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CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development
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CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2020) | Viewed by 189234

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Włodzimierz Sroka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Applied Sciences, WSB University, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland
Interests: alliances; network organizations; coopetition; strategic management; M&A; CSR and business ethics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Jolita Vveinhardt

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Management, Vytautas Magnus University, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: workplace mobbing; bullying in sport; values congruence; corporate social responsibility
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Authors,

The perception of ethical issues has changed substantially over the past 20 years. Initially, they were treated more in philosophical terms, and to a certain extent referred to business. At present, ethical research is primarily focused on business issues, and thousands of people are involved in research and training on business ethics.

This is mainly a result of the numerous changes in the sphere of modern business operations. Under these new circumstances, the development of a modern company is determined not only by the effective use of resources and the application of appropriate strategies, but also by considering the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and business ethics in management processes.

Ethical behavior and CSR can bring significant benefits to a business. For example, they may 1) attract customers to the company’s products, 2) ensure that employees want to stay with the business, reducing labor turnover and therefore increasing productivity, 3) attract more employees wanting to work for the business, thus enabling the company to hire the most talented employees, and 4) attract investors and keep the company’s share price high, thereby protecting the business from takeover. In contrast to this, unethical behavior or a lack of corporate social responsibility may damage a company’s reputation and make it less appealing to shareholders, leading to a fall in profits.

We believe, however, that the benefits associated with the application of CSR and business ethics—which are very significant—may be used not only as an instrument for the improvement of companies’ competitive advantage (i.e., in a narrow context), but also in a much wider context. In other words, we claim that application of these concepts may be regarded as a useful tool for sustainable development. Thus, this Special Issue on “CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development” fulfils a considerable gap in the literature. It encourages a diverse set of submissions, and we will welcome papers that, inter alia, refer to (but are not limited to), themes such as:

  • Ethics in business: a key aspect of sustainable development? 
  • Modern and responsible business
  • CSR policy—corporate social responsibility
  • Nepotism, cronyism, and favoritism vs. corporate social responsibility
  • Destructive relations among employees—is it suitable for CSR? 
  • Role of employees‘ interrelationship in the context of sustainable development
  • Sustainability as a public declaration to society
  • Quick benefit and striving for short-term goals as opposite to sustainability. 

The insights gained will be useful for students, practitioners, as well as policy makers.

Dr. hab. Włodzimierz Sroka
Prof. Dr. Jolita Vveinhardt
Guest Editors

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. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

  • CSR
  • business ethics
  • sustainable development

Published Papers (29 papers)

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Research

29 pages, 354 KiB  
Article
Public Strategy and Eco-Social Engagement in Latin American States: An Analysis of Complex Networks Arising from Their Constitutions
by Arturo Luque González and Fernando Casado Gutiérrez
Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8558; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12208558 - 16 Oct 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3022
Abstract
Over the past four decades, Latin American states have drafted relatively new constitutions in comparison with other regions of the world. These transformations, in some cases, have helped governments leave behind the former authoritarian regimes, or in others, have simply established a more [...] Read more.
Over the past four decades, Latin American states have drafted relatively new constitutions in comparison with other regions of the world. These transformations, in some cases, have helped governments leave behind the former authoritarian regimes, or in others, have simply established a more democratic system incorporating a forward-looking approach to rights. For example, stronger individual and collective rights have been forged, together with new avenues for citizen participation. Certainly, many of the new constitutions grant a much broader base of rights, including collective political and territorial rights for indigenous communities, protections against ethnic, racial, and gender discrimination, and greater guarantees of privacy and control over information. Consequently, some Latin American constitutions are held up as among the best in the world. For this study, the constitutional texts of 22 Latin American countries were analyzed with the aim of understanding their regulatory changes and impacts, pointing out the existing inequalities they address, as well as the clear positive trend established in terms of the generation of greater social engagement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
35 pages, 1439 KiB  
Article
Employee Volunteerism—Conceptual Study and the Current Situation
by Anita Kolnhofer Derecskei and Viktor Nagy
Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8378; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12208378 - 12 Oct 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5176
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to analyze employee volunteerism. This issue had not been studied on a broader international level earlier. This research firstly discovers altruism and volunteerism values in the economy. Then, based on the third-party model, observes each part, where [...] Read more.
The purpose of the study is to analyze employee volunteerism. This issue had not been studied on a broader international level earlier. This research firstly discovers altruism and volunteerism values in the economy. Then, based on the third-party model, observes each part, where participants are the (1) volunteer (employee) (2) company (and its CSR activity) and (3) an external organization, which manages this type of formal volunteerism. Each participant was analyzed through comprehensive analysis using descriptive and inference statistics and classification methods on complex, extensive secondary databases. Altogether, more than 10,000 respondents’ answers are examined from two worldwide surveys, and further ten international statistical indicators and indices are explored. These methods result in volunteer characteristics on a personal level, afterwards in country classification, which provides a cultural comparison of the employee volunteerism. Our findings prove that demographical differences do not, but company-level actions influence the intensity of formal volunteerism. Moreover, three main clusters (formed from 43 countries) show different values. This diversity might partly be caused by measurement fragmentations and lack of internationally accepted definitions and theories. This paper aims to provide a broader overview of the topic, which might be a useful starting point for the forthcoming aggregated conceptualization. Employee volunteers’ behavior arises from the personal value of volunteerism. However, the attendance and intensity of voluntary activity are primarily influenced by the environment (e.g., life period, living and working situation). Employee volunteerism programs are an important and essential part of CSR at the company level, and strongly frames this activity, where employee volunteerism could associate each participant’s interests and improve their values. However, the practices may differ in each country and in each sector. The current pandemic rewrote the traditional volunteerism model and our projection. The last chapter provides a preliminary study about how employee volunteerism could work in this extraordinary, COVID-19 situation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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19 pages, 2672 KiB  
Article
Green Marketing as a Part of the Socially Responsible Brand’s Communication from the Aspect of Generational Stratification
by Margareta Nadanyiova, Lubica Gajanova and Jana Majerova
Sustainability 2020, 12(17), 7118; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12177118 - 31 Aug 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8136
Abstract
Green marketing is focused on a responsible approach to the environment, which is integrated into various areas of society. In order to build a successful and socially responsible brand, it strives to apply environmental principles that attract new customers or strengthen the loyalty [...] Read more.
