Search Results (102)

This paper examines the moderating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the relationship between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions and investor decision-making in Jordan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed for institutional investors and financial analysts, capturing perceptions of ESG, CSR, and investment behavior. A stratified random sample of 350 professionals across the financial, industrial, and service sectors was surveyed. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. The findings show that environmental and social dimensions have positive effects on investor decisions, with governance dimensions having a negative effect. Notably, CSR has a negative moderating effect on the governance dimensions and investor decision, with no observed statistical moderating effect for environmental or social dimensions. This research unravels the multidimensional role of CSR in building the ESG-investor decision interface and identifies a counterintuitive negative moderating impact of CSR on governance, contributing to the existing literature on sustainability alignment in emerging markets. The results offer practical implications for companies aiming to attract sustainability-oriented investors by indicating the necessity for an integrated and genuine CSR and ESG approach. Full article

The aim of this study was to compare IC and CSR and to examine ICr as a mediating variable. The study employed a relational survey design and involved participants drawn from industrial organizations based in Tehran. To evaluate participants’ perceptions of innovation climate, corporate social responsibility, and Individual Creativity, standardized questionnaires were used. In analyzing the findings, the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was adopted, and the analyses were conducted using SPSS AMOS version 26. The analysis revealed that an Innovative Climate exerts a positive and statistically significant influence on CSR. In addition, a positive and significant association was identified between Innovative Climate and Individual Creativity. The results further demonstrated a meaningful relationship between Individual Creativity and CSR. Finally, to test the hypothesis of partial mediation, the study confirmed that Individual Creativity functions as a mediating mechanism between IC and CSR. Overall, these findings highlight the critical role of an innovative environment in enhancing CSR efforts from the perspective of Individual Creativity, and they provide insight for future studies aimed at developing strategies to strengthen creativity as a strategic means of achieving more effective CSR outcomes. The study advocates the development of an innovation-oriented mindset as a pathway to promoting socially responsible practices within Tehran’s industrial sector. Full article

This paper examines the relation between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm financial performance—a topic that continues to generate debate among academics and practitioners. We focus on firms included in the 100 Best Corporate Citizens (BCC) rankings from 2009 to 2022, a list that highlights companies recognized for CSR transparency and performance. Using panel data regression analyses and matched sample comparison, we examine whether BCC firms outperform their peers. Our findings show that, relative to matched firms not included in the rankings, BCC firms demonstrate significantly stronger future operating performance. Among BCC firms, CSR rankings are positively associated with future operating performance, although this positive relation has diminished in more recent years. Furthermore, we find no significant association between operating performance and most individual CSR component rankings except for employee relations. Finally, our evidence indicates that more socially responsible firms engage in less tax avoidance and pay higher audit fees, suggesting that CSR-oriented firms exhibit stronger ethical considerations across a broad range of corporate activities. This study contributes to the CSR literature by providing updated empirical evidence and practical insights for stakeholders evaluating corporate behavior and outcomes through the BCC rankings. Full article

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the relationships among organizational digitalization, innovation, and sustainability are receiving growing academic and managerial attention. This paper employs bibliometric analysis to examine the scientific literature on these interconnected terms, based on 775 relevant publications retrieved from the Web of Science database and analyzed using MS Excel, Bibliometrix, and VOSviewer software packages. The findings reveal a rapid increase in research on digital transformation and sustainability since 2017, with key themes including Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and circular economy. However, the analysis also highlights notable conceptual fragmentation, emphasizing the need for a more integrated theoretical framework, especially in fields such as performance measurement and corporate social responsibility. From a practical standpoint, the study identifies research gaps—including CSR alignment, SME digitalization, and evaluation metrics—where organizations and policymakers continue to face challenges. These findings can support targeted capacity building, policy development, and strategic research funding aligned with sustainability-oriented innovation. By synthesizing key patterns from the literature, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how digital transformation drives sustainable innovation, while suggesting several directions for further investigation in both academia and practice. Full article

