A Metaorganizations Perspective on Digital Innovation and Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence from China

Lihua Chen and Yilang Chen ()
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Lihua Chen: School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Yilang Chen: School of Management, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 14, 1-19

Abstract: This research investigates the relationship between DI and CSR from the metaorganizational perspective. Metaorganizations represent collectives of organizations that function collectively to achieve shared goals and objectives. The study underscores the significant influence of DI on CSR initiatives, suggesting that firms should strategically align their digital innovation endeavors with their CSR objectives. Alignment between digital innovation and CSR objectives can cultivate a more integrated strategy that delivers both business and societal value. Furthermore, our findings reveal that firms operating under conditions of higher value appropriation, partner concentration, and environmental uncertainty tend to be more proactive in their CSR efforts within the DI context. This observation stems from a noticeable shift in primary focus: value creation and capture are no longer exclusive goals, but, rather, there is an increased emphasis on social benefits. This change necessitates a strategic recalibration by firms to incorporate a more robust focus on sustainability and social responsibility within their business models in the digital era. Our hypotheses are substantiated by results obtained from a longitudinal sample of Chinese listed firms. The contribution of this study is that it offers novel insight into the interplay between digital innovation and CSR through the lens of metaorganizations.

Keywords: digital transformation; non-market strategy; Chinese manufacturing firm; prosocial preferences of digitalization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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