Consumers’ prosocial engagement in CSR: why should they care and what does it mean to them?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Baobao Song
Keyword(s):  
Prosocial Behavior ◽  
Strategic Communication ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Relationships ◽  
Csr Communication ◽  
Prosocial Motivation ◽  
Social Cause ◽  
Implicit And Explicit ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Public relations practitioners worldwide are attempting to enhance the overall organization–stakeholder relationships by applying strategic communication techniques and skills to corporate social responsibility (CSR) management and communications. In this light, drawing on the prosocial motivation literature, this paper aims to investigate consumers’ implicit and explicit motivations for prosocial behavior, and how these two motivations interact to affect consumers’ willingness to contribute to CSR activities. Second, through the lens of sensemaking theory, this study evaluates the influence of successful prosocial behavior engagement on consumers’ perceptions of both self and companies’ prosocial identities, CSR authenticity and company evaluations. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a dictator game experiment with 2 × 2 factorial design to gauge consumers’ prosocial behavioral response toward companies’ CSR communication with implicit and explicit motivations and to examine its effect on company evaluation. Findings In all, the results of this study suggest that implicit motivation, i.e. self-affirmation intervention, in CSR communication will cause consumers to donate more money to CSR programs; whereas explicit motivation does not exert an effect on consumers’ prosocial behavior. In addition, such donation will trigger consumers’ prosocial sensemaking process and lead to strong identification with the company, positive attitudes and behavioral intentions toward the company. Originality/value This study aims to build a consumer- and social cause-oriented CSR communication model, which maximizes the impact of CSR investments on consumer relationship building, business bottom line and social causes.

scholarly journals SME stakeholder relationship descriptions in website CSR communications

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 364-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig M. Parker ◽  
Emilia Bellucci ◽  
Ambika Zutshi ◽  
Luba Torlina ◽  
Bardo Fraunholz
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Relationships ◽  
Csr Communication ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Industry Sectors ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to report on an exploratory, qualitative study of how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) describe their firm’s relationships with or impact on stakeholders when communicating corporate social responsibility (CSR) on their websites. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative content analysis was conducted on 22 Australian SME websites from the information media and telecommunications sector. Stakeholder theory was used as the basis for analysis. Findings – An important aspect of CSR communication is reporting the firm’s relationships with stakeholders such as society/communities, ecological environment, employees, customers and suppliers. This paper provides insights into how these relationships are manifested in SME website communications. For example, three-way relationships between the firm and stakeholders were described on some websites, but few explained the impact of their CSR on stakeholders. Research limitations/implications – This study concentrated on identifying the CSR communication on websites from one industry sector in Australia. These limitations provide the basis for future research to explore and compare CSR communication on websites by SMEs from other industry sectors and countries. Practical implications – The findings offer SME owner-managers ideas on different ways they can incorporate details of stakeholder relationships in CSR website communications. Originality/value – There has been little research on how SMEs use channels such as websites to communicate CSR. This paper addresses this gap in knowledge by providing insights into how SMEs describe stakeholder relationships in CSR website communications.

Examining the impact of message frames on information seeking and processing

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly K. Overton
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Strategic Communication ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Communication ◽  
Message Frames ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviors ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to apply the situational theory of publics and framing theory in the context of environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication research to determine how message frames impact information seeking and processing. Design/methodology/approach Using a 3 (message frame: diagnostic, prognostic, or motivational) × 2 (environmental issue: general vs specific) plus control between subjects experimental design, the study examines the attitudes, cognitions, and behavioral intentions different publics may form about two different environmental responsibility issues presented in this study. Furthermore, the study aims to examine how different types of message frames (diagnostic, prognostic, or motivational) and topics may impact how a company can move a public toward information seeking behaviors. Findings Based on theoretical considerations, structural equation modeling was used to examine significant paths between variables, thus creating a proposed new theoretical model that can be applied to CSR, public relations, and strategic communication literature. Originality/value The study offers a proposed new integrated theoretical model that can be applied to strategic communication literature and used to assist companies with enhancing their CSR communication and strategic communication planning efforts to determine how to move a public toward information seeking behaviors.

