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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability: Whether or How?

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 39090

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Valentín Molina-Moreno

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Guest Editor

Department of Business Management-1, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain
Interests: circular economy; corporate social responsibility
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Francisco Jesús Gálvez-Sánchez

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Guest Editor

Department of Financial Economics and Accounting, University of Granada, 52005 Melilla, Spain
Interests: circular economy; corporate social responsibility; social sustainability; environmental sustainability

Dr. Juan Fernando Álvarez-Rodríguez

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Guest Editor

School of Environmental and Rural Studies, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
Interests: social economy; social sustainability; sustainable development goals; social and solidarity economy impacts

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Corporate Social Responsibility has evolved from a philanthropic concept, in which organizations donate large amounts of money, to the present, in which it is considered a strategic activity that generates tangible and intangible value for organizations. As a consequence of the adverse events of recent years, consumers are increasingly putting more pressure on organizations to adopt sustainability, with Corporate Social Responsibility attracting signficant attention both from academics and the business community. Additionally, since the beginning of the 20th century, supranational agendas have not stopped reacting, continuously updating the living standards required in order to guarantee sustainability. In this context, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals instituted by the United Nations have not only established a future action plan, but are determining and revolutionizing the way in which organizations operate. Corporate Social Responsibility is a fundamental tool that organizations can employ to help achieve the main social, economic and environmental challenges defined up to 2050.

Consequently, this Special Issue looks forward to receiving the following: (a) empirical papers that offer real managerial insights to organizations; (b) systematic literature reviews that summarize the field, offer critical views, identify gaps and suggest opportunities for future research; and (c) conceptual papers that offer unique approaches, build theoretical frameworks and contribute towards an enhanced understanding of the issues at hand.

In general, this Special Issue wishes to receive research that addresses the common links between both concepts, that is, how Corporate Social Responsibility actions are contributing to the main social, economic and environmental challenges. All works that analyze this link will be welcome, regardless of the sector of economic activity in which it is developed or the perspective from which it is analyzed.

Prof. Dr. Valentín Molina-Moreno
Dr. Francisco Jesús Gálvez-Sánchez
Dr. Juan Fernando Álvarez-Rodríguez
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

sustainable development
sustainability
social sustainability
economic sustainability
corporate social responsibility
triple bottom
ESG criteria
strategic management of social responsibility
university social responsibility
public social responsibility
reporting, non-financial information
business ethics, shared value
negative externalities
social compromise
social return on investment
social value of investment
inclusive society
inclusive social entrepreneurship
corporate social responsibility
people with disabilities

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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30 pages, 1442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mediating Role of Total Quality Management between Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Environmental Performance

by Sayedeh Parastoo Saeidi, Parvaneh Saeidi and Sayyedeh Parisa Saeidi

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7401; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177401 - 28 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1393

Abstract

Manufacturers have been under increasing pressure from various groups to recognize and deal with the environmental effects of their operations, especially in the past twenty years. To manage this challenge, they have adopted two practices: corporate social responsibility (CSR) and total quality management (TQM). However, it is still not clear how these practices are supposed to affect environmental performance in developing countries, particularly the less developed ones. This study aimed to fill this gap by researching whether TQM could mediate between CSR and green management in Iranian manufacturing companies. The Baron and Kenny method was used to achieve the answer. The structural equation modeling method, using AMOS, was additionally used to explore the relationships between the concepts. Out of 849 questionnaires distributed, 328 usable responses were received. The findings supported all hypotheses: CSR is linked to a company’s environmental performance, CSR is connected to TQM, TQM is associated with the company’s environmental performance, and the relationship between CSR and environmental performance is partly mediated by TQM. Practically, the findings of this study provide organizations with actionable guidance to enhance their environmental sustainability practices, resulting in fostering long-term sustainability and gaining a competitive advantage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability: Whether or How?)

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17 pages, 1049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Environmental Performance in China’s Manufacturing Industry: The Mediating Role of Environmental Strategy and Green Innovation

by Zana Khoshnaw, Khairi Ali Auso Ali and Kawar Mohammed Mousa

Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 7133; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16167133 - 20 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2296

Abstract

Within the ever-changing manufacturing landscape of China, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a key factor influencing environmental performance. Knowing the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and environmental results is crucial as environmental concerns throughout the world grow more pressing. This research explores the complex relationship between CSR practices and environmental performance, focusing on how green innovation and environmental strategy function as mediating factors. The urgent need to prevent industrial environmental consequences in the face of fast economic expansion highlights the need for this investigation. China, a major force in world manufacturing, must balance environmental sustainability with economic expansion. In addition to improving a company’s reputation, effective CSR initiatives are essential for promoting sustainable development. Through an analysis of the mediating functions of green innovation, which propels technological developments, and environmental strategy, which comprises policies and practices, we clarify how proactive CSR methods can ignite revolutionary shifts towards more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. In order to create a harmonious balance between industrial growth and ecological stewardship, this research aims to provide theoretical insights as well as practical implications for industry leaders and policymakers. It achieves this by promoting strategic alignment between CSR goals and environmental imperatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability: Whether or How?)

