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Internal CSR and blue-collar workers’ attitudes and behaviors in China: a combination of a cross-sectional study and a field experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Nick Lin-Hi

    (University of Vechta)

  • Xiaohan Gao-Urhahn

    (University of Mannheim)

  • Torsten Biemann

    (University of Mannheim)

  • Irmela F. Koch-Bayram

    (University of Mannheim)

Abstract

While a positive relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee outcomes has been widely researched, most studies have been conducted in a Western context and for white-collar employees. Thus, little is known about Chinese blue-collar workers’ reactions to CSR. In two studies, we investigated the outcomes of internal CSR for blue-collar workers in the Chinese manufacturing industry. In the cross-sectional study, we found that perceived internal CSR is positively related to job satisfaction, trust in management, and perceived supervisory support. To further disentangle cause-and-effect relationships, we conducted a field experiment. The results show that internal CSR information increases performance quantity and lowers complaints, but also lowers performance quality and does not affect workers’ voice behavior. Our results further reveal that workers’ attitudes toward ethics and social responsibility are an important moderator which strengthens some of the hypothesized effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Nick Lin-Hi & Xiaohan Gao-Urhahn & Torsten Biemann & Irmela F. Koch-Bayram, 2023. "Internal CSR and blue-collar workers’ attitudes and behaviors in China: a combination of a cross-sectional study and a field experiment," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 22(3), pages 1185-1213, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:abaman:v:22:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1057_s41291-022-00200-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41291-022-00200-7
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Blue-collar workers; China; Internal CSR; Person-organization fit; Social exchange; Work-related attitudes and behaviors;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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