Examining the antecedents and the effects of CSR implementation: an explanatory study

Purpose Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a concept with increasing importance for global and local organisations. Despite its importance, there is still lack in the understanding of its complete role, within and outside organisational boundaries. The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a conceptual framework (research model) that examines the antecedents (drivers) and the effects of CSR implementation. Design/methodology/approach The proposed conceptual framework was tested, using a newly developed structured questionnaire, in a sample of 80 large private Greek organisations. Key respondents were the executive managers of these organisations. The reliability and the validity of the questionnaire were thoroughly examined, while research hypotheses were tested using the “Structural Equation Modelling” technique. Findings Research findings suggest that three factors (“CSR awareness”, “relevant cost of CSR”, “appropriateness of CSR strategies”) have a direct effect on CSR implementation, while one factor (“knowledge of CSR”) has an indirect effect, through “CSR awareness”. On the other hand, CSR implementation seems to have a positive effect on “employee commitment”, “customer satisfaction” and “company reputation”. It should be underlined that these results reflect the opinions expressed by the top management of the companies that participated in the study. Originality/value The present study proposes an original, three-dimensional, conceptual framework that examines both the antecedents and the effects of ERP implementation. Such a multidimensional approach has randomly been attempted in the existing literature. Second, the present study examines the subject of CSR in an economy under crisis. This approach is rather unique among previous empirical studies of the same field. Third, the results of the present study may be generalised in other countries with similar economic realities and characteristics (e.g. Cyprus, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Ireland). Finally, the study offers specific managerial implications to business executives.