In the context of increasing consumer environmental awareness (CEA), firms are progressively adopting corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies that seek to align profitability with environmental objectives. This paper develops a mathematical model to explore the implications of CSR under two distinct scenarios: one that incorporates both social and environmental impacts and another that focuses solely on environmental concerns. The analysis is situated within a spatial mixed duopoly, where a CSR-oriented firm competes with a purely profit-maximising rival. A game-theoretical framework is employed, in which the CSR firm’s objective function is modelled as a weighted sum of private profits and the environmentally driven welfare of consumers. Equilibrium analysis demonstrates that CSR engagement improves market outcomes relative to a benchmark without CSR and generates positive externalities for the non-CSR firm. Moreover, the scenario prioritising environmental impact alone yields superior sustainability and welfare outcomes for both consumers and firms, despite identical demand and product differentiation conditions. These findings enhance our understanding of how CEA interacts with CSR strategies in imperfectly competitive markets, offering valuable insights for managerial decision-making and the formulation of environmental policy. Full article

Given the significant impact of Generative AI (GenAI) in the workplace, there are surprisingly few empirical studies examining how employees’ GenAI awareness shapes differently oriented job crafting behaviors. In organizations, understanding this is important because GenAI is unlikely to fully replace employees; instead, it requires them to adopt adaptive strategies to work alongside GenAI. If employees engage in avoidance crafting behavior, it could have negative consequences for the organization. Based on sensemaking theory, we develop a theoretical model to explore how employees’ GenAI awareness affects their job crafting behavior, as well as the mediating mechanisms and boundary conditions of its influence. Using self-evaluation data from 316 employees at three time points, the results of our hypothesis testing reveal that when employees perceive high internal Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), their GenAI awareness triggers harmonious work passion and leads to approach job crafting; conversely, when employees perceive high external Corporate Social Responsibility, their GenAI awareness triggers obsessive work passion and leads to avoidance job crafting. Finally, the theoretical and empirical implications of our findings are discussed. Full article

This study explores how corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure contributes to sustainable value creation by enhancing intellectual capital (IC) and investigates the moderating role of institutional ownership (IIOW) in this relationship. Using a panel dataset of 828 firm-year observations from non-financial Saudi companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) between 2016 and 2021, the analysis applies feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) regression to test the proposed relationships. The findings reveal a significant positive association between CSR disclosure and IC, underscoring the strategic importance of CSR in building intangible corporate assets. Moreover, IIOW strengthens this association, suggesting that IIOW plays a critical role in promoting sustainability-oriented practices. Robustness checks using alternative proxies and estimation techniques confirm the validity of the results. This study provides novel empirical evidence from Saudi Arabia, contributing to the CSR and IC literature in emerging markets and offering practical insights for policymakers, investors, and corporate leaders aiming to foster long-term organizational resilience. Full article

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure plays a pivotal role in mitigating “blue” (labor standard) and “green” (environmental standard) trade barriers, optimizing the foreign trade ecosystem, fostering sustainable development of export-oriented enterprises, and advancing societal welfare objectives—all critical to maintaining high-quality social order in China. Grounded in institutional and strategic management theories, this study systematically investigates the effects of CSR disclosure on corporate export performance, focusing on mediating and moderating mechanisms, and conducts rigorous empirical testing using comprehensive firm-level CSR disclosure data from Chinese listed companies. The results reveal the following key findings: (1) CSR disclosure positively influences corporate exports; (2) enterprise financing capacity and innovation output serve as dual mediating mechanisms, through which CSR disclosure enhances export performance by improving access to external capital and stimulating product/service innovation; (3) environmental regulations amplify the export-promoting effect of CSR disclosure, indicating that institutional environmental constraints incentivize firms to leverage disclosure as a strategic response to global sustainability demands; (4) heterogeneity analysis reveals that large enterprises derive the strongest export benefits from CSR disclosure, followed by medium-sized and small enterprises; and (5) private enterprises exhibit significantly greater export gains from CSR disclosure compared to state-owned enterprises. These results underscore the context-specific and multi-dimensional nature of CSR disclosure’s impact on exports, highlighting how firm size and ownership structure shape the efficacy of disclosure strategies in global markets. This study contributes to both academic literature on corporate sustainability and practical policy by demonstrating how strategic CSR disclosure can serve as a tool for overcoming institutional barriers and enhancing international competitiveness. Full article

Given the increasing complexity of leadership roles in global, sustainability-driven organizations, this study examines whether Hersey and Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Model (SLM) provides a sufficiently comprehensive framework for contemporary leadership demands or requires theoretical and practical modifications. Can SLM, originally designed for adaptability in leader–follower dynamics, effectively integrate sustainability principles such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors; corporate social responsibility (CSR); and ethical governance? How can leadership models evolve to balance immediate responsiveness with long-term resilience and sustainability-driven decision-making? This research systematically evaluates the synthesis of empirical evidence on the application of the SLM across diverse organizational contexts while exploring its alignment with sustainability-focused leadership approaches. The study further investigates the role of Servant Leadership as a conceptual bridge between SLM and sustainability principles, emphasizing its ethical foundation, stakeholder-oriented approach, and long-term commitment to workforce well-being. Findings suggest that while SLM remains a relevant and adaptable framework, it exhibits a deficiency in explicitly addressing the sustainability dimension. However, integrating Servant Leadership’s emphasis on ethical governance and organizational resilience into SLM could enhance its applicability to sustainability-driven leadership models. By addressing these gaps, this study contributes to contemporary leadership theory by proposing an evolved SLM framework that incorporates sustainability-focused leadership competencies. Future research should focus on refining SLM to ensure its alignment with the ethical and environmental imperatives of modern organizations, equipping leaders to navigate the complexities of sustainable corporate governance while maintaining situational adaptability. Full article

In the conditions of modern market dynamics, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasingly evolving from a formal ethical principle into a powerful strategic instrument, key to achieving sustainable growth and long-term competitive advantage. Companies that integrate CSR into their business not only affirm the values of social responsibility, but also position themselves as reliable and ethically oriented actors, thereby winning the trust of investors, motivating employees and building a stable base of loyal consumers. Hence, the aim of this research is to determine, through empirical analysis, to what extent and in what way individual aspects of corporate social responsibility influence employee perception and satisfaction, as well as to develop a predictive model of their mutual connection. The specific hybrid SEM-ANN methodology in the CSR field was applied to obtain more precise results than standard data analysis methods, which fulfilled the literature gap in this research field. The detailed hypotheses designed were empirically tested using SEM methodology and indicated a positive association between the social and stakeholder aspects with employee satisfaction. These outcomes were confirmed by the results of the ANN models. The findings obtained are not only theoretical, but also have a useful application in the real business environment, which is reflected in the development of strategies that can serve as a road map for organizations in achieving employee satisfaction. This could lead to a change in organizational culture with an emphasis on ethical business and greater responsibility towards society and stakeholders. Full article

The chemical industry plays a pivotal role in the health of the world’s economies despite facing significant criticism for its contribution to environmental degradation, particularly in pollution management and sustainable development. This paper investigates the key factors motivating executives in chemical companies to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR), including regulatory pressure, profit maximization, stakeholder demands, and environmental concerns. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of over 400 executives worldwide, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to test four hypotheses examining the relationships among various variables. The findings indicate that regulatory pressure positively influences CSR adoption, although a profit-maximization orientation negatively moderates this relationship. This suggests that companies with an excessive focus on profits are less likely to engage in meaningful CSR activities beyond mere compliance. Additionally, unmet stakeholder needs drive environmental commitment, highlighting that managers and executives are responsive to the environmental expectations of consumers, society, and investors. In turn, environmental commitment strongly correlates with implementing pollution-prevention mechanisms, emphasizing the role of intrinsic motivations in promoting authentic CSR practices. This research expands on prior studies of CSR in high-impact industries by proposing a more integrated theoretical framework, drawing from Institutional Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and the Theory of Planned Behavior. Practical implications underscore the value of incentives that encourage firms to make substantial CSR commitments without jeopardizing profitability. Limitations of the study include its cross-sectional design, which calls for longitudinal research to understand causation better. Future studies could also explore additional industries to produce findings applicable across various sectors. Full article

