CSR assurance: symbolic or substantive role in addressing CSR decoupling
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2024-07-03
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nl
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This study examines the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) assurance and CSR decoupling, and whether the different types of CSR assurance statements, such as the type of assurance provider, the scope of assurance, the level of assurance, the assurance standards, and combinations thereof, affect CSR decoupling. Additionally, the research investigates whether a country’s stakeholder orientation moderates this relationship. Multi-level mixed effects regression analysis with lagged effects is performed on a sample of 834 international publicly listed firms from 31 countries, covering the years 2009 to 2022. The results indicate no significant relationship between CSR assurance, the different types of CSR assurance statements, and CSR decoupling, suggesting a symbolic role. However, a combination of a broad scope of assurance and a reasonable level of assurance reduces CSR decoupling. Furthermore, a country’s stakeholder orientation does not moderate the relationship between CSR assurance and CSR decoupling. The study also includes several subsample analyses. The findings offer a new and alternative perspective on the current literature concerning CSR assurance and CSR decoupling. Companies and policymakers can use these insights to improve the legitimacy and effectiveness of CSR assurance and CSR practices.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen