Corporate foundations and their governance

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ishva Minefee ◽  
Eric J. Neuman ◽  
Noah Isserman ◽  
Huseyin Leblebici
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Corporate Foundations ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the governance structures of corporate foundations in the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Design/methodology/approach – After discussing the heretofore-underutilized research advantages of corporate foundations, the authors survey theoretical perspectives to explain the corporate foundation phenomenon. The authors build on this theory to construct a typology of corporate foundation structures based on their interactions with internal and external stakeholders. Findings – The findings suggest that many of the largest corporations do not embed their corporate foundation into their strategic plan as they define it (i.e. specific alignment with corporate competency). Research limitations/implications – Research limitations include an examination solely of the 50 largest corporate foundations among a field of nearly 3,000 corporate foundations. The authors advance a research agenda that addresses the potential role of corporate foundations in fulfilling CSR. Practical implications – The foundation field may see a movement toward corporate foundations being strategically aligned with the parent company’s core competence as external stakeholders continue to pressure companies. Social implications – Studying corporate foundations is important as they serve as intermediaries between corporations and civil society. Thus, they will continue to play an important role in the CSR agenda. Originality/value – This paper is one of the first to examine the corporate foundation phenomenon, with a specific focus on their governance. Thus, the authors go beyond the motivations that lead corporations to be involved in “socially responsible activities,” the types of activities that corporations select, and how these choices produce benefits for a diverse set of stakeholders.

scholarly journals Concerned protesters: from compassion to retaliation

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 983-1010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Antonetti ◽  
Stan Maklan
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Behavior ◽  
Stakeholder Relationships ◽  
Present Information ◽  
Key Drivers ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of the study is to outline the unique role of compassion in reactions to cases of irresponsible corporate behavior that present information about victims of these events. In this study, four antecedents of compassion for the victims of irresponsibility are presented, and a model that explains the consequences of this emotion is tested empirically. Design/methodology/approach Two studies test the research hypotheses using a mix of experimental and survey research. The effects are tested both in laboratory conditions, where consumers assess a fictitious case of corporate irresponsibility, and through a test of reactions to real online campaigns. Findings Compassion is one of the drivers of consumers’ anger at the culprit, playing an indirect role in decisions to retaliate against perpetrators. Four key drivers of compassion are identified in the research: the perceived suffering of the victims, the perceived similarity of the victims to the observer, victims’ derogation and the vividness of the description of the victims. Practical implications The study offers insights both for campaigners wishing to instigate boycotts and organizations managing complex stakeholder relationships following a crisis. Insights on the role of compassion and its antecedents lead to more effective communications able to heighten or dampen this emotion. Originality/value Existing research offers contrasting views on the potential role of compassion in reactions to injustices. This study presents a novel account that clarifies previous findings and extends our knowledge of causes and consequences of compassion.

Co-creating sustainable corporate brands: a consumer framing approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-461
Author(s):  
Sonja Lahtinen ◽  
Elina Närvänen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Corporate Brands ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore how consumers co-create sustainable corporate brands (SCBs) by framing brands with a newly adopted sustainability orientation.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative data were generated from four focus groups consisting of altogether 25 Finnish millennial consumers. The data were analysed using thematic analysis, and the resulting themes were classified as different framings.FindingsThe findings indicate three ways of framing SCBs: as signs of corporate hypocrite, as threats that increase societal fragmentation and as signs of corporate enlightenment. These framings are based on two components: the perceived attributes and activities of the corporate brand.Practical implicationsThe role of corporate brands is expanding from the business sphere towards actively influencing society. Yet, sustainability activities can be risky if consumers, as primary stakeholders, deem them unacceptable, unethical or untrustworthy. This research supports brand managers to succeed in co-creating SCBs as contributors to societal and environmental well-being, at a time when multiple stakeholders consider this a worthwhile endeavour.Originality/valueThe theoretical contribution is twofold: firstly, the paper extends the sustainable corporate branding literature by demonstrating how SCBs are co-created through an interactive framing process between the corporation and primary stakeholders, and, secondly, it contributes to the constitutive approach to corporate social responsibility communication (CSRC) research by showing how millennial consumers frame corporate brands that communicate corporations' newly adopted sustainability orientation.