This paper explores the relationship between a board’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) orientation and its company’s labor policies. Using data from 1950 non-financial firms in 21 emerging economies from 2010 to 2023, we found evidence that a more CSR-oriented board (as indicated by high percentages of women and independent directors and the existence of the audit committee’s financial expertise and CSR committee) can result in better employee treatment. In addition, our empirical results suggest that this board attribute–employee welfare relationship is influenced by the national culture. Specifically, the positive impact of the board’s CSR orientation on corporate labor practices is more prevalent in consensus-oriented and indulgent societies. These findings provide useful information that policymakers and regulators can exploit to reform corporate governance regulations to improve the working environment, especially for employees in developing countries. Full article

This study investigates the intricate relationship between CSR, green innovation, and environmental performance within the context of China’s manufacturing industries. Given the pressing environmental challenges faced by this sector, understanding how CSR practices correlate with sustainable innovations is critical for stakeholders aiming to enhance environmental outcomes. This was a survey-based study using a questionnaire and the five-point Likert scale; items were adopted from previous studies. Sampling was drawn through random sampling. Utilizing a sample of 327 respondents, this research employs SPSS and Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) as analytical tools. The findings reveal a robust positive correlation between CSR practices and green innovation, as evidenced by a path coefficient of 0.704. These data support the stakeholder theory, which posits that organizations attentive to stakeholder expectations are more inclined to adopt sustainable practices. Furthermore, this study underscores the mediating role of green innovation in the relationship between CSR and environmental performance, highlighting its importance in aligning organizational strategies with sustainability-oriented stakeholder interests. This conclusion aligns with the existing literature emphasizing CSR’s significance in improving environmental performance through innovative approaches. However, an unexpected finding emerged: there exists a weak negative relationship between green innovation and organizational agility (−0.080). This suggests that, while firms strive for sustainable innovations, they may inadvertently compromise their flexibility in responding to evolving market demands. By addressing these dynamics, this research contributes valuable insights into how CSR can effectively spur green innovation and promote sustainable practices within China’s manufacturing sector. This study fills a gap in the existing literature by elucidating the mechanisms that connect CSR with enhanced environmental performance while also recognizing the potential trade-offs associated with innovation strategies. Also, the exploration of agility, which is least investigated, can also open various doors towards sustainability and the adaptation of new changes. Future research is encouraged to further explore these relationships across different industries and delve deeper into the mechanisms linking CSR to improved environmental outcomes, ultimately guiding organizations in balancing sustainability efforts with market responsiveness. Full article

In today’s business world, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly dedicated to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, gaining recognition from communities, investors, and customers who view them as socially and environmentally conscious. Thus, this research examines how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) orientation, commitment, and participation affect strategic business performance (SBP) of SMEs in hospitality sectors, along with the potential mediation function of CSR engagements. To investigate the proposed model, this study employed a cross-sectional dataset of 163 hospitality SMEs, incorporating 482 valid responses. The representative sample was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), regression analysis, and bootstrapping techniques to test direct and indirect effects. Findings indicate that CSR orientation, commitment, and participation play vital roles as antecedents of SBP. In hospitality SMEs, adopting CSR practices is imperative for increasing SBP. This study bridges a crucial research gap, particularly in understanding how hospitality SMEs engage in CSR and its impact on business success, offering valuable insights for SME management, practitioners, and stakeholders. Full article

In response to calls for research on the psychological mechanisms, such as perceptions and attitudes toward corporate citizenship, in promoting positive outcomes at work, this research presents a novel approach by empirically testing a calling conditioned path model from P perception of corporate CSR (P-CSR) to work engagement via meaningfulness under the theoretical framework of self-determination theory. Survey data collected from 224 corporate employees in the US were tested using the PROCESS plugin (version 4.3) in SPSS. The regression results supported the positive direct and indirect paths from employees’ P-CSR to meaningfulness and work engagement but not the conditioning effect of calling work orientation. This study’s unique findings, limitations, future research, and implications are discussed, expanding micro-CSR research and unboxing the management assumptions of employees as purposeful autonomous agents seeking consistent interpretations and authentic perceptions of organizational CSR activities during their sense-making processes. Non-confirming of the calling conditioning the path model shed light on it being a dynamic multi-dimensional and multi-level construct to be further researched. Full article