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Signaling Effects of CSR Performance on Cross-border Alliance Formation

Author

Listed:
  • Ding Wang

    (Central South University)

  • Jiang Wei

    (Zijingang Campus Zhejiang University)

  • Niels Noorderhaven

    (Tilburg University)

  • Yang Liu

    (Zijingang Campus Zhejiang University)

Abstract

This study examines the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance of Chinese firms on the formation of cross-border alliances with partners in developed countries. We use signaling theory and the co-evolutionary perspective as bases in proposing that the signaling effects of CSR performance on cross-border alliance formation are subject to the influences of subnational, national, and cross-national institutions. By using a longitudinal data set, we find that the signaling effects of CSR performance on cross-border alliance formation emerged only after a national system of CSR-related institutions had been established. Once this framework was set up, the effectiveness of CSR as a signal was subject to subnational (intra-country) and cross-national (inter-countries) institutional differences. We conclude that combining signaling theory with the co-evolutionary perspective contributes to CSR research in emerging markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Ding Wang & Jiang Wei & Niels Noorderhaven & Yang Liu, 2023. "Signaling Effects of CSR Performance on Cross-border Alliance Formation," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 186(4), pages 831-850, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:186:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-023-05432-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-023-05432-x
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    Cited by:

    1. Liang Wang & Justin Tan, 2023. "Coevolution of Strategy, Innovation and Ethics," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 186(4), pages 711-721, September.

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