Green marketing is focused on a responsible approach to the environment, which is integrated into various areas of society. In order to build a successful and socially responsible brand, it strives to apply environmental principles that attract new customers or strengthen the loyalty of existing ones. To ensure success, it is necessary to focus on green marketing as a part of socially responsible brands’ communication to individual target groups, which can be divided according to the age of the consumer generations, which have similar requirements for product characteristics. The main aim of the paper is to determine the differences between generational cohorts of Slovak consumers in perception of green marketing as part of socially responsible brands’ communication. The most important sources for secondary data were scientific research, statistical databases, and published professional publications. In order to find out the perception of green marketing as a part of socially responsible brands’ communication from the aspect of generational stratification, a questionnaire survey was conducted among Slovak consumers. Based on the analysis and results of the questionnaire survey, benefits of green marketing as part of socially responsible brands’ communication focused on individual consumers’ generations are highlighted, such as gaining competitive advantage, increasing the brand value, improving brand loyalty, and increasing the attractiveness for investors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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20 pages, 3673 KiB  
Article
The Moral-Value Orientation—A Prerequisite for Sustainable Development of the Corporate Social Responsibility of a Security Organization
by Zdeněk Mikulka, Ivana Nekvapilová and Jolana Fedorková
Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5718; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12145718 - 16 Jul 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3252
Abstract
The article focuses on the social aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the Czech Armed Forces (CAF) and, more specifically, on professional ethics as a prerequisite for the sustainable development of the security organization. The text presents the results of research conducted [...] Read more.
The article focuses on the social aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the Czech Armed Forces (CAF) and, more specifically, on professional ethics as a prerequisite for the sustainable development of the security organization. The text presents the results of research conducted on a sample of 278 members of the CAF. This research was based on Schwartz’s holistic concept. To determine value orientation, a reduced version with 21 entries of the Schwartz’s Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) was used. Our data indicate that value orientation changes depending on military rank, depends, to a certain degree, on trait conformity (including obedience, respect for authorities, politeness, and self-control), and increases in the presence of lower-ranking individuals. Based on these findings the authors recommend to continue monitoring the value profiles of CAF members at various stages in their careers, to determine the optimal range of self-identification with a certain military rank and position, and to provide rank and position-specific educational programs into military ethics and ethical leadership aimed at sustainable development of moral-values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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23 pages, 2164 KiB  
Article
Automated Sustainability Assessment System for Small and Medium Enterprises Reporting
by Edward Kassem and Oldrich Trenz
Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5687; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12145687 - 15 Jul 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4473
Abstract
Sustainability assessment is a mainstream business activity that demonstrates the link between the organization’s strategy for and commitment to a sustainable global economy, and the prevention of economic crises. Small- and medium-sized businesses/enterprises (SMBs/SMEs) have significant effects on the European economy. However, because [...] Read more.
Sustainability assessment is a mainstream business activity that demonstrates the link between the organization’s strategy for and commitment to a sustainable global economy, and the prevention of economic crises. Small- and medium-sized businesses/enterprises (SMBs/SMEs) have significant effects on the European economy. However, because of a lot of restriction factors, like business risk, the high expenses of data collection and management, and the lack of resources, sustainability reporting is considered a superfluous and burdensome activity for them. The aim of this research is to propose an automated, comprehensive and simplified system for the sustainability assessment of SMEs. This system is achieved by implementing three main phases. The first phase includes key performance indicators design, which starts with the identification of various key performance indicators for comprehensive sustainability assessment, and ends with proposing an optimal set of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) that can encompass long-term issues and be applicable to SMEs in the EU. The second phase involves a new comprehensive method of sustainability assessment for all KPIs designed in the first phase. Therefore, a multi-criteria model, which involves four main pillars of sustainability assessment (economic, environmental, social and governance), is proposed. It gives different enterprises the ability to verify and compare their efficiency and sustainability with other companies within the same sector in an almost automated manner. In the final phase, a simple and an automated information system (WEBRIS), which provides a suitable environment for SME sustainability reporting, is developed. Finally, this system is verified in a case study of the Czech breweries sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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13 pages, 405 KiB  
Article
Corporate Social Responsibility towards the Environment in Lublin Region, Poland: A Comparative Study of 2009 and 2019
by Anna Żelazna, Matylda Bojar and Ewa Bojar
Sustainability 2020, 12(11), 4463; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12114463 - 01 Jun 2020
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 6772
Abstract
Today’s businesses have a huge impact on the environment. Enterprises overuse available natural resources, and emit hazardous pollutants; thus, they contribute to the advancing degradation of existing ecosystems, causing serious threats to the biological diversity of our planet. Hence, there is an urgent [...] Read more.