Handling negative publicity

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angie Chung ◽  
Hua Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Communication ◽  
Subject Design ◽  
Negative Publicity ◽  
Associative Network Theory ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Based on the framing theory and the associative network theory, the purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model that examines the impact of employing corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication in apology statements after negative publicity. Specifically, this study examines the role of CSR fit and CSR history in reducing anger and negative word-of-mouth (NWOM). This study also examines whether perceived CSR motivation and skepticism toward the apology statement mediate the effect of CSR fit and CSR history on anger and NWOM. Design/methodology/approach This study was a 2×2 between-subject design manipulating CSR fit (high or low) and CSR history (long or short). Findings The findings of this study suggest that strategically employing CSR communication in an apology statement after negative publicity may reduce negative consumer reactions. Originality/value The effects of CSR history and CSR fit have been studied in different contexts, but the effects of mentioning the two components in terms of apology statements had been understudied. This paper fulfills an identified need to study how employing CSR communication in apology statements after negative publicity can mitigate negative audience reactions.

scholarly journals Stakeholders’ perceptions and reputational antecedents

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Riad Shams
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Marketing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Target Market ◽  
Brand Positioning ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Relationships ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – It is recognised that reputation is a relational construct; however the impact of stakeholders’ various relational dimensions on their perceptions to influence reputation is not widely understood. The purpose of this paper is to add to the current understanding of stakeholders’ relationships, interactions, their subsequent relational dimensions and its impact on stakeholders’ perceptions to further influence relational reputation. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes a case study approach. Findings – The findings of this study recognise the impact of relationship marketing (RM) on the influence of stakeholders’ perceptions. It discusses how RM substantiate the pertinent authenticity (symbolises reputation), relevance and differentiation (represent brand positioning) of an organisation’s profile and/or their market offerings, in relation to the interest of the target market through the cause and consequence of stakeholder relationships and interactions to influence their perceptions. The findings acknowledge 11 RM dimensions that have relational implications to nurture stakeholders’ perceptions and subsequent relational reputation, which appear viable across industries and markets. Originality/value – Underlying the cause and consequence of stakeholder relationships and interactions; these 11 RM dimensions emerge as antecedents to form/reform relational reputation. Further academic and professional implications of the findings are briefly discussed.

scholarly journals Complexity and the triple bottom line: an information-processing perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1142-1163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Wiengarten ◽  
Muhammad Usman Ahmed ◽  
Annachiara Longoni ◽  
Mark Pagell ◽  
Brian Fynes
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Structural Equations ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the impact of complexity on the triple bottom line by applying information-processing theory. Specifically, the paper assesses the impact of internal manufacturing complexity on environmental, social, and financial performance. Furthermore, the paper assesses the moderating role of connectivity and shared schema in reducing the potential negative impact of complexity on performance. Design/methodology/approach Multi-country survey data collected through the Global Manufacturing Research Group were utilized to test the hypotheses. The authors used structural equation modeling to test the measurement and initial structural model. Furthermore, to test the proposed moderating hypotheses, the authors applied the latent moderated structural equations approach. Findings The results indicate that while complexity has a negative impact on environmental and social performance, it does not significantly affect financial performance. Furthermore, this negative impact can be reduced, to some extent, through connectivity; however, shared schema does not significantly impact on the complexity-performance relationship. Originality/value This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of complexity on sustainability. Furthermore, it provides managerial applications as it proposes specific tools to deal with the potential negative influences of complexity.

Regulatory non-compliance and performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ismaila Yusuf ◽  
Damola Ekundayo
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economy ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Correlational Research ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Nigerian Banking ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine regulatory sanctions from an emerging economy perspective and analyzing the impact of regulators imposed monetary sanctions on banks’ performance. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted correlational research design to examine the effect of regulatory penalties on the performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. This study used panel data from a sample of 15 deposit money banks in Nigeria for the period of 2006-2015. Multiple regression analysis was carried out. Findings Results showed that penalties imposed by regulators in the Nigerian banking industry have no significant impact on the bottom line of the defaulters. Penalties imposed on foreign exchange and international trade related infraction showed that the cost of penalties is below the benefits enjoyed from such infractions. Practical implications The insignificant impact of penalties on performance implies that deposit money banks have considered penalties imposed by regulators as operational expenses and transferred such to customers. Originality/value The study differs from other studies that examined regulatory penalties on performance by focusing on financial performance and using data from an emerging economy perceived to have weak regulatory environment.