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26 pages, 733 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does CSR Improve the Quality of Economic Growth? Based on the Perspective of Green Innovation

by Weihua Qu and Na Sun

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6617; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156617 - 2 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1083

Abstract

Taking into consideration existing research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green innovation, this study categorizes green innovation into substantive and strategic types. For this study, we constructed a general equilibrium model that integrates the effects of CSR on substantive and strategic green innovation, exploring changes in emission reduction technologies caused by firms’ CSR efforts and their impact on economic growth quality. We derived the economic growth trajectory for substantive green innovation and strategic green innovation as a function of CSR. The theoretical model that we developed in this study shows that CSR can improve economic growth quality. To empirically test our theoretical model, we used data at the provincial level in China from 2013 to 2022; these empirical results are consistent with the theoretical model. In addition, robustness tests and endogeneity issues were conducted; our findings from these tests show that substantive green innovation acts as a transmission mechanism through which CSR promotes economic growth quality. Additionally, the credit preferences of financial institutions positively moderate the relationship between CSR and economic growth quality. This study provides valuable insights for firms aiming to fulfill CSR obligations and enhance their capability in substantive green innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability: Whether or How?)

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14 pages, 1721 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Industry Heterogeneity and the Economic Consequences of Corporate ESG Performance for Good or Bad: A Firm Value Perspective

by Ying Chen and Zili Zhang

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6506; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156506 - 30 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2158

Abstract

An investigation into the relationship between ESG performance and firm value is vital for formulating corporate sustainability strategies. This paper begins by providing a comprehensive overview of the ESG performance across all listed companies in the Chinese stock market. It then examines the effect of a firm’s ESG performance on its firm value, with a particular focus on the heterogeneity within various industries. Our results demonstrate that ESG performance standards are positively correlated with the firm value. Enhancements in ESG performance can significantly bolster a firm’s sustainability. Nevertheless, the degree and direction of the impact of corporate ESG performance on firm value are subject to variation across industries. These results have significant implications for the refinement of corporate ESG practice initiatives and ESG-oriented investors, inspiring them to consider the industry classification of firms in their operational and investment strategies related to ESG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability: Whether or How?)

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29 pages, 354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Labor Investment Efficiency: Evidence from China

by Zhizhu Yuan, Junze Yu and Yue Yin

Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4290; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104290 - 19 May 2024

Viewed by 1557

Abstract

This study examines the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on labor investment efficiency utilizing a sample of China’s listed companies. The empirical results demonstrate that CSR improves labor investment efficiency, and the effect is significant in terms of both overinvestment and underinvestment. Findings from cross-sectional tests indicate that CSR has a more significant effect on labor investment efficiency in non-state-owned firms and firms with more financing constraints or higher labor adjustment costs. The conclusion is robust after utilizing a 2SLS regression, replacing indicators for labor investment efficiency and accounting for the impact of non-labor investment. In general, the results support stakeholder theory and confirm that CSR can enhance external monitoring and improve firms’ investment behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability: Whether or How?)

19 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Meeting Stakeholder Needs: Who Should Managers Pay Close Attention To? Evidence from Listed Chinese Manufacturing Companies

by Isaiah Oino and Sina Yekini

Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3806; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093806 - 1 May 2024

Viewed by 1519

Abstract

Meeting the needs of stakeholders, as an element of CSR, requires a delicate balance of meeting these needs and ensuring profitability. Guided by the legitimacy theory and the stakeholder theory, this paper assesses the significance of meeting stakeholder needs and examines the types of stakeholders that managers pay close attention to. Using a fixed-effects model on 859 Chinese manufacturing firms and a regression analysis, the results show a positive link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and organisational financial performance via both accounting and market measures in the Chinese manufacturing market. Furthermore, the primary objective of companies is to maximise shareholder returns while also meeting societal needs. The results also indicate that responsibility to shareholders and employees and growth potential have significant positive impacts on a company’s market value. This research demonstrates the need for companies to engage in CSR activities, as this can establish an elevated level of financial performance. Furthermore, attention needs to be paid to other stakeholders in corporate CSR activities to engage them and sustain their commitments towards an organisation’s productivity, growth, and sustainability. This is the first study to examine the power of influence from different stakeholders using legitimacy theory. Secondly, it is the first study to evaluate this influence using the Chinese manufacturing industry, which is, arguably, one of the largest in its field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability: Whether or How?)