Today’s businesses have a huge impact on the environment. Enterprises overuse available natural resources, and emit hazardous pollutants; thus, they contribute to the advancing degradation of existing ecosystems, causing serious threats to the biological diversity of our planet. Hence, there is an urgent need to undertake diverse actions to reduce the adverse impact of businesses, households, and whole societies on the environment, and stop its degradation. The goal of this paper is to present research findings from the study carried out in 2019 and compare these findings with the study carried out in 2009, in order to identify and analyze the most frequent environmental activities undertaken by enterprises operating in the Lublin region. The ranking method was used in the study. The research findings show that over the last 10 years respondents’ opinions on the most effective economic instruments used in pursuing ecological policies remained unchanged. Moreover, respondents point to numerous tangible benefits resulting from ecological activity. In 2019, like in 2009, most pro-ecological investments were financed with enterprises’ own funds. Over the 10-year period between 2009 and 2019, the most frequent pro-environmental activities, as well as the returns on ecological investment periods, have changed. The study showed that enterprises responsibly consider environmental impacts of their activities and undertake actions aimed at preserving the environment and its resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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21 pages, 521 KiB  
Article
Corporate Behavior: An Exploratory Study of the Brazilian Tax Management from a Corporate Social Responsibility Perspective
by Eurídice Mamede de Andrade, Lúcia Lima Rodrigues and José Paulo Cosenza
Sustainability 2020, 12(11), 4404; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12114404 - 28 May 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3480
Abstract
A look into the literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR) reveals few studies focusing on the relationship between ethical concerns and corporate behavior of companies that perform tax evasion management. This study links tax management with ethics and CSR reporting. The purpose of [...] Read more.
A look into the literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR) reveals few studies focusing on the relationship between ethical concerns and corporate behavior of companies that perform tax evasion management. This study links tax management with ethics and CSR reporting. The purpose of this article is to analyze financial and social responsibility information disclosed by the five main Brazilian construction companies that are being investigated in Brazil’s Operation Car Wash (Operação Lava-Jato—in Portuguese) because of inappropriate behavior. Based on the theoretical concepts of organizational façades and organized hypocrisy, we used content-analysis methodology and lexical search approach to analyze the consistency between the practices of tax management and CSR reporting. The results reveal evidence of aggressive tax management. To meet its tax management objectives, a company usually manages and plans taxes accordingly, delaying the payment of tax debt and not reporting all tax risks, thus being fined for violations of the law. We found evidence of organized hypocrisy and organizational façades, since there are contradictions between the tax behavior of the investigated companies and their CSR and ethical discourse. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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15 pages, 450 KiB  
Article
Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence from the Role of the Largest Institutional Blockholders in the Korean Market
by Daeheon Choi, Paul Moon Sub Choi, Joung Hwa Choi and Chune Young Chung
Sustainability 2020, 12(4), 1680; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12041680 - 24 Feb 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3217
Abstract
This study investigates the monitoring effectiveness of the largest institutional blockholder in Korea, the Korean National Pension Service (KNPS), on firms’ engagement in corporate social responsibility (CSR). We use a large, unique sample from Korea, where the financial market is primarily characterized by [...] Read more.
This study investigates the monitoring effectiveness of the largest institutional blockholder in Korea, the Korean National Pension Service (KNPS), on firms’ engagement in corporate social responsibility (CSR). We use a large, unique sample from Korea, where the financial market is primarily characterized by chaebols. We show that lagged KNPS blockholdings do not significantly influence investee firms’ concurrent CSR indexes. This result indicates that even the largest institutional blockholder in Korea does not actively engage in firms’ CSR initiatives to enhance their long-term performance and prosperity. Overall, our results suggest that institutional investors should more actively serve as an effective corporate governance mechanism in emerging Asian markets, where companies aim to be profitable and long-term corporate governance is very important. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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23 pages, 341 KiB  
Article
Nepotism and Favouritism in Polish and Lithuanian Organizations: The Context of Organisational Microclimate
by Jolita Vveinhardt and Włodzimierz Sroka
Sustainability 2020, 12(4), 1425; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12041425 - 14 Feb 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 9351
Abstract
The phenomena of ‘nepotism’ and ‘favouritism’ are frequently observed in contemporary business, being usually associated with corruption in the public sector and the abuse of public resources. The phenomena, however, have an international scale and no country and sector of the economy are [...] Read more.
The phenomena of ‘nepotism’ and ‘favouritism’ are frequently observed in contemporary business, being usually associated with corruption in the public sector and the abuse of public resources. The phenomena, however, have an international scale and no country and sector of the economy are free of them. Given these facts, our paper identifies the attitude of Lithuanian and Polish employees to it in the context of revealing the organizational microclimate. Our analysis is done in relation to three basic aspects: a) Sector (public vs. private), b) gender (male vs. female) and c) five different age groups. Our research sample involved 337 respondents (Poland-PL, N = 164 and Lithuania-LT, N = 173) representing public (PL and LT, N = 119) and private (PL and LT, N = 218) sector organizations. A closed-type questionnaire was used in the survey. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed by its high psychometric characteristics. Several research methods, including factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, Spearman–Brown, factor loading and total item correlation were used in our study. The results show that there are both similarities as well as differences between the organizations analysed. As far as the private vs. public sector is concerned, in Poland, manifestation of nepotism in principal does not differ in private and public organizations, unlike in Lithuanian organizations, where a worse situation is recorded in public sector organizations. In turn, comparing employees’ attitudes by their gender, it was identified that there were more similarities than differences between Poland and Lithuania in four subcategories. Finally, comparing employees’ attitudes by their age, it was identified that the least number of statistically significant differences was identified in two age groups: 18–24 years old and over 51. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
14 pages, 669 KiB  
Article
Influence of Authentic Leadership on Unethical Pro-Organizational Behavior: The Intermediate Role of Work Engagement
by Tomasz Gigol
Sustainability 2020, 12(3), 1182; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12031182 - 06 Feb 2020
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 9008
Abstract
Business ethics are an important part of corporate sustainability. Sustainability concerns not only the environment but also the well-being of employees, which includes work engagement. Authentic leadership has an impact on the work engagement and well-being of subordinates. The aim of the current [...] Read more.
