Building corporate reputation through corporate social responsibility: the mediation role of employer branding
International Journal of Social Economics
ISSN: 0306-8293
Article publication date: 5 July 2022
Issue publication date: 27 September 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The paper analyses the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR), employer branding (EB), and corporate reputation (CR). Considering the signaling theory and social commitment of organisations, the paper investigates the role of EB as a mediator.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 684 employees from the Indian information technology (IT) sector. The conceptual model and hypotheses were tested using the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach.
Findings
As a part of employer attractiveness, the social value/social commitment of companies perceived as a result of CSR strengthens the CR. The results also suggest that EB mediates the relation between CSR and CR.
Research limitations/implications
The paper contributes by integrating the CSR of organisations with their EB process for creating CR. Based on signaling theory, it further demonstrates scholarly value addition by providing a deeper understanding of the mediation effect of EB from a social commitment perspective. Scholars may further consider other stakeholders’ perspectives to test the role of CSR based on ethical/legal/environmental dimensions in building CR.
Practical implications
The paper would help managers/employers invest in CSR activities, creating strong employer brands to attract various stakeholders. It will also help companies to focus on an attractive value proposition to attract various stakeholders, mainly job seekers.
Originality/value
This study extends the literature on CSR and EB by suggesting a statistically tested model of mediation of EB for creating CR. Furthermore, considering the signaling theory, the paper views CSR, CR, and EB from the employee’s perspective and explores their linkages.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2021-0541.
Keywords
Citation
Binu Raj, A., N., A.J. and A.K., S. (2022), "Building corporate reputation through corporate social responsibility: the mediation role of employer branding", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 49 No. 12, pp. 1770-1786. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-09-2021-0541
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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