attention to environmental innovation. Despite the growing importance of [...] Read more.
Recently, dealing with environmental issues has emerged as a critical part of various corporate social responsibility activities. To effectively address the environmental problems along with their generic purposes of increasing competitive advantages, firms pay attention to environmental innovation. Despite the growing importance of environmental innovation for achieving competitive advantages, there remains a significant gap in understanding how firms actually accomplish this innovation. This study aims to fill this gap by leveraging Teece’s theoretical framework to identify three key components of dynamic capabilities—sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring—that facilitate the development of an effective managerial system. Specifically, this study proposes that sensing and seizing guide a firm to correctly respond to the external requests of dealing with the environmental problems so that the firm may incorporate the external pressure in the environmental innovation outcomes, while reconfiguring leads directly to the realization of environmental innovation. Using a Korean Innovation Survey that includes direct questions about environmental innovation, we construct a structural equation model, PLS-SEM, to test our hypotheses, and the findings support all the hypotheses. The contributions and managerial implications are discussed based on the findings, and some limitations in methodology are also addressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Innovation: From Management Systems to Corporate Social Responsibility)
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21 pages, 329 KiB  
Article
The Strength Within: CSR Governance as an Environmental Performance Driver in Weak Institutional Contexts
by Eun-jung Hyun and Si Yu
Systems 2024, 12(12), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12120515 - 24 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1540
Abstract
This study investigates how the relationship between firm-level corporate social responsibility (CSR) governance and corporate environmental performance (CEP) varies across diverse national contexts. Drawing on institutional theory, organizational adaptation theory, and the concept of institutional voids, we analyze an extensive dataset of 5326 [...] Read more.
This study investigates how the relationship between firm-level corporate social responsibility (CSR) governance and corporate environmental performance (CEP) varies across diverse national contexts. Drawing on institutional theory, organizational adaptation theory, and the concept of institutional voids, we analyze an extensive dataset of 5326 firms from 26 OECD countries over a seven-year period (2013–2019). Employing panel data analysis, we examine the moderating effects of country-level factors on the CSR governance–CEP relationship. Our findings reveal a significant positive association between a firm’s CSR governance quality and environmental performance, which is notably stronger in countries characterized by weaker environmental governance, less prominent societal environmental values, and fewer climate mitigation laws and policies. These results suggest that firms with strong CSR governance effectively fill institutional voids in environmental governance, going beyond mere compliance to drive environmental performance improvements where external pressures are weak. Our study contributes to the literature by advancing the current understanding of the contextual nature of CSR, extending the application of institutional void theory to environmental governance landscapes in developed economies, and providing a more nuanced perspective on when and where CSR governance matters most for environmental outcomes. These insights offer valuable implications for managers in diverse institutional contexts and for policymakers seeking to enhance corporate environmental performance through complementary governance mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Innovation: From Management Systems to Corporate Social Responsibility)
18 pages, 387 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Role of Top Management Team Diversity and Absorptive Capacity in the Relationship Between Corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance Performance and Firm Value
by Qianru Li, Yuhao Zhang and Jinzhe Yan
Systems 2024, 12(11), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12110448 - 24 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 7884
Abstract
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is a key indicator of a firm’s long-term value and competitiveness. This study combined internal management dynamics (TMT diversity and absorptive capacity) and external social responsibility (ESG) to provide a more holistic perspective that explores the relationship [...] Read more.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is a key indicator of a firm’s long-term value and competitiveness. This study combined internal management dynamics (TMT diversity and absorptive capacity) and external social responsibility (ESG) to provide a more holistic perspective that explores the relationship between ESG performance and corporate value at multiple levels. In this study, Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2022 were selected and analyzed using a quantitative approach. The findings are as follows: (1) There is a positive correlation between ESG performance and firm value. (2) This relationship is particularly accentuated within non-high-polluting industries, the eastern and middle region, and non-state-owned firms. (3) The age, gender, financial background, and absorptive capacity of TMTs significantly moderate the relationship between corporate ESG performance and firm value. These findings will help business leaders and policymakers understand how effective management and responsibility practices can drive long-term business success and social impact. These findings not only help academics deepen their theoretical constructs but also provide operational guidance for business practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Innovation: From Management Systems to Corporate Social Responsibility)
20 pages, 1018 KiB  
Article
Green Bond Issuance and the Spillover Effect of Green Technology Innovation from the Perspective of Market Attention: Evidence from China
by Qiyue Zhang, Yanli Wang and Qian Chen
Systems 2024, 12(10), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12100399 - 26 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1580
Abstract
As the green bond market in China develops and its institutional structure improves, the green bond has emerged as a pivotal element within the broader framework of the green financial system. We focus on bond issuers in China’s A-shares from the years 2010 [...] Read more.
