Strategic alignment of intangible assets: The role of corporate social responsibility

Na Shen (), Kevin Au and Weiwen Li ()
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Na Shen: Hong Kong Shue Yan University
Kevin Au: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Weiwen Li: Sun Yat-Sen University

Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 2020, vol. 37, issue 4, No 7, 1119-1139

Abstract: Abstract Intangible assets are becoming increasingly important to firms. However, the question of how firms can realize the full potential of intangible assets remains. We propose that corporate social responsibility (CSR) can help a company create value from intangible assets for two reasons. First, firms invest in CSR to increase employee loyalty, which in turn help retain knowledge workers. Second, firms engage in CSR activities to increase employees’ organizational identification, and to promote collaboration across units, which is crucial for the integration and alignment of intangible assets with other intangible assets and tangible assets. Moreover, we propose that institutional development may weaken the positive relationship between intangible assets and engagement in CSR, whereas product diversification may strengthen the relationship. Data analyses based on a sample of 4788 Chinese entrepreneurial firms provides support toward our main arguments. This study highlights a novel idea that firms may use CSR practices to realize the potential of their intangible assets. This study has important managerial implications as well.

Keywords: Chinese entrepreneurial firms; Corporate social responsibility (CSR); Employee; Intangible assets; Institutional development; Product diversification (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10490-019-09681-1

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