Business ethics are an important part of corporate sustainability. Sustainability concerns not only the environment but also the well-being of employees, which includes work engagement. Authentic leadership has an impact on the work engagement and well-being of subordinates. The aim of the current research is to present the interdependencies between leadership, work engagement, and unethical pro-organizational behavior. A group of 623 employees from various organizations working in various positions in Central and Eastern Poland was surveyed. The relationships between the variables were analyzed using CB-SEM structural modeling methods. The estimation was completed on the basis of the highest probability method. The CB-SEM model was applied in order to verify the hypotheses that had been formulated. The current paper presents an intermediate role of work engagement between supervisors’ leadership and the unethical pro-organizational behavior of subordinates. The survey shows that authentic leadership induces subordinates to engage in unethical pro-organizational behavior. Practical implications were formulated, including company board greater integration of ethics into the core values of organizations and emphasis on learning business ethics in universities and MBA studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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17 pages, 1020 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Conceptual Evolutionary Path and Theoretical Underpinnings of Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Sustainability
by Mehrnaz Ashrafi, Gregory M. Magnan, Michelle Adams and Tony R. Walker
Sustainability 2020, 12(3), 760; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12030760 - 21 Jan 2020
Cited by 65 | Viewed by 13862
Abstract
To unlock the potential for corporations to play a more proactive role in sustainable development, it is critical to have a fundamental understanding of the pathways leading to a responsible and sustainable business. This study explores contributions of theories of the firm in [...] Read more.
To unlock the potential for corporations to play a more proactive role in sustainable development, it is critical to have a fundamental understanding of the pathways leading to a responsible and sustainable business. This study explores contributions of theories of the firm in explicating why and how integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate sustainability (CS) into business strategic decisions and operation processes helps to improve the viability of corporations. The research objective is addressed through a narrative review of relevant literature by following the developmental and evolutionary sequences in business responsibility and sustainability while contemplating the connections between CSR and CS through the lens of the dominant theoretical perspectives underpinning the concepts. The study posits an integrative theoretical framework that offers supports for embedding CSR and CS into a corporate business strategy. It discusses that corporate choice of CSR and CS actions and policies is supported by dual internal and external mechanisms based on resource-based theory and institutional theory. This is to meet the interests and expectations of internal and external stakeholders, the basis upon which stakeholder theory is constructed. Findings from this review corroborate the proposition that the three theories of resource-based, institutional, and stakeholder could be used as the primary approach to explain corporate recognition of the need for CSR and CS, and further build a coherent platform to support corporate choice and adoption of CSR and CS in business strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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28 pages, 928 KiB  
Article
A Strategic Model for Sustainable Business Policy Development
by Tjaša Štrukelj, Jelena Nikolić, Dejana Zlatanović and Simona Sternad Zabukovšek
Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 526; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12020526 - 10 Jan 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4145
Abstract
Growing importance of sustainable development, corporate social responsibility and business ethics requires various types of contemporary organisations innovation. This research assesses the problem related to business policy innovation (BPI), which represents organisational governance determination. The main purpose of the paper is to qualitatively [...] Read more.
Growing importance of sustainable development, corporate social responsibility and business ethics requires various types of contemporary organisations innovation. This research assesses the problem related to business policy innovation (BPI), which represents organisational governance determination. The main purpose of the paper is to qualitatively and quantitatively present a new, requisitely holistic strategic model of the soft factors influencing BPI, which interdependently incorporates changes in organisational values, culture and business ethics, as well as stakeholders’ interests reconciliation, thus determine soft possibilities for more sustainable business policy, management and practice. While the relevance of these factors for business policy is in the literature widely recognized, there is a small amount of empirical research on their influence on BPI. To mitigate this research gap, advanced structural equation modelling (SEM) based partial least squares (PLS) method was used for analysing data of 734 organisations in Slovenia, the EU state. The research results show that researched soft factors organisational values, culture and stakeholders’ interests reconciliation statistically confirmed influence BPI. Thus, these recognitions can be used as the basis for strategic managerial decision making towards social responsibility and sustainability of an organisation. Reasons why it has not been statistically confirmed that business ethics influence BPI needs to be investigated in future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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37 pages, 1215 KiB  
Article
Attitudes and Perceptions of Employees toward Corporate Social Responsibility in Western Balkan Countries: Importance and Relevance for Sustainable Development
by Boban Melovic, Nikola Milovic, Tamara Backovic-Vulic, Branislav Dudic and Peter Bajzik
Sustainability 2019, 11(23), 6763; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11236763 - 28 Nov 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4259
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to identify the factors that influence employees’ attitudes and perceptions of corporate social responsibilities (CSR), as well as to discuss if there are some significant differences in the application of CSR in the analyzed Western Balkan countries, [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper is to identify the factors that influence employees’ attitudes and perceptions of corporate social responsibilities (CSR), as well as to discuss if there are some significant differences in the application of CSR in the analyzed Western Balkan countries, especially in terms of public and private sector affiliation. This is the first academic survey which examined the employees’ attitudes and perceptions of CSR integrally in five Western Balkan countries. Multivariate factor analysis was applied to data collected from 2410 employees in the analyzed countries. In order to test additionally the results obtained by factor analysis, the Structural Equation Model (SEM) was applied. The results of the research, obtained by multivariate factor analysis and SEM model, show that the largest percentage of employees believe that the CSR concept enables the generating of new values and success of the company, as well as welfare for the whole society. Additionally, companies are increasingly recognizing the strategic importance of CSR for the sustainability of their business, as well as the importance of development of sustainable practices in the environment. Based on the results of the research, the authors found out that there were significant differences in the understanding and acceptance of CSR in the analyzed countries, while there were significantly smaller differences between the private and public sectors. The results of the research may serve as a guide for managers when making decisions about implementing the strategy and future activities regarding CSR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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17 pages, 1455 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Disclosure of Corporate Social Responsibility on Business Profitability. A Dimensional Analysis in the Spanish Stock Market
by Sandra Escamilla-Solano, Antonio Fernández-Portillo, Jessica Paule-Vianez and Paola Plaza-Casado
Sustainability 2019, 11(23), 6732; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11236732 - 27 Nov 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3401
Abstract
In recent decades, the novel fact of considering corporate social responsibility (CSR) as part of the corporate strategy of companies has resulted in interest groups demanding the disclosure of such information. Likewise, considering their importance of transparency and governance today, it is necessary [...] Read more.
