• Asia Marketing Journal
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.27-52
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• 2010

It is not new that today's business organizations are expected to exhibit ethical and moral management and to carry out social responsibility as a good corporate citizen. Since South Korea emerged as a newly industrialized country during the 1980s, Korean corporations have become active in carrying out their social responsibility as a good corporate citizen to society. In spite of the short history of corporate social responsibility, Korean companies have actively participated in corporate philanthropy. Corporations' significant donations to various social causes, no-lay-off policies, corporate volunteerism and green marketing are evidences of their commitment to corporate citizenship. Corporate social responsibility is now an essential management practice whereby corporation can strengthen its sustainable value creation processes by enhancing the trust assets underlying the relationships between the business and the stakeholders. Much of the conceptual work in the area of corporate social responsibility(CSR) has originated from researches conducted in the management field. Carroll(1979) proposed that corporations have four types of social responsibilities: economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic responsibility. Most past research has investigated CSR and its impact on consumers' attitudes toward the corporations and corporate performances. Although there exists a large body of literature on how consumers perceive and respond to CSR, the majority of past studies were conducted in the United States. The stability and applicability of past findings need to be tested across different national/cultural settings, especially since corporate social responsibility is a reflection of implicit conformation with the expectations and criticism that society may have toward a corporation(Matten and Moon, 2004). In this study, we explored whether people in Korea perceive CSR of Korean corporations in the same four dimensions as done in the United States and what were the measurement items tapping each of these four dimensions. In order to investigate the dimensions of CSR and the measurement items for CSR perceived by Korean people, nine focus group interviews were conducted with several stakeholder groups(two with undergraduate students, two with graduate students, three with general consumers, and two with NGO groups). Scripts from the interviews revealed that the Korean stakeholders perceived four types of CSR which are the same as those proposed by Carroll(1979). However we found CSR issues unique to Korean corporations. For example for the economic responsibility, Korean people mentioned that the corporation needed to contribute to the economic development of the country by generating corporate profits. For the legal responsibility, Koreans included the "corporation need to follow the consumer protection law." For the ethical responsibility, they considered that the corporation needed to not promote false advertisement. In addition, Koreans thought that an ethical company should do transparent management. For the philanthropic responsibility, people in Korea thought that a corporation needed to return parts of its profits to the society for the betterment of society. The 28 items were developed based on the results of the nine focus group interviews, while considering the scale developed by Maignan and Ferrell(2001). Following the procedure proposed by Churchill(1979), we started by developing an item poll consisting of 28 items and purified the initial pool of items through exploratory, confirmatory factor analyses. 176 samples were sued for this analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the 28 items in order to verify the underlying four factor structure. Study 1 provided new measurement items for tapping the Korean CSR dimensions, which can be useful for the future studies exploring the effects of CSR on Korean consumers' attitudes toward the corporations and corporate performances. And we found the CSR scale(17 items) has good reliability, discriminant validity and nomological validity. Economic Responsibility: "XYZ company continuously improves the quality of our products", "XYZ company has a procedure in place to respond to customer complaint", "XYZ company contributes to the economic development of our country by generating profits", "XYZ company is eager to hire people". Legal Responsibility: "XYZ company's products meet legal standards", "XYZ company seeks to comply with all laws regulating hiring and employee benefits", "XYZ company honors contractual obligations to its suppliers", "XYZ company's managers try to comply with the law related to the business operation". Ethical Responsibility: "XYZ company has a comprehensive code of conduct", "XYZ company does not promote a false or misleading advertisement", "XYZ company seems to conduct a transparent business", "XYZ company does a fair business with its suppliers or sub-contractors". Philanthropic Responsibility: "XYZ company encourages partnerships with local businesses and schools", "XYZ company supports sports and cultural activities", "XYZ company gives adequate contributions to charities considering its business size", "XYZ company encourages employees to support our community". Study 2 was condusted for comprehensive validity. 655 samples were used for this anlysis. Collected samples were tested by factor analysis and Crnbach's Alpha coefficiednts and were found to be satisfactory in terms of validity and reliability. Furthermore, fitness of the measurement model was tested by using conformatory factor analysis. χ²=880.73(df=160), GFI=0.891, AGFI=0.854, NFI=0.908, NNFI=0.913, RMR=0.059, RMESA=0.070. We hope that CSR scale could greatly facilitate research on Corporate social resposibility, it is by no means the final answer.

