Research Briefs

This research looked at manufacturers and whether or not they had adopted ISO 14000. It was demonstrated that those who were certified in ISO 14000 had improved profitability from implementing cost-saving techniques.

The organizational structure at the top levels of a company impacts corporate philanthropy, which affects business outcomes like reputation, consumer loyalty, and employee engagement. CEO tenure, board size and centrality, and the percentage of female board directors and senior managers all affect corporate philanthropy.

To best engage consumers who are less involved and less personally invested in a cause, cause marketers should focus on local donations, the appearance of genuine concern, and positive messaging.

Business leaders in U.S. firms believe that corporate citizenship activities have positive impacts on the firm—including positive contributions to financial performance—and that increased investment in corporate citizenship amplifies this effect.

The study found advertising a company’s corporate sustainability performance has a positive effect on its economic performance.

This study looks at the relationship between firms’ corporate social responsibility, their accounting and operating decisions, and the transparency of the financial information they provide. It found that more socially responsible firms were both more prudent in accounting and operating decisions and more transparent in financial reporting.

This study looked at environmental regulation and the role of voluntary programs. Research found that voluntary commitments have little effect on emission reductions, while the threat of regulation does result in significant emission reductions.

Research suggests that board involvement in corporate citizenship activities results in increased engagement with customers, employees, and external stakeholders, as well as increased financial value.

Corporate citizenship fosters positive relationships between customer firms and supplier firms, increasing customer loyalty through trust and identification.

Employees are more likely to participate in sustainability activities at work if they identify with their company, and perceive strong organizational support for environmental efforts.

Corporate citizenship can act as insurance against risks faced by individual firms, which may allow managers to pursue a wider array of strategic opportunities.

The more information business leaders are provided about environmental impacts, including the short and long-term effects of the decision, the more they consider those impacts during the decision-making process.