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Data breaches have the potential to weaken employee morale, corporate reputations, and customer and supplier relationships, while also disrupting marketing investments and financial performance. Research on reducing their frequency and harm focuses on tactical solutions, though breaches represent serious, even existential threats to firms. To date, research has not attempted to simultaneously address the closely connected phenomena of preventing and recovering from data breaches. The authors propose that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a strategic variable offering dual protection: reducing the likelihood of data breaches and attenuating harm when breaches occur. Drawing on stakeholder theory, the authors distinguish between internal (addressing primary stakeholders) and external (addressing secondary stakeholders) CSR. Study 1 shows that external CSR has no prophylactic effect, while moderate and high levels of internal CSR are equally effective at preventing data breaches, compared with low levels of internal CSR. Study 2 assesses mitigation following a data breach by examining (1) short-term effects (in the form of an event study on cumulative abnormal returns) and (2) long-term effects (with time-series analysis of Tobin's q). The results suggest that internal CSR props up financial performance only at high levels while the positive effect of external CSR is short-lived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The business case constitutes an important instrumental motive for corporate social responsibility (CSR), but its relationship with other moral and relational motives remains controversial. In this article, we examine the articulation of motives for CSR among different stakeholders in Germany historically. On the basis of reports of German business associations, state agencies, unions, and nongovernmental organizations from 1970 to 2014, we show how the business case came to be a dominant motive for CSR by acting as a coalition magnet: the vocabulary was used strategically by key policy entrepreneurs, while being ambiguous for flexible interpretations by different stakeholders, and thereby growing in attractiveness. As a resulting discourse coalition emerged among business, state, and civil society actors, the moral and relational motives for CSR became increasingly marginalized. The article offers a new approach to studying motives and contributes to understanding the complementary or competing nature of different motives for CSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the impact of social capital, measured by corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance, on corporate borrowing. Using a sample of 120,204 bank loan applications of China's listed firms, we find that an increase in CSR performance increases the loan amounts of approved loans, although it does not alter the likelihood of loan approval. Using aggregate loans at the firm level, we show that CSR performance positively impacts firms' long-term borrowing from banks but does not affect their short-term borrowing. The economic magnitude of the positive effect is large at both the loan and firm levels. We attribute this positive relationship to reduced information asymmetry and improved risk mitigation. Surprisingly, we find that banks do not discipline their borrowers' CSR investments through the lending relationship. Specifically, when borrowers exhibit high CSR performance and borrow from banks with high CSR performance, further increases in CSR no longer correlate with larger loan amounts. Our findings suggest that China's state-led green credit policies should be more market-oriented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using an extensive sample of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings, we reexamine the corporate social responsibility (CSR) factor premium in the developed equity markets between 2007 and 2019 and show that its extent is contingent upon size effects. Consistent with the novel market equilibrium, we contend that the exponential growth of socially responsible investment (SRI) has rendered the risk-adjusted returns of large CSR-leading firms in line with or even below their lagging counterparts. In line with the neglected effect, greater market segmentation, lower market efficiency, and lower investor awareness of CSR enable us to observe the former market equilibrium in the smaller corporation partition, where CSR-lagging firms exhibit lower returns than leading ones. We thus theorize a two-stage CSP–CFP relationship, where size effects are considered a relevant moderator. This contention is robust to portfolio and panel regression settings. However, our partly contradicting results with the existent literature emphasize the divergence in ESG ratings across rating agencies. JEL Classification M14 ; G11; G15 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disasters are more destructive and frequent in the age of climate change, overpopulation, and neoliberal globalisation. While the literature on disaster prevention and management proliferates, the role of for‐profit corporations has only recently started to be examined, usually through the lens of corporate social responsibility (CSR)—the expectation that business will consider social and environmental interests in its operations, in addition to profit. There is lately much academic creativity in the CSR space pertaining to why and how large corporations should contribute to disaster recovery, but a conceptual red thread is missing. This paper proposes that the unifying concept is the CSR principle of refraining from exploiting disaster‐hit communities. Indeed, CSR principles evolve in time, reflecting contemporary societal priorities. In a contractarian perspective on CSR, a rational community would nowadays have solid reasons to expect, in its social contract with business, the latter's commitment to decency when the former is devastated by earthquakes, pandemics, wars, and the like. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to describe the role of corporate social performance as a potential mechanism for reducing earnings management. This paper contributes to the existing literature by addressing the moderator effects of national culture on the relationship between CSR and earnings management. Design/methodology/approach: This study investigates the moderating impact of Hofstede's cultural dimensions on the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and earnings management. The data set covers 71,893 firm-year observations spanning 2006–2022 and involving 4,229 firms listed in common law countries. Findings: The result confirms that corporate social performance reduces the use of real earnings management and controls the change of method AEM to REM method. When testing the indirect effect, the results show that cultural dimensions moderate the relationship between CSR and earnings management. These findings have many theoretical and practical implications for researchers, investors and decision-makers. Originality/value: This paper contributes substantially to extant literature by comprehensively exploring the moderating influence of national cultures on the intricate nexus between CSR and earnings management, encompassing the pre- and post-COVID-19 periods. The implications of these findings extend to researchers, investors and policymakers, offering valuable insights for informed decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study advances and tests a micro‐foundations model that reveals when and how corporate social responsibility (CSR) will enhance organizational innovation. Challenging the prevalent assumption that CSR uniformly leads to positive outcomes, we posit that the impact of CSR on innovation is contingent upon the interplay between employee‐level psychological processes and organizational‐level factors. Specifically, we argue that under conditions of good internal organizational communication, CSR facilitates employees' intrinsic motivation. Then, this motivation can increase organizational‐level innovation, but only if employees are also allowed to thrive, when they are psychologically empowered. We examine the multi‐level model by utilizing a 4‐wave, time‐lagged data from one of the largest Korean commercial banks, featuring 2545 employees across 379 branches. The data consist of both survey data and centrally audited CSR data. The results of the analyses bolster our hypotheses, but also highlight unexpected backlash effects where CSR negatively affects organizational innovation. Our findings contribute to the CSR literature by unveiling the complex micro‐level mechanisms and boundary conditions that shape the CSR‐innovation relationship, thereby addressing the inconsistencies in previous research. Practically, our study suggests that managers should carefully align their CSR initiatives with internal communication strategies and employee empowerment practices to foster innovation. Failing to do so may inadvertently undermine the very outcomes CSR is intended to promote. These insights also speak to the ongoing debate on the role of CSR in driving organizational competitiveness and social impact, underlining the need for a more nuanced and contextualized understanding of CSR's effects. In sum, our results facilitate the integration of previously disparate literatures, while simultaneously also underlining that CSR efforts need to be orchestrated with other improvements if any innovation benefits are to be reaped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the hybrid‐competitive market and the economic crisis, consumers are more ethically concerned about companies failing to adhere to environmental and human rights standards. Thus, companies have implemented corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to improve their ethical performance and establish the groundwork for sustainable growth and competitive advantage. Relationship marketing orientation (RMO) contributes to strengthen customers relationships and value co‐creation. Drawing from the stakeholder theory, this study aims to examine how CSR initiatives, that is, customer‐oriented and employee‐oriented, affect customer participation behavior (CPB) and customer citizenship behavior (CCB) in the banking sector. The main findings highlight a significant correlation between the CSR initiatives and customer value co‐creation behavior. Finally, by triangulating CSR, RMO, and value co‐creation, this study aims to provide more insights on RMO and CSR strategies for academicians and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to design, develop and evaluate a blockchain platform in the field of circular economy (CE). To achieve this aim, the research demonstrates the feasibility of designing a decentralised architecture and prototyping a distributed system to increase customer engagement in the transition toward CE. Building on previous research and leveraging on the design science research approach, the paper identifies the technical and managerial issues that must be addressed to adopt blockchain as an enabling technology in the CE domain. More in details, starting with the identification of circular sharing economy (CSE) processes, a conceptual framework was designed to evaluate how blockchain implementation has the potential to enhance the role of customers involved in CSE processes. As for the practical implications, the suggested conceptual framework reduces the knowledge gap between blockchain developers and corporate social responsibility specialists. To bridge the gap, it identifies future directions and practical guidelines for designing and implementing blockchain to support the digital and sustainable innovation of more circular firms and supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to ascertain the extent of the Polish companies' involvement in social, environmental, and economic corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. This study employed an online survey methodology. The data analysis comprised descriptive and inferential analyses. The results demonstrate that differences in the approach to the CSR concept - its implementation and scope of activity