20 pages, 475 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Financial Performance and Brand Value

by Jing Zhang and Ziyang Liu

Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16864; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416864 - 15 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 15030

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of theoretical research on corporate social responsibility and its influence on practical activities. The impact of corporate social responsibility on business performance has received attention from scholars and managers. However, the existing research lacks the empirical analysis concerning the moderating effects of long-term business performance (brand value) and social capital. This study was based on the relevant data from listed, Chinese companies and conducted regression analysis on the impact of corporate social responsibility on financial performance and brand value, exploring its moderating effects under different social capital. The results showed that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was significantly positively correlated with financial performance and brand value. Both horizontal and vertical social capital played a positive moderating role in the impact of CSR on financial performance and brand value. These conclusions differed between companies that were required to disclose and those that had voluntarily disclosed, as well as between heavily polluting industries and non-heavily polluting industries. This article enriches the existing theoretical framework and provides decision-making references for business managers on whether to take on corporate social responsibility, contributing to the theoretical understanding of corporate sustainable development from a social responsibility perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability: Whether or How?)

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16 pages, 340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consistency between Definition and Reasons for Applying Corporate Social Responsibility: The Perspective of Social Responsibility Managers

by Oscar Licandro, Luis Camilo Ortigueira Sánchez and Oscar Huapaya-Huertas

Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 14838; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152014838 - 13 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1362

Abstract

Knowledge about the motivations of managers to practice corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a critical issue for those who promote its adoption. The understanding of these reasons is complicated by the fact that there are different ways of defining CSR, raising the question of whether there is any relationship between the reasons for adopting it and how it is defined. To address this issue, this research categorizes these reasons and relates them to a classification of the different ways of defining CSR. To this end, a self-administered questionnaire was applied to a non-probability sample of social responsibility managers, which included indicators for both classifications. It was found that these managers present all types of motives identified, that proactive motives outweigh reactive motives, and that there is a significant degree of correlation between the ways of defining CSR and the reasons for doing so. From these results, it can be concluded that managers present consistency between their objectives (motives) and means (social responsibility practices). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability: Whether or How?)

Review

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17 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Corporate Social Responsibility Decoupling and Its Impact: Evidence from China

by Tian Luan

Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4047; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104047 - 12 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3914

Abstract

CSR decoupling refers to the misalignment between a company’s stated CSR policies and its actual practices, resulting in issues like diminished financial performance and heightened risk. While initially explored in developed economies such as the US, recent research has shifted focus towards developing nations like China. However, a comprehensive review of CSR decoupling literature in the Chinese market remains lacking. Previous research typically examines the decoupling phenomenon at the general level of CSR, without considering the distinct impacts of its three key components: environmental, social, and governance pillars. Our study seeks to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive review of CSR decoupling covering 82 related studies, specifically analyzing its environmental, social, and governance dimensions within the context of China. Our findings offer valuable insights for both future research on CSR decoupling in China and policymaking. Firstly, there is a pressing need to prioritize investigations into means–ends decoupling, given the constraints on policy–practice decoupling imposed by stringent regulations. Secondly, the role of government policies in shaping CSR practices is pivotal. Future research could delve into the impacts of policy shocks using quasi-experimental designs. Thirdly, emerging issues like workplace safety, the executive pay gap, and gender diversity are gaining prominence in China’s CSR landscape. Lastly, the dominance of state ownership presents significant challenges to corporate governance, warranting further exploration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability: Whether or How?)

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Other

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29 pages, 984 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability in Water Supply: A Systematic Review

by Jorge Alejandro Silva

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3183; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083183 - 10 Apr 2024

Viewed by 7126

Abstract

Although access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right, millions of people around the world lack this essential resource. Through their CSR initiatives, companies are promoting responsible and sustainable practices to ensure the appropriate use and management of water resources. Using a systematic review and PRISMA framework, this study examined the impact of CSR initiatives on sustainable water supply. A total of 108 articles were identified, and 33 were subjected to further reviews and analysis. This study found that CSR initiatives contribute to sustainable water supply through water conservation, water stewardship, responsible supply chains, and various educational and training initiatives. This study found that CSR initiatives have been effective in transforming behaviors and converting millions of people around the world into water activists. Corporations are also leveraging new technologies to enhance efficiency in their operations and minimize excessive water waste. This study also found that corporations must build responsible business practices through ethical, economic, and environmental responsibility. Although CSR initiatives can be too costly for many organizations, businesses can reduce costs through strategic partnerships and leveraging technological innovations to promote water conservation and hygiene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability: Whether or How?)

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