In recent decades, the novel fact of considering corporate social responsibility (CSR) as part of the corporate strategy of companies has resulted in interest groups demanding the disclosure of such information. Likewise, considering their importance of transparency and governance today, it is necessary to make an approximation on the study of the divulgation of CSR information on companies listed on the Spanish stock market. The aim of this work is to determine whether the disclosure of the measures taken by the companies on CSR influences business profitability. Applying PLS-SEM on the information extracted from the sustainability reports of 103 companies listed on the Spanish continuous market, it is found that the disclosure of CSR measures improves business profitability in its social and economic dimensions, with no effect being found between the disclosure CSR in its environmental dimension on business profitability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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27 pages, 1276 KiB  
Article
Romanian Business Leaders’ Perceptions of Business-to-Business Corruption: Leading More Responsible Businesses?
by Sebastian I. Burduja and Rodica Milena Zaharia
Sustainability 2019, 11(20), 5548; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11205548 - 09 Oct 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4277
Abstract
Business-to-business (B2B) corruption, also known as private corruption, refers to unethical or illicit activities between private parties, without the direct participation of the state. Existing literature on the topic, while still limited, has taken several avenues, from qualitative studies to perception-based surveys and [...] Read more.
Business-to-business (B2B) corruption, also known as private corruption, refers to unethical or illicit activities between private parties, without the direct participation of the state. Existing literature on the topic, while still limited, has taken several avenues, from qualitative studies to perception-based surveys and research experiments. Upon reviewing key studies and their findings, this article concentrates on research questions related to: business people’s perceptions on the determinants that favor B2B corruption in Romania, consequences of the phenomenon, and potential solutions. Findings are based on primary data collected through a 2019 questionnaire administered to 120 business leaders in Romania. Results confirm earlier studies’ findings that general context, malfunction of the institutions, and mentality favor B2B corruption, and that there is a lack of consensus among the business community on how to recognize and deal with various forms of B2B corruption, despite the widely spread belief that B2B corruption negatively affects business activities. Also, both internal and external solutions are considered to work against B2B corruption. The current article also opens new avenues in the literature, showing that: the probability to face B2B corruption increases with business leaders’ professional experience; preferences on how to deal with corruption cases vary based on a firm’s capital structure (domestic vs. foreign), reflecting the importance of organizational culture; and business leaders overwhelmingly want to fight against B2B corruption through both internal and external measures. Substantial progress, however, will require a proper common understanding by the private sector of what constitutes B2B corruption, including its causes, consequences, and remedies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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14 pages, 245 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Innovation on the Firm Performance and Corporate Social Responsibility of Vietnamese Manufacturing Firms
by Nguyen Thi Canh, Nguyen Thanh Liem, Phung Anh Thu and Nguyen Vinh Khuong
Sustainability 2019, 11(13), 3666; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11133666 - 04 Jul 2019
Cited by 69 | Viewed by 10357
Abstract
Innovation is a complex process and has been shown to be influential towards different types of stakeholders. From the viewpoint of stakeholder theory, shareholders and creditors are more likely to be concerned about corporate financial performance. However, in the new era an enterprise’s [...] Read more.
Innovation is a complex process and has been shown to be influential towards different types of stakeholders. From the viewpoint of stakeholder theory, shareholders and creditors are more likely to be concerned about corporate financial performance. However, in the new era an enterprise’s responsibilities have to extend to other stakeholders, including its employees, suppliers and communities. This study aims to extend the literature by examining the individual effects of product and process innovations, and then their interactions with external collaboration, on firm performance and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in terms of local contributions for a sample of Vietnamese manufacturing firms during 2011–2013. Research findings suggest that process and product innovations are beneficial to firm performance in terms of market share, but not return on total assets. This implies that investment in innovative activities requires time to make positive changes in profitability, but it may help with winning customer loyalty. We also find evidence suggesting that innovation could make firms more obscure, especially when there are external parties involved. This motivates firms to send signals about their sustainability and goodwill through corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. With regard to CSR activities, we are the first to provide a breakdown of categories of corporate social contribution towards the local well-being, and elaborate evidence on the effect of innovation on each category, rather than just a composite index of CSR as in some extant studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
15 pages, 581 KiB  
Article
An Examination of Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee Behavior: The Case of Pakistan
by Sehar Zulfiqar, Rabeea Sadaf, József Popp, Jolita Vveinhardt and Domicián Máté
Sustainability 2019, 11(13), 3515; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11133515 - 27 Jun 2019
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 6709
Abstract
The internal dimension of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the socially responsible behavior of an organization towards its employees. The CSR relationship to employee behavior has received some attention but in general, there is little knowledge about the underlying explanatory mechanisms that [...] Read more.
