Building Credibility And Organizational Status Through Corporate Social Responsibility Discourse

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication has been shown to have a considerable impact on stakeholders’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. The manner in which organizations convey their CSR initiatives is crucial in influencing stakeholder reactions. However, previous investigations examining the effects of CSR communication on consumer perceptions have indicated a notable inconsistency in the findings. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the relationship among CSR communication, trust, and corporate reputation from the perspective of consumers. The consumer constitutes a key stakeholder whose opinions and actions can significantly affect the direction of an organization. This conceptual manuscript elucidates the nexus between CSR communication, trust, and corporate reputation. High levels of trust and a solid reputation are vital factors that influence the sustainability of an organization. The author performed a comprehensive review of the existing literature related to CSR communication, trust, and corporate reputation. This review highlights the connections among these variables as demonstrated in previous research. Future research initiatives may be enriched by investigating the interplay among CSR communication, trust, and corporate reputation, while also considering mediating factors such as consumers’ prior knowledge of CSR and their levels of awareness.