Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee–Company Identification

Hae-Ryong Kim, Moonkyu Lee, Hyoung-Tark Lee, Na-Min Kim

Journal of Business Ethics · 2010 · Volume 95 · Issue 4

Abstract

This study proposes two identification cuing factors (i.e., CSR associations and CSR participation) to understand how corporate social responsibility (CSR) relates to employees’ identification with their firm. The results reveal that a firm’s CSR initiatives increase employee–company identification (E–C identification). E–C identification, in turn, influences employees’ commitment to their company. However, CSR associations do not directly influence employees’ identification with a firm, but rather influence their identification through perceived external prestige (PEP). Compared to CSR associations, CSR participation has a direct influence on E–C identification. On the basis of these findings, it is argued that CSR performance can be an effective way for companies to maintain a positive relationship with their employees.

Keywords

corporate social responsibility (CSR), CSR associations, CSR participation, employee–company identification (E–C identification), perceived external prestige (PEP)

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