The social, economic and environmental dimensions of corporate social responsibility: The role played by consumers and potential entrepreneurs

Based on Schwartz's human values theory and the stimulus–response and balance theory this paper develops a research model to examine the drivers which influence consumers’ and entrepreneurs’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The model was estimated by the partial least squares technique, using a multicultural sample from three European countries. The three CSR dimensions referred to as the triple bottom line approach (financial, social and environmental) have been considered. The results show that human values influence human perceptions of CSR, consumer perceptions of CSR mediate the relationship between human values and entrepreneurs’ perceptions of CSR and significant differences can be found in consumers’ and entrepreneurs’ perceptions of CSR with respect to the cultural environment. Hence, regarding the specific social and economic environment, the findings suggest that different managerial actions should guide a firm's CSR strategies. This knowledge can be very useful to firms in order to achieve vital social goals such as a good reputation or prestige and, thereby, economic advantages linked to performance, survival or growth.