Dear ONE Friends,
I would love to start a conversation and receive reactions and comments about “CSR-washing” related to the following article: Martin, U. M., Thapa, U., & Aguinis, H. 2024. Punishing the good? How to minimize an unfair CSR-washing label. Business Horizons, 67(2): 199-207. [available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2023.12.002]
Some companies genuinely champion corporate social responsibility (CSR), but others merely “CSR-wash”—exploiting social concerns for profit. Being mislabeled as a CSR-washer, despite genuine efforts, can hurt reputation and trust. We offer four recommendations to minimize the CSR-wash label:
1. Make CSR a core, not sideline, activity
2. Foster a grassroots approach to CSR
3. Merge performance management with CSR goals
4. Craft honest CSR communication strategies
I look forward to an ongoing conversation on this and related issues!
All the best,
--Herman.
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Herman Aguinis, Ph.D.
Avram Tucker Distinguished Scholar & Professor of Management
The George Washington University School of Business
Washington, DC
https://hermanaguinis.com/------------------------------