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Attitudes and Perceptions of Employees toward Corporate Social Responsibility in Western Balkan Countries: Importance and Relevance for Sustainable Development

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Listed:
  • Boban Melovic

    (Faculty of Economics, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro)

  • Nikola Milovic

    (Faculty of Economics, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro)

  • Tamara Backovic-Vulic

    (Faculty of Economics, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro)

  • Branislav Dudic

    (Faculty of Management, Comenius University in Bratislava, 82005 Bratislava, Slovakia
    Faculty of Economics and Engineering Management, University Business Academy, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Peter Bajzik

    (Faculty of Management, Comenius University in Bratislava, 82005 Bratislava, Slovakia)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to identify the factors that influence employees’ attitudes and perceptions of corporate social responsibilities (CSR), as well as to discuss if there are some significant differences in the application of CSR in the analyzed Western Balkan countries, especially in terms of public and private sector affiliation. This is the first academic survey which examined the employees’ attitudes and perceptions of CSR integrally in five Western Balkan countries. Multivariate factor analysis was applied to data collected from 2410 employees in the analyzed countries. In order to test additionally the results obtained by factor analysis, the Structural Equation Model (SEM) was applied. The results of the research, obtained by multivariate factor analysis and SEM model, show that the largest percentage of employees believe that the CSR concept enables the generating of new values and success of the company, as well as welfare for the whole society. Additionally, companies are increasingly recognizing the strategic importance of CSR for the sustainability of their business, as well as the importance of development of sustainable practices in the environment. Based on the results of the research, the authors found out that there were significant differences in the understanding and acceptance of CSR in the analyzed countries, while there were significantly smaller differences between the private and public sectors. The results of the research may serve as a guide for managers when making decisions about implementing the strategy and future activities regarding CSR.

Suggested Citation

  • Boban Melovic & Nikola Milovic & Tamara Backovic-Vulic & Branislav Dudic & Peter Bajzik, 2019. "Attitudes and Perceptions of Employees toward Corporate Social Responsibility in Western Balkan Countries: Importance and Relevance for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-37, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:23:p:6763-:d:292114
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    Cited by:

    1. Jelena Titko & Anna Svirina & Tatjana Tambovceva & Viktorija Skvarciany, 2021. "Differences in Attitude to Corporate Social Responsibility among Generations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-12, October.
    2. Jelena Titko & Viktorija Skvarciany & Tatjana Tambovceva, 2021. "Corporate Social Responsibility Perceived by Employees: Latvian Survey Results," Central European Business Review, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2021(3), pages 37-50.
    3. Jangsoon Kim & Donseung Choi & Eunho Cho & Collins E. Okafor & Byung Il Park, 2022. "Corporate Sustainability in the Wake of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic: Does CSR Enhance Corporate Survival during a Market Crisis?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-18, November.
    4. Agnieszka Kwarcinska, 2021. "Scope of Activities as a Criterion Determining the Type of CSR Actions with Regard to Employees: A Case Study," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(4), pages 882-893.
    5. Magdalena Rojek-Nowosielska & Łukasz Kuźmiński, 2021. "CSR Level Versus Employees’ Attitudes towards the Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-17, August.
    6. Huy Quang Pham & Phuc Kien Vu, 2023. "Does Public Value Commitment Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility Fuel Accountant’s Productivity During Covid-19 Pandemic and New Normal: A Case Study on Public Sector in Vietnam," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 575-603, June.
    7. Agnieszka Kwarcinska, 2021. "CSR Activities Directed at Employees in the Light of Their Usability Assessment," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(2B), pages 783-799.

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