The internal dimension of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the socially responsible behavior of an organization towards its employees. The CSR relationship to employee behavior has received some attention but in general, there is little knowledge about the underlying explanatory mechanisms that can describe this relationship. In this study, a theoretical model of mediation and moderation is developed to explain how CSR can influence employee behavior. Organizational identification and work engagement are used as proxies for employee behavior in the model and internal dimension of CSR is assumed to affect both of them positively. Further, it is proposed that CSR influences the organizational identification positively and this relationship will be stronger in a collectivist culture, which will eventually lead to higher work engagement. A proposed model was tested on a sample of bank employees in Pakistan by using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method. The results of this study provide contextual and empirical insights into how CSR influences employee behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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15 pages, 335 KiB  
Article
Incorporating the Concepts of Sharing-In and Sharing-Out in CSR: Australian Consumers’ Perspective
by Anjum Amin-Chaudhry, Alan Pomering and Lester W. Johnson
Sustainability 2019, 11(9), 2586; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11092586 - 05 May 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3008
Abstract
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is based on attending to concerns beyond a corporation’s shareholders. This concern embraces the concepts of sharing and caring for others. Logically then, the literature on sharing might inform theory and practice around CSR initiatives. To date, however, theory [...] Read more.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is based on attending to concerns beyond a corporation’s shareholders. This concern embraces the concepts of sharing and caring for others. Logically then, the literature on sharing might inform theory and practice around CSR initiatives. To date, however, theory around the theme of sharing is absent from extant CSR literature, and, presumably, it is omitted as a perspective on CSR practice. This paper addresses this gap by empirically investigating consumers’ responses to different types of sharing involved in a range of CSR initiatives. We test the sharing theory to provide generalizable conclusions. Data was collected via an online panel of Australian consumers. Findings reveal two distinct types of sharing across different CSR initiatives: Sharing-in and sharing-out. Sharing-in CSR initiatives are those perceived as being adopted for the benefit of the firm’s direct stakeholders and aimed at providing a direct, reciprocal benefit to the firm. Conversely, sharing-out initiatives are perceived as providing wider and unconditional support to all, irrespective of their proximity to the firm. This research makes an original contribution to the CSR literature by embedding the notion of sharing within the management of CSR initiatives. The sharing perspective adds to knowledge and may assist managers when developing CSR initiatives, and how those initiatives might be perceived by a firm’s relevant stakeholders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
12 pages, 226 KiB  
Article
From Environmental Reporting to Environmental Performance
by Michaela Bednárová, Roman Klimko and Eva Rievajová
Sustainability 2019, 11(9), 2549; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11092549 - 02 May 2019
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6538
Abstract
This paper identifies factors influencing environmental disclosure and environmental performance of the top 100 Fortune Global companies. The analysis identifies whether they follow the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards to gain and maintain legitimacy with relevant stakeholders. Other factors such as sector and [...] Read more.
This paper identifies factors influencing environmental disclosure and environmental performance of the top 100 Fortune Global companies. The analysis identifies whether they follow the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards to gain and maintain legitimacy with relevant stakeholders. Other factors such as sector and region are taken into account, with empirical testing of a model for the relationship between the extent of environmental disclosure (measured by the developed index based on GRI indicators), sector membership, region, and actual environmental performance. Evidence exists that the main factors related to actual environmental performance were the region and level of environmental disclosure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
31 pages, 462 KiB  
Article
“Omerta” in Organized Sport: Bullying and Harassment as Determinants of Threats of Social Sustainability at the Individual Level
by Jolita Vveinhardt, Vilija Bite Fominiene and Regina Andriukaitiene
Sustainability 2019, 11(9), 2474; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11092474 - 27 Apr 2019
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6999
Abstract
The interpretation of the evolutionary theory prevailing in sport, based on the approach that the strongest survive, varies with the rules inherent in the criminal world, forbidding to “take out” negative information about interrelationships, in this case, outside the team or group. Such [...] Read more.
The interpretation of the evolutionary theory prevailing in sport, based on the approach that the strongest survive, varies with the rules inherent in the criminal world, forbidding to “take out” negative information about interrelationships, in this case, outside the team or group. Such traditionally established culture puts pressure on athletes to suffer from bullying and follow the “silence law”. In the long run, this turns into a precondition for unsafe environment for athletes, which, due to negative consequences for the individual, can be identified as threats to social sustainability at the individual level. Such a situation is also indirectly approved by the heads and coaches of organizations. The latter, who lack competencies to resolve conflict situations, are left to solve arising problems on their own and do not receive any support from the management of organizations. Therefore, the aim of this research is to reveal the factors determining the specificity, emergence, and development of bullying and harassment in sport as threats to social sustainability at the individual level. The research was conducted using a semi-structured interview method with eight coaches representing team, individual, and duel sport branches. Inductive content analysis served as the basis for the data analysis. Research results disclosed factors determining the specificity of emergence of bullying and harassment in sport and hindering the entrenchment of social sustainability in sport at the individual level. The results revealed the euphemisms distinguished by coaches, which, in sport, have a positive connotation, such as “combativeness” and “sports anger” instead of the term “aggression”. It was identified that coaches named aggressors as “harder players”, “confident players”, “active persons”, “players-torpedoes”, “emotional players”, and “competitive players”. Sports competition is justified in various forms. The emergence of bullying and harassment is grounded on “mastery differences”, it is stated that abusive actions are experienced by “physically weak” players, while physical actions used by athletes are called “mischief”; verbal actions are “raillery”. In addition, inadequate preparation of Lithuanian coaches to respond to bullying and harassment in their trained teams or groups on time and appropriately was identified. It turned out that sports organizations are not particularly interested in organizing trainings for prevention of destructive interrelations and intervention. Such kind of in-service training is left to the coach’s initiative. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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19 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
Municipal Social Responsibility of Statutory Cities in the Czech Republic
by Libena Tetrevova and Martina Jelinkova
Sustainability 2019, 11(8), 2308; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11082308 - 17 Apr 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3426
Abstract
Application of the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is demanded of an ever-wider range of entities as time goes by, among which are municipalities. However, the topic of social responsibility of municipalities stands outside of the bounds of mainstream research. This article [...] Read more.
