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Digital-Platform-Based Ecosystems: CSR Innovations during Crises

Author

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  • Enoch Opare Mintah

    (Kingston Business School, Kingston University, Kingston-Upon-Thames, London KT2 7JB, UK
    Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln—Brayford Campus, Lincoln LN5 7AT, UK)

  • Mahmoud Elmarzouky

    (St Andrews Business School, University of St Andrews, The Gateway, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9RJ, UK)

Abstract

Humanitarian crises caused by war, natural disasters, famine, or disease outbreaks are growing globally and are persistent human tragedies threatening human health, safety, and well-being. Digital-platform-based ecosystems’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities have become a vital tool to support humans during crises. However, little is known about the impact of the innovative CSR practices of digital-platform-based ecosystems during a crisis. Therefore, this study investigates this crucial question. Building on dynamic capabilities theory and using thematic analysis of 89 news articles and data from website sources and reports relating to Airbnb Inc.’s CSR innovation in the Afghan 2021 and the Russia–Ukraine 2022 humanitarian crises, we find that strategic digital-platform-based ecosystem-driven CSR interventions during crises can be helpful for society and for businesses. The results suggest Airbnb.org leveraged its resources and capabilities to provide innovative, quick, and timely responses to redefine refugee resettlement, promoting a platform to harness community partnerships, creating a robust collaboration model with international non-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations, and initiating a novel financial inclusion strategy for refugees and displaced persons. This result also implies that CSR technological innovations during s crisis can be theoretically explained and have further significant implications for policymakers, companies, and societal stakeholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Enoch Opare Mintah & Mahmoud Elmarzouky, 2024. "Digital-Platform-Based Ecosystems: CSR Innovations during Crises," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-23, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jjrfmx:v:17:y:2024:i:6:p:247-:d:1413553
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Da Gao & Linfang Tan & Yue Chen, 2025. "Smarter is greener: can intelligent manufacturing improve enterprises’ ESG performance?," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-12, December.

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