Social purpose in a social media world

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Wilburn ◽  
Ralph Wilburn
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Fortune 500 ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
A Company ◽  
Third Party Assessment

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the effects of social media on a company when stakeholders decide select companies are not living up to their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. As the number of CSR and sustainability reports on company Web sites increases, the more stakeholders, not just stockholders, know about a company’s commitment to CSR, and the more they can use social media to comment on those goals. It will describe three strategies for CSR initiatives that move beyond self-reporting of goals and progress: third party assessment, specialized certifications and partnerships to provide trustworthy data to stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – The experiences of Nestlé, Unilever, PepsiCo/Frito Lay and P & G are described. Key third-party assessors and their processes are described, as well as organizations who certify in specific areas. The importance of third-party assessment for CSR achievement is reinforced by examining the results of two reports on CSR reporting trends and capital markets’ response, one of Fortune 500® companies and the other of S & P 500® companies by the Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. Findings – All three strategies used to verify the data for CSR accomplishment help companies communicate their goals through social media. Originality/value – All three strategies used to verify the data for CSR accomplishment are shown to help companies communicate and validate their CSR goals through social media.

scholarly journals Logistics service providers and corporate social responsibility: sustainability reporting in the logistics industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 459-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Izabela Piecyk ◽  
Maria Björklund
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Reporting Framework ◽  
Corporate Web Sites ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
A Company

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a content analysis of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports published by logistics service providers (LSPs), and to analyse factors influencing the level and scope of reporting. In order to address this objective, the authors show to what extent various social and environmental categories are covered in the CSR reports. The authors also investigate whether any differences in the use of CSR indicators can be found with regard to the use of a formal reporting framework, the size of a company, location of its headquarter, and ownership structure. Design/methodology/approach – The study begins with a comprehensive literature review on the CSR policies and practices in relation to the field of logistics. A database of 350 international LSPs is compiled based on independent rankings of top logistics companies. Applying a content analysis approach, corporate web sites and CSR reports are examined in order to investigate how sustainability is reported and what CSR-related indicators are published. Statistical analysis is carried out to provide insight into whether any differences in the use of CSR indicators can be found with regard to four key factors identified in the literature review. Findings – Although aspects of sustainability are mentioned on corporate web sites of most LSPs in the database (53 per cent), only 13 per cent publish formal CSR reports. This research identifies a variety of indicators used by LSPs and shows that the use of a formal reporting framework and the size of a company are the two main factors influencing the levels of CSR reporting in the sector. Practical implications – This paper provides an insight into how transparently LSPs report on the sustainability of their performance. LSPs can compare their own CSR reporting approaches to the body of scientific literature and the findings presented in this paper, in order to adapt more general concepts and best practice evidence to their needs. Social implications – By focusing on best practice in reporting of the environmental and social performance, this research can potentially improve the long-term sustainability of the logistics sector. Originality/value – This is the first study providing a comprehensive review of the CSR reporting practice in the third party logistics sector. As such, this paper provides an important basis for CSR-related research in the field of logistics and supply chain management. Several areas for future research are also identified.

Emotional stakeholders as “crisis communicators” in social media

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Britt Foget Johansen ◽  
Winni Johansen ◽  
Nina M. Weckesser
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Complaints ◽  
Response Strategies ◽  
Telephone Companies ◽  
Communication Processes ◽  
Organizational Crises ◽  
The Many ◽  
A Company

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the Telenor customer complaints crisis triggered on the company Facebook site in August 2012. More specifically, the paper focusses on how friends and enemies of a company interact, and how faith-holders serve as crisis communicators in a rhetorical sub-arena that opens up on Facebook. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a textual analysis of 4,368 posts from the Telenor Facebook site, and an interview with the senior digital manager of Telenor. Findings – Not only current and previous customers but also those from rival telephone companies were active in the Facebook sub-arena. The customers complaining about the company services were met not only with the response of Telenor, but also with counter-attacks from faith-holders acting in defense of Telenor. However, these faith-holders were using defensive response strategies, while Telenor used accommodative strategies. Research limitations/implications – Organizational crises need to be seen as a complex set of communication processes, including the many voices that start communicating from different positions, and taking into account not only the response strategies of the organization but also the response strategies applied by supportive emotional stakeholders. In practice, faith-holders need to be monitored, as they may prove useful as “crisis communicators.” Originality/value – The paper provides insights into an under-investigated area of crisis communication: the strategies of faith-holders acting as “crisis communicators” defending a company and themselves against attacks from negative voices on social media.

scholarly journals Information leaks before CEO change: financial gain and ethical cost

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-29
Author(s):  
Gregor Halff ◽  
Anne Gregory
Keyword(s):  
Stock Market ◽  
Financial Markets ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Fortune 500 ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Financial Gain ◽  
Fortune 500 Companies ◽  
Search Patterns ◽  
A Company