depending on the size of the enterprise, ownership of the company's capital, and, to a lesser extent, the subject of business activity. This study makes a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge on CSR practices in Poland and the region by offering a detailed examination of the significance of CSR for enterprises and the motives for taking action in this area. It also provides insights into the level of emphasis placed on CSR activities and analysing the differences between companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of digital marketing, where consumers and enterprises frequently interact with each other, consumers hold different attitudes toward the different sources of information, including corporate social responsibility information. Negative corporate social responsibility can have direct impacts on corporate reputation. Choosing appropriate channels to publish the negative social responsibility information of enterprises in order to reduce the impact of these negative social events on corporate reputation is imperative for corporate image management. This research examines the differences in the impact of enterprise-generated content and -co-generated content on consumer attitudes using second-hand data analysis and then investigates how different information sources influence corporate reputation through empirical experiments. The results indicate that co-generated content performs better than other sources of information on corporate reputation, while professional user-generated content has the most negative impact. We further identify the external attribution as a mediation mechanism in the relationship between information sources and corporate reputation. The theoretical contributions and managerial implications of the research findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the best practices of Eaton Corporation, a global leader in power management, focusing on leadership, inclusiveness, compliance, ethical business practices, and its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a qualitative analysis of case studies, corporate reports, and academic literature, the paper examines how Eaton's strategic decisions and corporate governance align with established theories such as Transformational Leadership, Stakeholder Theory, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The study reveals that Eaton's success is deeply rooted in its ethical leadership, robust compliance framework, and commitment to diversity and sustainability. These practices not only enhance the company's reputation but also provide valuable lessons for other organisations seeking to achieve long-term success in a complex global market. The methodology includes a thematic and comparative analysis of secondary data, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Eaton's corporate strategies. While the findings are specific to Eaton Corporation, the insights gained can serve as a model for other businesses aiming to integrate ethical and sustainable practices into their operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars and practitioners increasingly call for a more nuanced understanding of why and when family firm branding is more versus less effective. Across three studies, we find that, in general, communicating family ownership enhances consumer responses because it humanizes the company. Importantly, however, the effectiveness of this communication strategy depends on (a) the presence and (b) the source of positive corporate social responsibility (CSR) news. Specifically, we demonstrate that family firm branding is less effective when an external source informs consumers about the company's CSR. It does offer a strong competitive advantage, however, when the company self-reports its CSR activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on analyzing the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on economic growth and reducing inequality, highlighting the importance of CSR in achieving sustainable development and social justice. The main aim is to analyze how different CSR initiatives contribute to economic development, social prosperity, and the reduction in inequality by reviewing the methods used to assess their impact. The research methodology includes a detailed literature review, bibliometric analysis and scientific mapping, surveys of various business organizations, and a gap analysis regarding the identification of gaps between the current state of CSR activities and the expected outcomes. The research shows that companies perceive CSR as a key tool for improving corporate image, responding to stakeholder expectations, and investing in social justice. Despite positive intentions, challenges include the lack of clearly defined methodologies for measuring the impact on economic inequality, as well as difficulties in assessing the long-term effects of CSR initiatives. Key conclusions highlight the need for more structured approaches to assessing the social and economic effects of CSR, recommending that companies improve their transparency and accountability and implement clear indicators of success to achieve sustainable economic and social outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the influence of perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employee environmental stewardship actions (ESA) by drawing upon social exchange theory (SET) and social identity theory (SIT). The mediating role of environmental consciousness (ECS) and commitment (ECM) within this relationship is also examined. The empirical research builds on a sample survey involving 392 participants from various mechanical manufacturing firms in Hanoi, Vietnam. The proposed model was analyzed using a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS‐SEM) approach. We find that (i) perceived CSR positively impacts employees' ESA, and (ii) both ECS and ECM mediate the relationship between perceived CSR and ESA. These results suggest that CSR fosters ESA through direct and indirect pathways (via ECS or ECM). This research offers valuable insights for businesses in the manufacturing industry, informing