• Analyses & Alternatives
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.111-145
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• 2023

This study examines the impact of political connections of Chinese listed firms on CSR(Corporate Social Responsibilities) activities. Firms recognize the political connections as 'non-market strategy' and actively utilize various benefits obtained through them for management activities. In order to utilize these political connections, there is a need for firms to implicitly perform the government's social policy obligations in return for their benefits. In particular, CSR activities in China are one of the government-led social policies unlike in the West, and the government wants firms to solve social problems through active CSR activities. In this background, this study empirically verifies whether firms with political connections are actively carrying out CSR activities required by the government from 2013 to 2019. As a result, Chinese listed firms with political connections have a positive effect on CSR activities. Especially, those with political connections with central government carry out both government benefits and social policy obligations.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.516-529
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• 2018

Due to the growing awareness and demand for corporate social responsibility, the corporate activities designed to make a social contribution are becoming increasingly diversified. Nonetheless, according to a periodic survey, the public has become dissatisfied with the social contribution activities of domestic corporations. The perceptions of the social contribution activities of domestic corporations and the public were found to be quite different. In this study, the Social Contribution Activities were classified into three factors, "Socio-Cultural Resource Activities", "Indirect Social Resource activities" and "Economic Resource Activities", and the effect of each factor on the inter-firm connected activities and achievements of local development were analyzed. Firstly, the "Socio-Cultural Resource Activities" and "Indirect Social Resource Activities" were shown to have a positive effect on the Inter-firm connected activities in the community. Secondly, it was found that the more active the Inter-firm connected activities were in the community, the bigger their positive effect was on the achievements of local development. Thirdly, the "Economic Resource Activities" were shown to have a positive effect on the achievement of local development. Fourthly, "Socio-Cultural Resource Activities" and "Indirect Social Resource Activities" were shown to have a positive effect on the Inter-firm connected activities and an indirect positive effect on the achievement of local development. Based on this research, we quantitatively determine the relationship between the corporate social contribution activities and performance.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2018

This study analyzed annual final sample data from 159 companies based on firms selected as economic justice companies by Economic Justice Institute in Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice in South Korea according to interest variables from 2005 until 2011. Analyzed results are as follows. First, higher scores in soundness and corporate social activities among CSR items suggested that corporate credit rating upgraded. This indicates that credit rating institutions give a good evaluation on their social activities and reflect them in credit rating assessment. However, environmental protection satisfaction and corporate credit rating showed the opposite results. Second, high objectivity and contribution to the economic development as well as supervision by giant auditors had substantial effects on higher corporate credit rating. In contrast, high soundness and supervision by giant auditors reduced corporate credit rating. Based on this outcome, it is estimated that there is a discriminatory response among CSR activities in terms of credit rating evaluation conducted by credit rating institution.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.12 no.8
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• pp.113-121
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• 2014

Purpose - Recently, the number of corporations that practice environmental and social responsibility, besides engaging in traditional profit-seeking activities, has been growing steadily, as interest in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is increasing. Recent research on CSR practices has identified the relationship between CSR activities and corporate value as one of the main issues in this respect. Considering that donations constitute a large proportion of a company's charitable activities, we considered the extent of donation expenses as a charitable activity in order to mitigate sample selection bias. Specifically, we analyzed the impact of donation expenses on firm value, while investigating if this impact varied in response to the level of corporate governance of firms. Research design, data, and methodology - We used non-financial firms listed on the Korean Stock Exchange, having their fiscal year end in December, and the sample period was 2006-2013. For the dependent variable, Tobin's q was used as the corporate value, and for the independent variable, donations were measured as the donation-expense-to-sales ratio. Corporate governance scores, as rated by the Korea Corporate Governance Service, were used to measure corporate governance levels because they consider the overall aspects of governance, including ownership structure, the board of directors, and the audit mechanism of individual companies. To examine the impact of donations on a company in relation to the level of corporate governance, we estimated regression models using the interaction terms of the governance dummy and donation variables. Then, we further estimated the regression models of two sub-samples that were classified according to the level of corporate governance. Similar to previous studies, the study uses variables that affect firm value, such as R&D expenditure, advertising expenses, EBITDA, debt-to-equity ratio, sales growth, company age, and company size as control variables. Results - The empirical results show that firm value significantly increased in response to an increase in donation expenses. Upon including the interaction terms of governance level dummy variables and donations, the coefficients of the interaction terms show significant positive values, while those of donation variables show significant negative values. In the strong governance sub-sample, the relationship between the donation expenses and corporate value was statistically positive (+) and significant. However, in the weak governance sub-sample, the relationship between the donation expenses and corporate value was statistically insignificant and negative (-). Conclusions - The empirical results suggest that donation expenses are significantly linked to an enhanced corporate value if firms have a good corporate governance structure. However, if the corporate governance structure is weak, the same relationship is not necessarily observed. The results of this study show that if a firm has high corporate governance, CSR practices enhance the company's reputation such that it has a positive (+) relationship with corporate value. If a firm has weak corporate governance, on the other hand, CSR practices are recognized as an agency cost and do not increase corporate value.

• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.444-460
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• 2007

The purpose of this study is to investigate the logical bases and the real situation of the CSR(corporate social responsibility) execution in the context of local governance. Basically, some management necessities to establish a strategic relationship between a firm and its regional community, is the main reason of CSR execution in the region or in general. Although some costs in forms of money or manpower or resources, should be paid to execute the CSR in a short term, there are so many advantages resulting from it in terms of long time periods. Corporate social responsibility seeks to induce a sustainable harmony or interdependent relationship between the firm and its regional community. In case of POSCO Gwangyang works, so much various forms of community contributions are promoted as a part of CSR executions from the passive reaction for civil petitions to the good corporate citizenship activities. In spite of such an active CSR execution in Gwangyang works, there seems to be required that another way within the works should be explored in order to make it much more effective. Optimal distribution of various resources which are called out for the CSR, is one of the key factors that can affect the strategic result of CSR.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.34 no.10
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• pp.1717-1730
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• 2010

This research analyzes the recent phenomenon of pursuing public benefit in fashion enterprises according to the increasing importance of corporate social responsibility attitudes towards the global sustainability crisis. The pursuit of public benefit in fashion enterprises has been realized by the activities that contribute to public welfare through one or plural corporations aligned with government, social corporations, and NGOs. The goals of public beneficial activities are to promote public issues and to support the underprivileged and communities both financially and voluntarily. Such activities can be categorized as philanthropy, sponsorship, social marketing, cause-related marketing, and public benefit product development. Especially public beneficial activities in fashion enterprises are featured as the charity donations of apparel products, the collaboration with fashion celebrities and artists in relation with popular culture and art, the limited edition of excellent design with slogans, and the visual campaigns to promote public issues. They deal with human right issues for the underprivileged and disease prevention issues. In addition, specially environmental issue and community trade issues (often raised in the fashion manufacturing and consuming process) are increasing.

• The Journal of Information Systems
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.93-117
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• 2014

How can business ecosystems be a source of firm's competitiveness? Is corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an investment activity for building sustainable business ecosystems? The purpose of this research is to identify the relationship between CSR, social value, sustainable business ecosystems, and firm's competitiveness by introducing a mediating role of social capital. We conducted in-depth interviews with seven informants from two domestic firms and four oversea firms. Three propositions were drawn by analyzing qualitative data collected from the interviews and literature review. Various activities creating social value including CSR and CSV (Creating Shared Value) are positively associated with sustainable business ecosystems. Firm accumulates social capital of the business ecosystem through creation of social value. Finally, the social capital of business ecosystem has a positive influence on firm's competitiveness. Implications were suggested for academics and practitioners.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.41-54
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• 2019

Today, companies are supporting filed of culture and art forms as part of its social contribution activities to cultural support. Also, improvement of commercial interests and profit structure for enhancing the image of support taking shape at the same time, such as a strategic approach. Culture of companies in building confidence and enhance its operational activity is the image of the positive effect that charitable point of view social contribution projects and strategic point of view of culture support activity. Therefore, corporate culture in the study formed in supporting a variety of factors recognized the importance, culture support for business activity is the image of the factors which are behavior, social responsibility actions, corporate contributions to analyze the impact. Then the company's corporate image formed by supporting a culture and see if any influence on customer loyalty to carry out an empirical study. The conclusions of this study are as follows: first of all, corporate culture support activity is affecting contributions to corporate social responsibility actions and behavior of the corporate image, and image formed to consumers has shown to have a positive impact on customer loyalty. Second, corporate image formed by supporting a culture wac shown to have a positive impact on customer loyalty.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.73-83
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• 2017

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the CSR activities of small enterprises in hospitality and tourism industry in South Korea. Since previous research on CSR activities has considerably focused on large enterprises whereas small enterprises have relatively less attention, this study aims to explore the characteristics of small enterprises in hospitality and tourism industry and their CSR activities. Research design, data, and methodology - The population of interest for this study was social enterprises registered in Korea Social Enterprise Promotion Agency (2016), and it was used to verify the social enterprises which has a certification for social enterprises. From 1672 companies in total, the sampling frame was a database with 117 companies in hospitality and tourism industry. This study investigates social enterprises' CSR activities on the company's official websites (e.g., company reports, magazines, the news articles, and interviews). The websites of the selected enterprises in hospitality and tourism industry were analyzed for examining CSR activities by the quantitative content analysis. All of the CSR activities in small social enterprises were classified into six dimensions based on the stakeholder theory. Results - The findings of this study provide the characteristics of the 117 small social enterprises and their specific CSR initiatives. A total of eight main business lines were identified: 1) fair travel, 2) leisure/sports, 3) accommodation/camping, 4) medical tourism, 5) exhibitions/art events/cultural events, 6) leisure activities for vulnerable social groups, 7) Korean traditional culture, and 8) ecotourism/agricultural tourism. The CSR initiatives were classified into six dimensions: 1) environment, 2) employment, 3) multicultural families and vulnerable social groups, 4) local community, 5) economic prosperity, and 6) product. Conclusions - This study revealed the special CSR initiative examples of small enterprises in hospitality and tourism industry. Small social enterprises participate in CSR activities mainly related to their own business lines. Moreover, these enterprises are more closely embedded in their local community development, job creation and education for local residents and vulnerable social groups, and traditional heritage preservation. The findings of this study provide theoretical and practical implications and they can contribute to enrich CSR with literature for small enterprises in hospitality and tourism industry.