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether there are information leaks immediately before CEOs change and – if so – whether some investors take financial advantage of such prior knowledge. It thirdly investigates the ethical, practical and professional options for communication managers to deal with such situations.Design/methodology/approachWorking from sentiment theory of financial markets, the authors studied Internet search patterns for incoming CEO names and stock market movements immediately prior to the public mention or speculation of CEO change.FindingsThe authors find that in nearly a quarter of CEO changes at Fortune 500 companies, the name of the future CEO seems to have been leaked. Additionally, nearly half of those companies also experience extreme, otherwise unexplainable movements in the stock market.Originality/valueThis paper discovers the prevalence of extreme stock market movements for a company when the name of that company's next CEO has likely been leaked. Such leaks are an opportunity for unscrupulous investors, but they create ethical dilemmas for organizations. Communication managers typically respond by organizing tighter governance. However, to keep up with the speed of information and investments traveling through algorithms, organizing radical transparency could become an alternative instead.

scholarly journals How to increase engagement on social media using the honeycomb model

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-167
Author(s):  
Susana Costa Silva ◽  
Wilian Feitosa ◽  
Paulo Duarte ◽  
Marta Vasconcelos
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Before And After ◽  
A Company ◽  
New Procedures ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand how a company could improve public engagement on social media (SM) analysing the case of Alento, which is a human resources and consulting company located in Portugal. The company’s presence on Facebook was analysed by using the honeycomb model for SM functionality, by Kietzmann et al. (2011), as a theoretical framework. Design/methodology/approach The authors implemented some actions to change procedures on SM management. Monitoring five months of data, the authors could compare the SM engagement before and after changes on SM management. Then, a convenience sample of 205 useable questionnaires was collected. The population of the study comprised Portuguese Facebook users who liked the Alento Facebook Fan Page. An analysis of honeycomb dimensions was performed. Findings The engagement level on Alento’s SM was increased by changing procedures identified on survey. In five months, Alento’s number of followers was increased by just 4.5 per cent, interactions were increased by 35 per cent, views were more than twice (+122 per cent) and fans who clicked on Alento’s Facebook page’s links were increased by 146 per cent. Research limitations/implications There were also some limitations related to the sample, since the authors only obtained 205 responses. Therefore, the second suggestion for future investigations would be to conduct the survey on a larger number of people. This study just considers five months after changing procedures. A longer range of time could produce different results. Practical implications The most relevant contribution of the current study is the offer of some insights into the use of a simple tool such as the honeycomb model of Kietzmann et al. (2011) for the analysis of the social engagement from a firm’s perspective, regardless of their nature. Social implications The importance of SM to spread good content and to reduce media costs is reinforced in this study. Originality/value This study is innovative, as it identifies a need of change on SM management, proposes and implements new procedures, checking its results. SM marketing is a new wagon of study, and the problem of how to increase engagement on professional SM is on top priorities of the field.

Organizational culture: does it influence the way a company deals with CSR?

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Sandra Castro-González ◽  
Belén Bande
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Human Resource Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resource Managers ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Impact ◽  
A Company ◽  
Do So

PurposeThis paper aims to show how managers model culture for employees to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices.Design/methodology/approachThe proposal begins by highlighting the importance of culture for CSR implementation and then explains the impact of culture on employees.FindingsCurrently, many companies carry out activities under the CSR umbrella, but they may do so without considering whether their company’s context is ideal for such initiatives. They may also not consider the types of employees composing the workforce or their disposition toward CSR. In these circumstances, organizations may miss out on the added value of CSR practices.Originality/valueThe important influence of CSR practices on employees’ attitudes and behaviors at work requires organizations to implement these types of actions. Therefore, the contextual factors that are most likely to aid in developing and maintaining these practices must be acknowledged. This paper seeks to offer a new perspective to managers and human resource managers regarding the implementation of CSR activities.

scholarly journals Assurance of the leading UK food retailers' corporate social responsibility/sustainability reports

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Jones ◽  
David Hillier ◽  
Daphne Comfort
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Food Retailers ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
Assurance Process ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer an exploratory assessment of the employment of assurance in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Sustainability reports published by the UK's top ten food retailers. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with an outline of the characteristics of assurance and the empirical information for the paper is drawn from the assurance material in the CSR/Sustainability reports posted on the internet by five of the selected retailers. Findings – The findings reveal considerable variation in the nature and the scope of the assurance processes undertaken, at best the accent is on limited assurance and some concerns are expressed about the independence of the assessment process. The paper concludes that these concerns can be seen to reduce the reliability and credibility of the assurance process. Originality/value – The paper provides an accessible review of how the UK's top ten food retailers are employing external assurance statements as part of their CSR reporting and as such it will interest academics, managers within the retail industry and those professionals and consultants who work with the industry.