As the green bond market in China develops and its institutional structure improves, the green bond has emerged as a pivotal element within the broader framework of the green financial system. We focus on bond issuers in China’s A-shares from the years 2010 to 2021 and explore green bond issuance and the spillover effect of green technology innovation under the market attention perspective. Findings are that: (1) Green bond issuance can produce the spillover effect in the industry and significantly enhance peer enterprises’ green technology innovation. (2) From the viewpoint of market attention, analyst attention can significantly enhance the spillover effect of green bond issuance within the industry. The same is true for media attention and investor attention. (3) Further research shows that within the same industry, the spillover effect is more pronounced for state-owned enterprises, large-scale enterprises, and enterprises in regions with higher levels of green financial development. For the booming development of China’s green bond market and the sustainable development of enterprises, this paper provides theoretical and practical foundations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Innovation: From Management Systems to Corporate Social Responsibility)
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40 pages, 1390 KiB  
Article
Governance of Corporate Greenwashing through ESG Assurance
by Meiwen Bu, Xin Liu, Bin Zhang, Saddam A. Hazaea, Run Fan and Zijian Wang
Systems 2024, 12(9), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12090365 - 14 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3657
Abstract
This study utilizes data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2014 to 2022 to theoretically analyze and empirically test the governance effect of ESG assurance on corporate greenwashing behavior, as well as the role played by the legal environment and management shareholding in [...] Read more.
This study utilizes data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2014 to 2022 to theoretically analyze and empirically test the governance effect of ESG assurance on corporate greenwashing behavior, as well as the role played by the legal environment and management shareholding in this context. The impacts of ownership and the governance mechanism of ESG assurance on corporate greenwashing behavior are also explored. This study employs text mining, OLS, PSM, IV-LIML, treatment effect models, feasible generalized least squares, placebo tests, bootstrap methods, etc., to conduct empirical analysis and conclude the following results: ESG assurance has a significant inhibitory effect on corporate greenwashing behavior, playing a crucial role in resource allocation, particularly in non-state-owned enterprises. The legal environment has a certain substitution effect on ESG assurance in inhibiting corporate greenwashing behavior, meaning that when the legal environment is weak, ESG assurance is more effective in curbing such behavior. Management shareholding also has a certain substitution effect on ESG assurance in inhibiting corporate greenwashing behavior, indicating that when management shareholding is low, ESG assurance is better at curbing such behavior. Further research reveals that corporate ESG performance plays a mediating role between ESG assurance and corporate greenwashing governance. This article provides policy references and empirical evidence for strengthening ESG assurance and enhancing corporate ESG performance and greenwashing governance to promote high-quality corporate development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Innovation: From Management Systems to Corporate Social Responsibility)
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25 pages, 1795 KiB  
Article
Management Economic Systems and Governance to Reduce Potential Risks in Digital Silk Road Investments: Legal Cooperation between Hainan Free Trade Port and Ethiopia
by Shumin Wang, Qianyu Li and Muhammad Bilawal Khaskheli
Systems 2024, 12(8), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12080305 - 18 Aug 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2624
Abstract
This research explores the interplay between innovation, economic systems, governance structures, and law, and how they interact with one another in the context of China and Ethiopia’s investments in the Digital Silk Road. The way cutting-edge methods related to governance and economic systems [...] Read more.