Application of the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is demanded of an ever-wider range of entities as time goes by, among which are municipalities. However, the topic of social responsibility of municipalities stands outside of the bounds of mainstream research. This article presents the results of a study, the objective of which was to identify the socially responsible practices applied by the statutory cities in the Czech Republic, in order to analyse and evaluate the scope and structure of socially responsible activities performed by them and communicated on the internet. The study shows that statutory cities in the Czech Republic perform similar activities to those performed by enterprises within the framework of application of the concept of CSR, this being in the field of economic, environmental, ethical, social and philanthropic responsibility. They perform and communicate economic responsibility activities to the greatest extent and, by contrast, ethical responsibility activities to the least extent. Examples of good practice in performance and communication of these activities on the internet are documented in the article using the example of the City of Pardubice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
24 pages, 1627 KiB  
Article
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practices of the Largest Seafood Suppliers in the Wild Capture Fisheries Sector: From Vision to Action
by Helen Packer, Wilf Swartz, Yoshitaka Ota and Megan Bailey
Sustainability 2019, 11(8), 2254; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11082254 - 15 Apr 2019
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 17079
Abstract
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the seafood industry is on the rise. Because of increasing public awareness and non-governmental organization (NGO) campaigns, seafood buyers have made various commitments to improve the sustainability of their wild seafood sourcing. As part of this effort, seafood [...] Read more.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the seafood industry is on the rise. Because of increasing public awareness and non-governmental organization (NGO) campaigns, seafood buyers have made various commitments to improve the sustainability of their wild seafood sourcing. As part of this effort, seafood suppliers have developed their own CSR programs in order to meet buyers’ sourcing requirements. However, the CSR of these companies, many of which are mid-supply chain or vertically integrated, remain largely invisible and unstudied. In order to better understand how mid-chain seafood suppliers engage in sustainability efforts, we reviewed the CSR practices of the 25 largest seafood companies globally (by revenue) that deal with wild seafood products. Based on literature, existing frameworks, and initial data analysis, we developed a structured framework to identify and categorize practices based on the issues addressed and the approach used. We found companies implement CSR to address four key areas, and through various activities that fit into five categories: Power; Practices; Partnerships; Public policy; and Philanthropy. One of the biggest gaps identified in this study is the lack of accountability mechanisms, as well as robust and consistent accounting of impacts. Indeed, many companies express commitments without clear goals and structures in place to ensure implementation. Therefore, improvements in seafood company performance on social and environmental aspects may not only require creating a better business case for CSR, but also require ensuring that companies have the necessary processes and structures in place through public oversights and regulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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14 pages, 254 KiB  
Article
Does Corporate Social Responsibility Affect the Financial Performance of the Manufacturing Sector? Evidence from an Emerging Economy
by Jacob Cherian, Muhammad Umar, Phung Anh Thu, Thao Nguyen-Trang, Muhammad Safdar Sial and Nguyen Vinh Khuong
Sustainability 2019, 11(4), 1182; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11041182 - 23 Feb 2019
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 13275
Abstract
The present study analyzed the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting on the financial performance of Indian companies. It used secondary data from 50 manufacturing companies over the period of fiscal years 2011 to 2017. The results suggested that there exists a [...] Read more.
The present study analyzed the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting on the financial performance of Indian companies. It used secondary data from 50 manufacturing companies over the period of fiscal years 2011 to 2017. The results suggested that there exists a significant relationship between the performance of Indian companies and their CSR. The CSR not only improves the firm’s social value and reputation but also improves profitability and performance. According to the results, return on assets is significantly determined by corporate governance, customers, products, number of employees, and board size. The customer has a negative impact on return on assets (ROA). The relationship between return on equity and independent variables is the same as the relationship between ROA and independent variables. Corporate governance and product positively impact ROE, but the relationship between customers, number of employees, and board size are negative. Corporate governance and product positively impact return on capital employed (ROCE), but the relationship between customer and the number of employees is negative. Education has positive impact on profit after tax (PAT) and profit before tax (PBT), but the PAT relationship between environments is negative. Corporate governance and product positively impact PBT. In general, we concluded that in India, socially responsible corporations perform better and vice versa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
17 pages, 746 KiB  
Article
Millennials’ Awareness and Approach to Social Responsibility and Investment—Case Study of the Czech Republic
by Sylvie Formánková, Oldřich Trenz, Oldřich Faldík, Jan Kolomazník and Jitka Sládková
Sustainability 2019, 11(2), 504; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11020504 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 8238
Abstract
We live in a new era with contradictory views on society, industries, and the whole world. Raising consumerism is compensated by raising the responsibility of the new generation, the so-called Millennials. The paper deals with the awareness of Millennials of corporate social responsibility [...] Read more.
We live in a new era with contradictory views on society, industries, and the whole world. Raising consumerism is compensated by raising the responsibility of the new generation, the so-called Millennials. The paper deals with the awareness of Millennials of corporate social responsibility (CSR), and their attitude to sustainable and responsible investment (SRI). The research is focused specifically on students of economically oriented higher education institutions (HEI), studying in the Czech Republic. For the purpose of general awareness of the term CSR, a sample of 1073 HEI students from different institutions was analyzed and evaluated. For the evaluation of their attitude to SRI, 213 respondents from Mendel University in Brno were interviewed. The research brought surprising results—bachelor’s degree students have a better awareness of the term than master’s degree students. This surprising fact can be explained by the fact that CSR courses have been incorporated into studies in recent years. Another important finding from the second research is that 57% of respondents are willing to sacrifice part of their return in the case of an investment in socially responsible instruments. This fact can be used for the design of an investment strategy offered by investment institutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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25 pages, 286 KiB  
Article
Corporate Political Ties and Firm Value: Comparative Analysis in the Korean Market
by Chune Young Chung, Jung Hoon Byun and Jason Young
Sustainability 2019, 11(2), 327; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11020327 - 10 Jan 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3676
Abstract
Although prior studies have viewed corporate political ties as unethical, this study investigates whether changes in the political environment can significantly affect the net value of firms over time in emerging and transitioning economies. Analysis of a panel of South Korean listed firms [...] Read more.