Benefit Corporations

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-247
Author(s):  
Kathleen Wilburn ◽  
Ralph Wilburn ◽  
Keyword(s):  
District Of Columbia ◽  
Fortune 500 ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Social Purpose ◽  
Benefit Corporation ◽  
Fortune 500 Companies ◽  
Benefit Corporations ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Assessment Format ◽  
Third Party Assessment

More than half of the S&P 500 and the Fortune 500 companies publish corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. CSR is at the heart of a new form of corporation, the benefit corporation, which requires the pursuit of a social purpose as well as pursuit of profit. Thirty-four states, plus the District of Columbia, have enacted benefit corporation legislation. Most laws require that benefit corporations publish reports on their social purpose performance using a third-party assessment format. The purpose of this paper is to analyze 1,530 benefit corporations identified by B Lab and the state of Minnesota for proof of social purpose performance, as demonstrated in reports on their websites. The study found some companies with excellent reports, but those had had a CSR focus prior to becoming benefit corporations or had been Certified B Corporations. However, most benefit corporations in the study had no published reports; many have no websites.

scholarly journals Political connections and corporate social responsibility reporting in Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 1203-1215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Teresa Bianchi ◽  
Patrícia Monteiro ◽  
Graça Azevedo ◽  
Jonas Oliveira ◽  
Rui Couto Viana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Political Connections ◽  
Legitimacy Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to examine the relation between firms’ political connections and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting in Portugal. The authors argue that in settings where the existence of political connections are viewed as damaging collective interests of stakeholders, political connected firms can deal with legitimacy issues from such connections by resorting to CSR practices and the reporting thereof. Design/methodology/approach Using archival data from a panel sample of 36 firms from Portugal between 2009 and 2012, the authors examine the relationship between political connections and CSR reporting by way of regression analysis. Findings The authors find a positive relationship between political connections and CSR reporting. Originality/value This study draws on legitimacy theory to highlight that CSR can be used to deal with stakeholder activism and vigilance pertaining to suspicion related to the existence of political connections.

FINRA releases new guidance regarding social media and digital communications

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 40-44
Author(s):  
Russell Sacks ◽  
Jennifer Morton ◽  
Jenny Jordan ◽  
Steven Blau ◽  
Sean Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Digital Communications ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Personal Communications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Of Social Media

Purpose In April 2017, FINRA issued a regulatory notice addressing the use of social media and digital communications by broker-dealers. The notice expanded on previous FINRA guidance on these topics. This article provides clarity regarding how social media and digital communications fit within the requirements of various FINRA rules and provides guidance to firms and their registered representatives. Design/methodology/approach The principal topics addressed by FINRA’s regulatory notice are: (a) text messaging, (b) personal versus business communications, (c) third-party content and hyperlinks, (d) native advertising, (e) testimonials and endorsements and (f) links to BrokerCheck. This article presents an overview of each of these topics, respectively. Findings Under recordkeeping requirements, firms must ensure that they are able to retain communications made through text messaging and chat services. Business communications, which relate to the products or services of the firm, are subject to filing and content requirements, while personal communications are not. Under certain circumstances, third-party posts on social media sites established by the member and testimonials may be attributable to the firm. Native advertising, while permissible, must comply with content requirements. Firm-created electronic applications do not have to provide a link to BrokerCheck. Originality/value Firms and their registered representatives will gain a better understanding of what is permissible pursuant to FINRA and SEC rules as they communicate digitally and via social media.

Ideas in conflict: a case study on tensions in the process of preparing sustainability reports

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magnus Frostenson ◽  
Sven Helin
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Sustainability Reporting ◽  
Preparation Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
A Company ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand conflicts in sustainability reporting (SR) preparation. Design/methodology/approach In the preparation of SRs, the logic of financial rationality is often assumed to take precedence over the logic of sustainability. Based on an explorative qualitative case study of a large Swedish retailer, the paper problematizes this view. Over a reporting cycle, employees and consultants involved in the preparation process are interviewed. Conflicting ideas about SRs are identified and analyzed through the lens of institutional logics. Findings The study identifies five tensions in SR preparation. These tensions relate to conflicting ideas of what an SR is, how it should be written and how it should be used. Among findings, a conflict of logics can be found as the basis of at least one tension. However, tensions may also emerge within a shared sustainability logic. Research limitations/implications A contribution of the study is that it sets its finger on the actual fieldwork with SRs. The study shows that it is unreasonable to claim that SRs are “self-evidently” captured by management according to financial rationality. Possibly, the nature of the studied firm, a company within the pharmaceutical and health sector, implies a stronger sustainability logic than in other firms. Practical implications According to the study, the results of an SR preparation process are highly dependent on the sometimes conflicting ideas of preparers and others within the company. It is of high importance to identify and clarify such conflicting ideas already in the beginning of the process, to link the SR to the corporate social responsibility strategy of the firm, and to involve top management in the process. Originality/value The study identifies underlying tensions in SR preparation. It also introduces a theoretical framework that makes it possible to analyze tensions in the preparation process.

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