Sustainability and competitive advantage from a developing economy

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amoako Kwarteng ◽  
Samuel Ato Dadzie ◽  
Samuel Famiyeh
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Corporate Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the impact of sustainability as measured by the triple bottom line constructs on the competitive advantage of manufacturing firms in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach To understand the impact of sustainability on competitive advantage, a survey was conducted where managers were asked about their engagement in the sustainability issues and how it affects their competitive advantage. The study uses the structural equation modelling (SEM) and, in particular, the partial least square (PLS) approaches to SEM. Findings The results of this study indicate that economic and social have a positive impact on the corporate image but not the environment. In addition, corporate image and social have positive impact on corporate performance, whilst economic and environment seem not to have any impact on corporate performance. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to only manufacturing firms operating in the Ghanaian environment. It is important, therefore, for firms in Ghana to invest in social sustainability initiatives, as it will ultimately affect their bottom line performance. This study provides policy implications to Ghana and other developing countries to implement the necessary policies and provide incentives to improve environmental awareness. Originality/value There have been just a few studies that tried to find out the impact of sustainability constructs and performance and how corporate image mediates this relationship.

The impact of public relations on visibility of Croatian non-profits

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-97
Author(s):  
Mirela Polić ◽  
Nataša Cesarec Salopek
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Strategic Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Communication Campaign ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand and show how public relations contributed to enhancing the visibility of Croatian non-profit organization Foundation “Croatia for Children” and its activities within its stakeholders, as well as how public relations contributed to the mobilization of target publics in Foundation’s activities. Design/methodology/approach Using a single case study approach, data were collected over a 12-month period. Quantitative and qualitative media research was applied in order to compare visibility of Foundation in the period before and after the strategic communication campaign. Findings Strategic communication campaign enhanced the visibility of Foundation “Croatia for Children” in national and local Croatian media and positioned it as the primary instance for children without an adequate parental care and children in need. However, local media devoted more attention comparing to the national media. All children wishes (1,000) were fulfilled by mobilizing the target publics. Research limitations/implications The results derived from this case study cannot be generalized since they are based on a single case in one country. Practical implications This study can serve as a starting point for another research about the role and importance that public relations have in enhancing the visibility of non-profit organizations. Originality/value The results of this study point to the role and importance public relations have in the non-profit sector in order to proactively communicate with all stakeholders in society.

Management of pension discount rate and financial health

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-162
Author(s):  
Paula Diane Parker ◽  
Nancy J. Swanson ◽  
Michael T. Dugan
Keyword(s):  
Earnings Management ◽  
Discount Rate ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Pension Plans ◽  
Financial Health ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to examine the unexpected portion of the pension discount rate to determine if the pension discount rate is being used to manage earnings for both financially healthy and financially unhealthy firms as categorized based upon their Altman z-score for bankruptcy. Design/methodology/approach Regression analysis is conducted with the unexpected portion of the pension discount rate as the dependent variable and various metrics indicating potential firm strengths and weaknesses as the independent variables. Findings This study finds evidence that suggests managers for both groups of firms are using their choice of discount rate to manage bottom-line earnings. These findings highlight the patterns of various firm choice differences found between the two groups and the magnitude of the differences between the groups. Originality/value Three streams of literature are considered in this research: earnings management, defined pension plans and z-score bankruptcy. This study extends prior research by examining the unexpected portion of the pension discount rate based on the z-score determination of whether a firm is considered financially healthy or financially unhealthy. Our findings highlight the impact of various firm choice differences found between the two groups of firms.

Cash holdings, corporate performance and viability of Greek SMEs

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Dimitropoulos ◽  
Konstantinos Koronios ◽  
Alkis Thrassou ◽  
Demetris Vrontis
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Corporate Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Debt Crisis ◽  
Cash Holdings ◽  
Large Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Relationships ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Several theories have been developed trying to explain the corporate decisions on cash holdings. Stakeholder theory is one of the arguments that urge firms with strong stakeholder relationships to hold more cash. The purpose of this paper is to shed further light on this issue by examining the impact of cash holdings on the financial performance and viability of Greek Small-Medium Enterprises before and after the Greek sovereign debt crisis. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected a large sample from Small-Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and a comparable sample from large firms operating in Greece during the period 2003–2016. Panel regression analysis was performed before and after the Greek debt crisis. Findings Results indicated that cash holdings contribute positively to the profitability and viability of firms validating the precautionary theory of cash holdings in Greece. Before the crisis, SMEs and large firms both benefited significantly by cash holdings but after the crisis that positive impact of cash is more evident and significant for SMEs. Practical implications These findings corroborate the hypotheses that during a period of limited lending (and severe financial turmoil); cash holdings (and effective cash management) could be a vital tool for sustaining SMEs’ viability and financial performance. This study offers useful managerial implications and contributes to the ongoing debate about the impact of cash holdings on corporate performance. Originality/value This is the first study in the Greek business setting trying to examine the impact of cash holdings on financial performance within stakeholder-oriented firms during a period of financial turmoil.

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