Towards an effective operations strategy process

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 16-18
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Context ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Operations Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategy Process ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings National cultural dimensions can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of an organization’s operations strategy (OS). Firms must therefore consider the potential role of such as individualism v collectivism, power distance, time orientation and uncertainty avoidance when developing the OS process and adjust it according to the cultural context. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Grounding managerial values towards social responsibility on an ideological framework

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 516-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duygu Turker ◽  
Y. Serkan Ozmen
Keyword(s):  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Values ◽  
Self Transcendence ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Conservative Values ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR) neglects the link between values and their ideological underpinnings. This paper aims to fill this void by grounding the managerial values towards CSR on an ideological ground by following the Schwartz’s (1994) value framework. Design/methodology/approach This paper provides a theoretical construct that builds the ideological stances of different managerial values towards CSR. Findings The study proposes that ideologically liberal managers might be involved in CSR based on their openness to change values, whereas their conservative counterparts are likely motivated by the conservative values such as security, conformity and tradition. On the other hand, egalitarian managers can engage in CSR based on their self-transcendence values, while non-egalitarian managers might involve in CSR based on their self-enhancement values as achievement and power. Practical implications The study can provide to all stakeholders a new perspective and a sound reference point to understand and monitor the socially responsible behaviours of managers. Originality/value The proposed bases of managerial values to CSR deepen the understanding on the antecedents of CSR. Based on the study, the future studies can configure out the role of diverse values on CSR in line with their ideological roots.

Finding “good enough” metrics for the UK’s research excellence framework

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Research Assessment ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Excellence Framework ◽  
Alternative Vision ◽  
Research Excellence ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to encourage discussion about the potential role of metrics in research assessment. Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers the results of the UK’s 2014 Research Excellence Framework, and the potential of metrics to reduce the size of future exercises. Findings – The paper suggests that a battery of non-robust metrics selected by the higher education institutions could support a greatly reduced peer-reviewed exercise. Practical implications – Policy makers should reconsider the role of metrics in research assessment. Originality/value – The paper provides an alternative vision of the role of metrics in research assessment, and will be of interest to policy makers, bibliometricians, and anyone interested in HEI research assessment.

The effects of mandatory corporate social responsibility policy on accounting conservatism

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Ling Cheng ◽  
Fan-Hua Kung
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Accounting Conservatism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate whether government-mandated corporate social responsibility (CSR) engenders conservative financial reporting in emerging markets. It is expected that CSR plays a substitute role for governance mechanisms in reducing information asymmetry. Design/methodology/approach – The C-Score developed by Khan and Watts (2007) was adopted to measure the degree of firm-year specific accounting conservatism. This study uses the CSR rating established by the Shanghai National Accounting Institute. Findings – Empirical evidence indicates that the government-mandated CSR policy may be sufficient to induce conservative financial reporting. However, due perhaps to political affiliations, the evidence to support this claim is weaker for state-owned enterprises (SOEs) than for non-SOEs. Originality/value – The findings provide a deeper understanding of the potential role of CSR in firms. The results also provide evidence on the dynamics between CSR activities and the reporting behavior of managers. These findings have important implications for investors, analysts and regulators.

Flexible working: help or hindrance?

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 18-20
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flexible Working ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Mind Set ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings What are the dirty little secrets that still remain in the world’s more cut-throat businesses? Senior managements read every day about corporate social responsibility obligations, socially responsible commercial behavior, and necessary compliance with the latest legislation on working conditions – and yet, there is always a nagging doubt that behind closed doors, all of this is forgotten about and replaced with a more mercenary mind-set. “Do what you have to, but try and get away with as much as you can” is not an unrealistic version of what may be said in private between managers pushed to the limit to maximize profit by their bosses. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Women as a stakeholder: a qualitative study in Turkey

