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The impact of corporate social responsibility on cybersecurity behavior: The crucial role of organizationally-prescribed perfectionism

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  • Byung-Jik Kim

    (University of Ulsan)

  • Julak Lee

    (Chung-Ang University)

Abstract

This study delves into the ways in which corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects cybersecurity behavior among employees. It specifically examines the mediating effects of psychological safety and job stress, as well as the moderating role of organizationally-prescribed perfectionism. Drawing on theories of social identity, social exchange, and the job demands-resources model, we postulate that CSR influences cybersecurity behavior in employees in a positive way, first through psychological safety and then through job stress as a sequential mediator. We also look at how organizationally-prescribed perfectionism moderates the connection between CSR and psychological safety. Our research design was based on collecting survey data from 402 employees in South Korea at four different time points. Our findings support the idea that CSR has a direct and indirect positive effect on cybersecurity behavior among employees through measures such as increased psychological safety and decreased job stress. In addition, the study discovered that when employees have high levels of organizationally-prescribed perfectionism, it reduces the favorable effect of CSR on psychological safety. Our findings further the current literature by illuminating the psychological processes and boundary circumstances that govern the impact of CSR on cybersecurity behavior among employees. CSR programs can promote safe online habits and boost morale, but it’s important for businesses to remember that employees have different levels of perfectionism and to accommodate those variations. In this paper, we discuss the study’s shortcomings and provide suggestions for further research to support a holistic strategy for CSR in the IT age.

Suggested Citation

  • Byung-Jik Kim & Julak Lee, 2025. "The impact of corporate social responsibility on cybersecurity behavior: The crucial role of organizationally-prescribed perfectionism," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-04511-w
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04511-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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