the development of effective CSR strategies that promote environmental sustainability among employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee consumption is becoming increasingly prevalent among a growing number of consumers worldwide. Despite ranking seventh in coffee consumption, Italy is the global coffee export leader, with almost 1000 coffee roasting companies across the country. As a product subject to increasing interest in sustainability, numerous studies address the economic, social and environmental challenges affecting coffee production. However, only a few evaluate the sustainability performance of roasting companies in consuming countries. This study examines the integration of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in business strategy to provide an overview of sustainability performance among Italian roasting companies. The analysis encompasses 78 sustainability practices across 49 businesses and assesses their communication to stakeholders. Furthermore, factors such as company size and specialty coffee sale were investigated for their influence on sustainability performance. The findings reveal a low commitment to sustainability within the Italian coffee sector, with 83.7% of companies in the first two stages of the five‐stage CSR assessment model. Although there is an interest in addressing product safety, quality, and consumer relations, responsible sourcing is often relegated to suppliers or voluntary sustainability standards. Communication is not effective, as more than half of the companies did not provide sustainability information on their websites. In this sample, the commitment to sustainability was directly related to the size of the business, and the same relationship was observed for roasters selling specialty coffees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate responsibility is a complex and multidimensional concept, and this is what makes it difficult to quantify. The main purpose of this article is to construct a composite, but easily applicable and interpretable index for measuring the corporate social responsibility of companies. By combining existing legislation, reporting and measurement standards, as well as reward criteria, we have created 44 variables which cover all dimensions of CSR, including sustainability, and apply to the whole range of business activities. In order to collect values for the remaining qualitative variables, a prototype questionnaire was drawn up and completed by the 100 largest companies operating in Greece for a period of 3 fiscal years. Through the categorical principal components analysis procedure, we converted the above variables from the increasing categorical type to quantitative. We then performed the elbow technique to find the optimal number of clusters in which the companies and organizations in the sample could be integrated, and then we applied a hierarchical cluster. The above is a necessary procedure to be able to perform discriminant analysis, and through it, to calculate the Total CSR (ESG and Internal CSR) z-score for each new company. The equation generated by the discriminant analysis to calculate the z-score can calculate the "Total CSR Z-Score" for the companies. The contribution of our work is to establish the variables that shape corporate social responsibility and, through them, to determine a comprehensive summary index for its calculation. The practical value of the article is that it proposes a quantitative measurement of the level of corporate responsibility of each company, allowing comparisons between companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the sector-specific linguistic strategies utilized by large Italian firms, emphasizing the relationship between language, corporate governance procedures, and sustainability initiatives. This research employs a content analysis of 210 sustainability reports (SRs) from 203 corporations, categorizing firms into seven industry-specific clusters and examining how various sectors communicate sustainability activities. The research utilizes language game theory to determine if the vocabulary employed in SRs promotes a uniform comprehension of sustainability activities and aids stakeholders in assessing company sustainability plans. Key findings indicate a substantial disparity in the terminology employed across various businesses, underscoring the fragmentation and sector-specific focus in SR procedures. The research reveals sector-specific linguistic techniques that influence the discourse on sustainability, illustrating how language is deliberately employed to correspond with each sector's objectives and governance frameworks. This research enhances academic literature by incorporating language game theory into SR analysis, revealing the influence of sector-specific language on sustainability narratives. It also underscores the issues associated with positive framing and the potential for greenwashing, wherein optimistic rhetoric may compromise the integrity and trustworthiness of SRs. The results necessitate standardized reporting systems to improve the comparability and accountability of systematic reviews across various sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to establish a clear connection between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance. Through this research, we aim to conclusively demonstrate how a company's corporate social performance impacts its financial success. Utilizing data from Turkish BIST30 index companies for the years 2010 to 2022, our findings indicate a negative association between corporate social responsibility disclosure and return on assets, implying a potential trade-off. Furthermore, the existence of CEO duality has got a positive influence on the return on assets. The findings underline the significance of a balanced strategy that considers both social and economic aims. By incorporating social responsibility into their operations, companies may contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future while still attaining financial success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aims to understand how practitioners define and describe corporate engagement with social issues within the larger context of their organization's social obligations. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 20 communication professionals involved in CSA practices of large U.S. corporations. This study proposes an expanded definition of CSA as a part of social impact communication. Additionally, we present a social impact valuation process model, offering an initial theoretical grounding for understanding CSA decision-making processes. The study contributes to public relations literature by extending our understanding of the dynamics of CSA in practice and bridging the gap between practice and theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a topical issue of global importance, which is due, on the one hand, to the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda and, on the other hand, to business awareness of it as a strategic tool. In Georgia, an activation of financial institutions in the direction of CSR has been observed in recent years. The presented paper aims to study the impact of actions taken by banks within the framework of corporate social responsibility on financial performance. The research is developed using deductive reasoning and statistical research methods, and the hypothesis is tested through correlation regression analysis. Secondary data is used in the study. The values of the correlation coefficient confirmed that the performance of CSR by the banks has a positive impact on their financial ratios: return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the concept of artification within the industrial sector, focusing on Florim Ceramiche, a leading Italian ceramic manufacturer. While artification has been extensively explored in the luxury and fashion industries, its application in industrial contexts remains under‐researched. Using a case study approach, we investigate the processes and factors involved in artification at Florim, producing its impact on external outcomes, such as brand identity enhancement and market results. Key findings reveal that Florim's artification is supported by a top–down governance approach that reflects corporate values. A trust‐based partnership between Florim and collaborating artists further enhances the cultural authenticity of the artification process. Artification is also an inside–out process underpinned by physical artworks that enrich the workplace environment and promote employee well‐being, aligning with corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives. The process operates through concentric engagement, starting internally with employees and extending to visitors and the local community. This research highlights artification's potential to foster both social sustainability and brand differentiation, providing insights for managers in the industrial sector aiming to integrate art within CSR frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the association between a wide range of community-level environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes and the credit risk of U.S. municipal finance fixed-income securities. We develop a novel dataset of multiple ESG outcomes for U.S. counties and connect it to a 2001-2020 panel of municipal bonds issued within those counties. Overall, we find supportive evidence that collective increases in community-level ESG factors (i.e., ESG outcomes) are associated with reductions in credit risk for U.S. municipal finance instruments over time. We theorize that these associations arise from variations in investor perceptions and manifested changes in fiscal health over time as a function of changing ESG outcomes. Post hoc analyses leveraging quasi-exogenous shocks to uncertainty, as well as connecting ESG outcomes to various measures of fiscal health at the county-year level, and credit ratings at the bond-year level, help validate this theory. Our research suggests that even socially agnostic investors should investigate the environmental and social performance of a municipality as part of their credit due diligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of oil and gas companies' contribution to climate change gained particular prominence on May 26, 2021. A Dutch court ordered Royal Dutch Shell to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, while shareholder votes at Exxon Mobile and Chevron succeeded in pushing for further emissions reductions. Together, these events signify a sudden increase in climate litigation and climate activism risk for global oil and gas companies. This study assesses investors' perception of these events by investigating oil and gas companies' stock price reaction. The results show a significant negative impact on the stock prices for European and North American oil and gas firms, while firms located in other jurisdictions record slight gains. Higher environmental, social, and governance scores appear to mitigate the negative impact on European and North American oil and gas companies, primarily driven through better emissions related measures. The results highlight the adverse effect of increased climate litigation and climate activism risk on firm valuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, sustainability has become a key focus in the global tourism and hospitality industry, with hotels increasingly adopting waste reduction strategies, resource optimization, and sustainable supply chain practices. However, the extent of adoption varies due to strategic decisions, resistance to change, and other contextual factors. This paper, grounded in a comprehensive sustainability framework, explores the Lithuanian context through a diagnostic investigation of 37 hotels in Vilnius. Employing a mixed-method approach, it aims to examine their current corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. The findings reveal that while hotels in Vilnius voluntarily adopt sustainability practices across environmental, economic, and social domains, significant gaps remain, including a lack of formal sustainability policies and limited transparency. Despite these