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Does corporate engagement in social responsibility affect firm innovation? The mediating role of digital transformation

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  • Tuyen, Bui Quang
  • Phuong Anh, Do Vu
  • Mai, Nguyen Phuong
  • Long, To Quang

Abstract

The literature is divided on whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) has an impact on firm innovation. For the first time in the Vietnamese context, using a quantile technique with panel data, this study investigates the types of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and their effects on business innovation. In this article, external and internal forms of CSR are found to be interconnected, and their adoption results in supercharged innovative performance. This research also adds to our knowledge of how digital transformation affects CSR and corporate innovation, implying a favorable relationship between CSR, digital transformation, and firm innovation. This means that even if effective institutions are lacking, firms can still be innovative by adopting CSR practices and adapting to changes in the digital world.

Suggested Citation

  • Tuyen, Bui Quang & Phuong Anh, Do Vu & Mai, Nguyen Phuong & Long, To Quang, 2023. "Does corporate engagement in social responsibility affect firm innovation? The mediating role of digital transformation," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 292-303.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:84:y:2023:i:c:p:292-303
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2022.11.005
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    1. Elena B. Zavyalova & Vera A. Volokhina & Marija A. Troyanskaya & Yulia I. Dubova, 2023. "A humanistic model of corporate social responsibility in e-commerce with high-tech support in the artificial intelligence economy," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate social responsibility; Firm performance; Innovation; Digital transformation; Vietnam;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L21 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Business Objectives of the Firm
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • M15 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - IT Management

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