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Corporate social responsibility embeddedness through a social network analysis: The case of an Italian multiutility company

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  • Natalia Marzia Gusmerotti
  • Francesco Testa
  • Margherita Macellari
  • Marco Frey

Abstract

To gain substantial benefits, corporate social responsibility (CSR) needs to be embedded within an organization. Through a social network analysis, this study analyzes to what extent an Italian multiutility company, strategically committed to sustainability, integrates social and environmental issues in its strategy, operations, and routines. The paper aims to answer the following two questions: (a) How can an investigation of the level of information exchange help in identifying whether CSR is embedded or peripheral in a company?; (b) how can an investigation of the role of the CSR department help in identifying whether CSR is embedded or peripheral in a company? The study reveals the frequency and density of information exchange regarding social and environmental issues among 67 business units as well as highlighting the real role played by the CSR department. This research contributes to the current debate on CSR embeddedness by showing how an exploration of internal social networks reveals the extent to which CSR is integrated within strategy, operations, and routines. It also provides useful suggestions for managers on ways to improve the level of integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Natalia Marzia Gusmerotti & Francesco Testa & Margherita Macellari & Marco Frey, 2020. "Corporate social responsibility embeddedness through a social network analysis: The case of an Italian multiutility company," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(2), pages 455-469, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:corsem:v:27:y:2020:i:2:p:455-469
    DOI: 10.1002/csr.1812
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    Cited by:

    1. Guia Bianchi & Francesco Testa & Sara Tessitore & Fabio Iraldo, 2022. "How to embed environmental sustainability: The role of dynamic capabilities and managerial approaches in a life cycle management perspective," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(1), pages 312-325, January.
    2. Sara Amabile & Francesca Conte & Agostino Vollero & Alfonso Siano, 2022. "Measuring and evaluating CSR information and involvement strategies on corporate Facebook pages," Italian Journal of Marketing, Springer, vol. 2022(3), pages 341-369, September.
    3. Niccolò Maria Todaro & Francesco Testa & Natalia Marzia Gusmerotti, 2022. "Drivers of employees' proactiveness for sustainability embeddedness: Examining situation‐related antecedents of information exchange," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(5), pages 1919-1937, July.

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