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Perceived corporate social responsibility effects across nations – The role of national institutions

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  • Zimmer, Lukas
  • Swoboda, Bernhard

Abstract

While many multinationals reduce their ecological footprint and signal corporate social responsibility (CSR), consumers’ perceptions of CSR signals have distinct cross-national effects on behavior. However, knowledge of how national institutions influence these effects remains limited. The authors address this gap by analyzing the roles of institutions in perceived CSR effects on consumer purchase intention, via trust and quality, in 43 countries using multilevel modeling. They find a core pathway of CSR among the direct and indirect effects. Importantly, they show for the first time how economic, regulative, normative and cultural-cognitive institutions affect these pathways differently. Key levers are revealed, together with less important institutions. These findings have direct implications for managers and stakeholders interested in cross-national differences in CSR effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Zimmer, Lukas & Swoboda, Bernhard, 2023. "Perceived corporate social responsibility effects across nations – The role of national institutions," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iburev:v:32:y:2023:i:3:s0969593122001019
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2022.102073
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