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Rethinking corporate social responsibility in the age of climate change: a communication perspective

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  • Myria W. Allen

    (University of Arkansas)

  • Christopher A. Craig

    (University of Arkansas)

Abstract

In the winter of 2015 world leaders presented plans for keeping the global temperature rise below 2 °C due to projected climate change threats. These threats present organizations, communities, and citizens with the need to change viewing corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a voluntary luxury to being a necessity. This essay proposes refocusing CSR efforts in light of projected climate challenges and expanding our investigation into the role of communication in such efforts. Communication is more than a tool to craft a positive corporate image so as to gain or protect legitimacy. It is the means through which CSR sustainability-related initiatives are created and disseminated within organizations and among their key stakeholders (i.e., governments, communities, competitors, supply chains, employees). Suggestions for future research exploring CSR, sustainability, and communication are offered.

Suggested Citation

  • Myria W. Allen & Christopher A. Craig, 2016. "Rethinking corporate social responsibility in the age of climate change: a communication perspective," International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, Springer, vol. 1(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijocsr:v:1:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1186_s40991-016-0002-8
    DOI: 10.1186/s40991-016-0002-8
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    12. Vasileva, Elka & Hristova – Pesheva, Juliya, 2019. "Green communications through ISO 14 000 standards series and other voluntary initiatives," MPRA Paper 106978, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    16. Shaymaa Al-Said Salem & Dina Elkhattat, 2023. "Environmental Responsibility of the Banking Sector in UAE: Practices to Confront Climate Change Risks," Scientia Moralitas Conference Proceedings 01256, Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies.
    17. Sara De Masi & Agnieszka Słomka‐Gołębiowska & Claudio Becagli & Andrea Paci, 2021. "Toward sustainable corporate behavior: The effect of the critical mass of female directors on environmental, social, and governance disclosure," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(4), pages 1865-1878, May.
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    20. Xue-Zhou Zhao & Jun Chen & Feng-Wen Chen & Wei Wang & Senmao Xia, 2020. "How High-Polluting Firms Suffer from Being Distracted form Intended Purpose: A Corporate Social Responsibility Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-29, December.
    21. Rosalynn Vasquez, 2022. "CSR, CSA, or CPA? Examining Corporate Climate Change Communication Strategies, Motives, and Effects on Consumer Outcomes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-16, March.
    22. Wojciech Leonski, 2022. "Corporate Social Responsibility in Airports: A Study of the Largest Polish Airports," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(2), pages 198-209.

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