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An Economic Analysis of Corporate Social Responsibility in Korea

Author

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  • Daeheon Choi

    (College of Business Administration, Kookmin University, 77 Jeongneung-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02707, Korea)

  • Chune Young Chung

    (School of Business Administration, College of Business and Economics, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06974, Korea)

  • Jason Young

    (College of Business, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA)

Abstract

Around the globe, socially responsible activities are being integrated into regulations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasingly being recognized as a means of sustaining a business and improving its competitiveness. South Korea has made a significant effort to encourage CSR activities in order to increase its firms’ competitive advantage. This study evaluates the sustainable development activities of Korean firms, and empirically analyzes the positive impact of CSR on corporate performance (CP) in Korea over a period of four years. A comparison by industry reveals that CSR has a greater impact on CP in the manufacturing sector than it does in the nonmanufacturing and service sectors. Furthermore, the results for consumption goods are more positive than those for industrial goods, because the former are, in general, more affected by customer feedback. A case study of three Korean firms was used to examine CSR implementation in Korea, recent activities undertaken by Korean firms, and the integration of CSR concepts into firms’ strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Daeheon Choi & Chune Young Chung & Jason Young, 2019. "An Economic Analysis of Corporate Social Responsibility in Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:9:p:2676-:d:230046
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Chang Seop Rhee & Sohee Woo & So-Jin Yu & Hyunjung Rhee, 2021. "Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Employability: Empirical Evidence from Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-14, July.
    3. Jeong-Hwan Lee & Jin-Hyung Cho, 2021. "Firm-Value Effects of Carbon Emissions and Carbon Disclosures—Evidence from Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-16, November.
    4. Huifang Liu & Jin-Sup Jung, 2021. "The Effect of CSR Attributes on CSR Authenticity: Focusing on Mediating Effects of Digital Transformation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-15, June.
    5. Chang Seop Rhee & Sohee Woo & Hyunjung Rhee, 2023. "Effect of gender diversity on corporate soundness and social contribution," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(1), pages 419-430, January.

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