challenges, there is a growing need to improve and adopt more structured sustainability practices, which could notably enhance the sector's overall performance. This paper offers valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers aiming to promote sustainable development in Lithuania and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brands around the world are recognizing the importance of committing to sustainable development through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. However, the literature shows scant empirical understanding of the purchase intention of younger consumers of Generations Y and Z regarding brands that engage in CSR initiatives. Drawing on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the objective of this study is to develop and test an extended model of purchase intention for brands with CSR initiatives among the segment of Gen Y and Z consumers. The model is tested using an online survey applied to Chilean consumers and statistically analyzed using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. The findings show that attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are significantly and directly related to the consumer's intention to purchase brands that demonstrate CSR initiatives. Further, consumer involvement and trust in brands' CSR initiatives have an indirect but significant effect on purchase intention through their impact on attitude. This research contributes to the literature on CSR and branding by addressing the role of consumers in supporting brands, which contribute to sustainable consumption. Findings can help brand managers and policymakers implement strategies to encourage consumer support for CSR initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The government‐initiated campaign for targeted poverty alleviation (TPA) not only affords corporations an opportunity to extend their presence into underdeveloped regions but also imposes a consequential burden upon them to contribute to ameliorating poverty. Firms' motivations in this endeavor are intricately linked to the alignment of their business strategies with the TPA activities. We posit that firms adopting a cost leadership approach are inclined to actively partake in poverty alleviation, due to a congruence between their strategic positioning and the activities intrinsic to poverty alleviation. And firms embracing a differentiation strategy are impelled by extrinsic pressures to engage in poverty alleviation, as they face heightened societal expectations regarding their involvement in such altruistic endeavors. Drawing from a dataset comprising Chinese listed firms from 2017 to 2020, our empirical findings bring to light a significant correlation between both cost leadership and differentiation strategies and firms' contributions to the TPA campaign. And, the impact of a cost leadership strategy on firms' involvement in poverty alleviation activities surpasses that of a differentiation strategy. This influence is further accentuated for firms contending with rivals pursuing a differentiated approach in the competitive landscape, which may block their way moving upmarket. Moreover, the nexus between a differentiation strategy and a firm's participation in poverty alleviation gains more strength where local government intervention in the economy is more pronounced. This study delves into the nuanced motivations that underpin firms' participation in the TPA campaign within the framework of business strategies, offering insights for both policymakers and business practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between sustainability reporting practices aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and CO₂e emissions reduction across six companies operating over two industrial sectors. Grounded in two primary hypotheses, the research aims to assess whether there is a discernible trend toward GRI-compliant reporting and whether these reporting practices are associated with CO₂e emissions reductions as part of effective sustainability communication. Utilizing a longitudinal analysis of ESG scores, CO₂e emission levels, and annual changes from 2019 to 2022, the study examines the dynamics of sustainability reporting within the context of environmental performance. Preliminary observations indicate that firms from the oil and extractive industries have made strides in enhancing their ESG scores, which may suggest a potential link between structured sustainability reporting and improved environmental outcomes. However, the analysis also reveals variability among companies, with some exhibiting inconsistent emission trends despite stable ESG scores. This variability raises questions about the strength and universality of the relationship between GRI-aligned reporting and emissions reductions. The study posits that industry-wide incentives and regulatory frameworks may be essential for fostering more consistent adherence to GRI standards across different sectors. Future research directions are suggested to explore deeper mechanisms and variations across industries to gain a comprehensive understanding of the broader impacts of GRI standards on environmental outcomes.

This research explores the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at PT Unilever Indonesia using a qualitative case study approach. It employs a comprehensive methodology to examine the economic, environmental, and social aspects of CSR integration in this multinational company. The study reveals how PT Unilever Indonesia's CSR commitments contribute to economic growth, environmental conservation, and social welfare in Indonesia, aligning with the principles of the Triple Bottom Line. It also highlights the company's recognition through three prestigious awards and examines the dynamics between profit, people, and the planet. Addressing a gap in existing research, this study significantly contributes to the broader discourse on CSR implementation, particularly in the context of an FMCG company operating in a complex environment like Indonesia. It sheds light on the evolving role of corporations in promoting sustainable development.