This research explores the interplay between innovation, economic systems, governance structures, and law, and how they interact with one another in the context of China and Ethiopia’s investments in the Digital Silk Road. The way cutting-edge methods related to governance and economic systems might help lower the risks involved in major infrastructure projects, like the Digital Silk Road, particularly in light of law and 5G developments, is investigated. China–Africa connections are to be strengthened, sustainable development is to be encouraged, and healthy economic progress is the goal of the partnership between Ethiopia and the Hainan Free Trade Port. The impact of these transnational investments on fair growth and sustainable development is assessed, while exploring the evolving agendas and procedures governing investments. This research draws attention to how the law and legal cooperation between Ethiopia and China may promote mutually advantageous outcomes, promote transparency and governance mechanisms, and lessen the likelihood of disputes. This research on the factors influencing the future of the Digital Silk Road and its consequences for long-term, sustainable economic growth, and business in the area, aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, development professionals, and academics, and for the copromotion of China and Ethiopia in terms of digital investment. This research relates to the promotion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), in terms of construction and economic development. It also examines how the DSR raises concerns about data security and privacy, cross-border transactions, technology transfer, and cyberterrorism, as well as encourages digital investment, such as through enhancing digital governance regulations, modernizing international investment agreements (IIAs), and bolstering global health, coordination, and cooperation; the article concludes by analyzing the implications for Africa. The findings show that such cooperation would support Africa’s digital transformation and sustainable development, while strengthening China–Africa cooperation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Innovation: From Management Systems to Corporate Social Responsibility)
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17 pages, 1144 KiB  
Article
CSR, Digital Transformation, and Internal Control: Three-Way Interaction Effect on the Firm Value of Chinese Listed Companies
by Jae Wook Yoo, Bu Fan and Yu Jin Chang
Systems 2024, 12(7), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12070236 - 30 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2098
Abstract
CSR has become a key issue for the qualitative growth of the Chinese economy, while digital transformation has emerged as a crucial strategy for enhancing company competitiveness. Thus, the complex impact of CSR and digital transformation on the firm value is an important [...] Read more.
CSR has become a key issue for the qualitative growth of the Chinese economy, while digital transformation has emerged as a crucial strategy for enhancing company competitiveness. Thus, the complex impact of CSR and digital transformation on the firm value is an important research topic. This study analyzes the moderating effect of digital transformation and the three-way interaction effect of internal control on the CSR–firm value relationship. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis of Chinese listed companies shows a significant positive relationship between CSR and the firm value and a positive moderating effect of digital transformation on the CSR–firm value relationship. According to the three-way interaction analysis results, internal control strengthens the moderating effect of digital transformation, which strengthens the positive relationship between CSR and the firm value. This study has academic value as the first to present and empirically analyze a research model on the complementary effects of CSR, DT, and internal control on the firm value. It also presents corporate strategies to respond to changes in the business environment and provides political implications for promoting corporate and social development together. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Innovation: From Management Systems to Corporate Social Responsibility)
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24 pages, 1214 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the UN Global Compact Communication on Progress as a CSR Benchmarking Tool
by Lucas Ribeiro, Manuel Castelo Branco and Cristina Chaves
Systems 2024, 12(5), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12050146 - 24 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3232
Abstract
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) extends beyond mere profit-seeking to encompass the ethical behavior of a company toward society, mitigating negative and generating positive impacts on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, and all stakeholders. The UN Global Compact (UNGC) is the world’s largest voluntary [...] Read more.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) extends beyond mere profit-seeking to encompass the ethical behavior of a company toward society, mitigating negative and generating positive impacts on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, and all stakeholders. The UN Global Compact (UNGC) is the world’s largest voluntary CSR initiative, and its Communication on Progress (CoP) requirement is a key reporting mechanism that allows participating companies to transparently showcase their progress and efforts regarding CSR. As more and more companies are reporting CSR practices, it is crucial to establish a global, standardized, trusted, accessible, and useful database that can be used by different stakeholders, including the companies themselves in the benchmarking process. This paper examines whether the UNGC CoP can be used as a sustainability benchmarking tool, based on well-established criteria, and compares it with other existing reporting frameworks. Results indicate that the UNGC CoP can be considered a benchmarking tool, being applicable to nearly all phases of the benchmarking process. The study also shows that the CoP stands out regarding other frameworks due to ample coverage of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), number of reporting companies, accessibility to all stakeholders, and consolidation of the information into one platform. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Innovation: From Management Systems to Corporate Social Responsibility)
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