Although prior studies have viewed corporate political ties as unethical, this study investigates whether changes in the political environment can significantly affect the net value of firms over time in emerging and transitioning economies. Analysis of a panel of South Korean listed firms in the Gyeongsang and Jeolla provinces from 1998 to 2013 reveals that political network ties to the regime currently in power provide significantly more positive benefits to politically connected firms than to non-connected firms. However, political network ties to the rival of the regime in power have significantly more negative effects on politically connected firms than on non-connected firms. More importantly, unexpected political regime changes strongly affect the shift from positive to negative effects on firm value over time, and political network ties continue to significantly and positively affect firm value over time during regime changes after political and economic liberalization in South Korea. These results line up with various robustness tests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
21 pages, 294 KiB  
Article
Corporate Social Responsibility Information in Annual Reports in the EU—A Czech Case Study
by Radka MacGregor Pelikánová
Sustainability 2019, 11(1), 237; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11010237 - 05 Jan 2019
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5057
Abstract
The commitment of the European Union (EU) to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is projected into EU law about annual reporting by businesses. Since EU member states further develop this framework by their own domestic laws, annual reporting with CSR information is not unified [...] Read more.
The commitment of the European Union (EU) to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is projected into EU law about annual reporting by businesses. Since EU member states further develop this framework by their own domestic laws, annual reporting with CSR information is not unified and only partially mandatory in the EU. Do all European businesses report CSR information and what public declaration to society do they provide with it? The two main purposes of this paper are to identify the parameters of this annual reporting duty and to study the CSR information provided by the 10 largest Czech companies in their annual statements for 2013–2017. Based on legislative research and a teleological interpretation, the current EU legislative framework with Czech particularities is presented and, via a case study exploring 50 annual reports, the data about the type, extent and depth of CSR is dynamically and comparatively assessed. It appears that, at the minimum, large Czech businesses satisfy their legal duty and e-report on CSR to a similar extent, but in a dramatically different quality. Employee matters and adherence to international standards are used as a public declaration to society more than the data on environmental protection, while social matters and research and development (R&D) are played down. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
17 pages, 403 KiB  
Article
Factors Influencing Individual Customers Trust in Internet Banking: Case of Baltic States
by Viktorija Skvarciany and Daiva Jurevičienė
Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4809; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10124809 - 17 Dec 2018
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5015
Abstract
The investigation of trust in commercial banks needs to focus specifically on internet banking, as it is the fastest growing banking service. The article explores factors influencing trust in internet banking and estimates this impact in the Baltics states. The factors are as [...] Read more.
The investigation of trust in commercial banks needs to focus specifically on internet banking, as it is the fastest growing banking service. The article explores factors influencing trust in internet banking and estimates this impact in the Baltics states. The factors are as follows: Provided information, e-banking system, the website of a bank, and a bank’s characteristics. Overall, 1013 respondents and 21 experts took part in the current study. The results of the respondents’ survey showed that the factor that is necessary for trust building in all the examined countries differs: In Lithuania, information and the bank, in Latvia, the website, and in Estonia, the bank. According to the experts, the most powerful factor in the trust-building process in Lithuania and Latvia is the e-banking system while in Estonia, the website. The research has the following limitations: The online survey of individual customers (however, internet banking relates to internet users, so this limitation is not essential); the analysis of only the positively affecting criteria of the trust-building process; only experts assessed the subfactors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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19 pages, 318 KiB  
Article
Socially Responsible Human Resource Management and Employee Perception: The Influence of Manager and Line Managers
by Macarena López-Fernández, Pedro M. Romero-Fernández and Ina Aust
Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4614; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10124614 - 05 Dec 2018
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5911
Abstract
The aim of this article is to contribute to understanding the importance of considering the effect of employees’ perceptions of Socially Responsible Human Resource Management (SR-HRM) on employee commitment. Results, applied to different levels of the organization (HR managers, line managers and employees) [...] Read more.
The aim of this article is to contribute to understanding the importance of considering the effect of employees’ perceptions of Socially Responsible Human Resource Management (SR-HRM) on employee commitment. Results, applied to different levels of the organization (HR managers, line managers and employees) show, on one hand, that there is a relationship between a SR-HRM and employee commitment, and on the other hand, that employees’ perceptions have an influence on the extent to which these relationships are developed. HR managers and line managers perceived SR-HRM in a similar way and line managers and non-managerial employees generally did too. The frequency with which line managers disagree with employees’ perceptions about socially responsible practices was low. Suggestions for HRM practice and future research are provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
21 pages, 602 KiB  
Article
Fair or Unfair: The Moderating Effect of Sustainable CSR Practices on Anticipatory Justice Following Service Failure Recovery
by Yuan-Shuh Lii, May-Ching Ding and Chih-Huang Lin
Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4548; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10124548 - 02 Dec 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3309
Abstract
This paper investigates the relative effect of anticipatory justice on organizational legitimacy and consumer trust that further leads to consumer citizenship behavior following service failure recovery in Taiwan. Further, the moderating role of sustainable corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices is explored. A causal [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the relative effect of anticipatory justice on organizational legitimacy and consumer trust that further leads to consumer citizenship behavior following service failure recovery in Taiwan. Further, the moderating role of sustainable corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices is explored. A causal relationship and survey design with a valid sample of 269 respondents was applied. Findings indicated that organizational legitimacy and consumer trust can be restored through anticipatory justice, in particular interpersonal justice and then further mediated consumer citizenship behavior. As a moderator, a high level of sustainable CSR practices had a significantly stronger effect on anticipatory justice and organizational legitimacy than the low level one but only had an effect on interpersonal justice and consumer trust after service recovery. Practical implications are provided for service providers. The value of this research proposes an integrated model with organizational legitimacy and sustainable CSR practice that has not yet been tested in the model of service recovery. In addition, sustainable CSR practice is proposed as a moderator (high and low) that is compared in the level of strength of the relationships. This moderation effect has not been found previously in the process of service recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CSR and Business Ethics for Sustainable Development)
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