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Competition Laws, Norms and Corporate Social Responsibility

Author

Listed:
  • Wenzhi Ding
  • Ross Levine
  • Chen Lin
  • Wensi Xie

Abstract

Theory offers differing perspectives and predictions about the impact of product market competition on corporate social responsibility (CSR). Using firm-level data on CSR from 2002 through 2015 and panel data on competition laws in 48 countries, we discover that intensifying competition induces firms to increase CSR activities. Analyses indicate that (a) intensifying competition spurs firms to invest more in CSR as a strategy for strengthening relationships with workers, suppliers, and customers and (b) the competition-CSR effect is stronger in economies where social norms prioritize CSR-type activities, e.g., treating others fairly, satisfying implicit agreements, protecting the environment, etc.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenzhi Ding & Ross Levine & Chen Lin & Wensi Xie, 2020. "Competition Laws, Norms and Corporate Social Responsibility," NBER Working Papers 27493, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:27493
    Note: CF EEE IO
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    Cited by:

    1. Maarten Pieter Schinkel & Leonard Treuren, 2021. "Corporate Social Responsibility by Joint Agreement," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 21-063/VII, Tinbergen Institute.
    2. James J Murphy & Molly Conlin & Bryan Haugstad, 2023. "An experimental test of cause-related marketing and charitable giving," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 75(4), pages 890-901.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • K21 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Antitrust Law
    • L4 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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