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 734-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilke Oruc
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
State Sector ◽  
Industrial Organizations ◽  
Role Of Women ◽  
Internal Stakeholders ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This study aims to determine the efforts in the topic of women in the direction of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities as one of the stakeholders of the companies. Design/methodology/approach – This study is based on a survey of what has been written on the topic of women and CSR in Turkey. The data obtained, and the methodology used, come from Web sites belonging to the top 50 of Turkey’s 500 Big Industrial Organizations as determined by the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) and sustainability reports. The data obtained were assessed through content analysis; they were categorized by themes and sub-themes. Findings – In analyzing the research data, CSR activities involving women as external and internal stakeholders were classified as direct, indirect or both. Research limitations/implications – Because this study is qualitative in nature, the findings cannot be generalized. At the same time, as the enterprises in the state sector do not have CSR links, the results focus primarily on the private sector. Practical implications – The results indicate that there have been efforts in Turkey to consider women as stakeholders in CSR activities; however, these efforts are limited. Social implications – Women are a part of community and they are stakeholders to businesses. Businesses could support women with CSR activities. Originality/value – A study such as this one of the role of women as stakeholders in Turkish enterprises may contribute to understanding the role of women in Turkey today.

Internal crisis communication

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Matilda Strandberg ◽  
Orla Vigsø
Keyword(s):  
Crisis Communication ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Shared Responsibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Crisis Situation ◽  
Unit Management ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Sensemaking Process ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the study of internal crisis communication, not only the communication from the management to the employees, but also the employees’ communication with each other, in order to highlight the role of communication in the employees’ sensemaking during a crisis situation. Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted as interviews with both managers and employees at a municipality in the Stockholm region, where a former employee had just been accused of embezzling approx. 25 million SEK. The interviews were analysed with particular interest to descriptions of how information was communicated, and how the sensemaking process developed. Findings – The crisis communication was successful when it came to informing external stakeholders and media. But the management and the employees had different views on the communication. The employees felt that management did not present all the information they needed, which made their sensemaking based on assumptions and rumours, and on the culture in the unit. Management interpreted that the crisis was not due to a culture problem, while the employees felt that there was a shared responsibility. Blaming the former employee was perceived as a way of dodging the cultural problems. Practical implications – Conclusions can be generalized into three points: first, differences between external and internal crisis communication need to be taken into account. Second, a crisis can strengthen existing patterns within a dysfunctional culture. Third, do not use single employees as scapegoats, putting all blame on them. Originality/value – The study shows the significance of culture and rumour as components of sensemaking in a crisis situation. The results should be applicable to most kinds of organizations, commercial or not.

scholarly journals Coopetition in temporary contexts: examining swift trust and swift distrust in humanitarian operations

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 1449-1473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Schiffling ◽  
Claire Hannibal ◽  
Yiyi Fan ◽  
Matthew Tickle
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Nonprofit Sector ◽  
Humanitarian Relief ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trust Theory ◽  
Humanitarian Operations ◽  
Swift Trust ◽  
Limited Choice ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeBy drawing on commitment-trust theory, we examine the role of swift trust and distrust in supporting coopetition under conditions of uncertainty and interdependence in the setting of humanitarian disaster relief organisations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents findings from case studies of 18 international humanitarian relief organisations based on 48 interviews and the analysis of publicly available documents.FindingsWe find that both swift trust and swift distrust support coopetition. As coopetition is simultaneous cooperation and competition, in this study we show how swift trust and swift distrust also occur simultaneously in coopetitive contexts.Research limitations/implicationsCoopetition as a strategic choice is well-researched in the private sector, yet has received less attention in the nonprofit sector, particularly in contexts that are shaped by interdependence and uncertainty. We show the importance of swift trust and swift distrust in coopetitive relationships by drawing on commitment-trust theory.Practical implicationsIn focusing on a competitive environment in which cooperation is essential, we find limited choice of coopetitive partners. Humanitarian relief organisations must often simply work with whichever other organisations are available. We highlight how trust and distrust are not opposite ends of a spectrum and detail how both contribute to coopetitive relationships.Originality/valueOur findings contribute to commitment-trust theory by explaining the important role of distrust in forging coopetitive relationships. Furthermore, we contribute to prior work on coopetition by focusing on an uncertain and interdependent nonprofit environment.

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