New research highlights the influence of employer’s environmental actions on employee’s charitable behavior.
- Three experiments conducted by Mannheim Business School uncover the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employee philanthropy.
- Environmental CSR activities by employers entice employees to engage in donations and volunteering.
- Conversely, irresponsible environmental practices by employers diminish employees’ charitable inclinations.
- Strengthening environmental self-identity plays a crucial role in employees’ eco-friendly actions.
Recent findings from Mannheim Business School bring to light the significant role employers play in shaping the charitable actions of their employees. Conducted by Dr. Irmela Koch-Bayram and Prof. Dr. Torsten Biemann, the research explores how companies’ environmental activities influence employees’ prosocial behaviors outside the workplace. The studies reveal that employees show an increased propensity to donate and volunteer if their employers engage in environmentally-friendly initiatives.
In the first experiment, workers received information about their companies’ environmental practices and subsequently, their willingness to volunteer was assessed. This approach helped to underscore the direct correlation between the perceived ecological responsibility of an employer and the charitable actions of its employees. Outcomes from this study indicate a positive shift in employee engagement when firms adopt green initiatives like pollution reduction and resource conservation.
The second study delved into the realm of students working in startups, focusing on their donation behavior. Findings revealed a stark difference between students aligned with environmentally conscious startups versus those associated with less responsible entities. The likelihood of donating to charitable causes was significantly higher among students connected to startups with a solid Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility (ECSR) footing.
Further, the final experiment expanded the scope by encompassing various organizations to observe diverse employee responses to ECSR and ECSIR activities. It reinforced the notion that positive environmental actions by employers not only elevate employees’ philanthropic actions but also enhance their environmental self-identity. This concept, environmental self-identity, encapsulates an individual’s personal connection and proactive engagement in eco-friendly behaviors.
Companies exhibiting Environmental Corporate Social Irresponsibility (ECSIR), characterized by detrimental methods and excessive waste, negatively impact their employees’ propensity to engage in charitable activities. Dr. Koch-Bayram noted that, “Companies not only contribute to environmental protection and harm through their own activities but also contribute to environmental issues by influencing employee behavior.” This underscores the ethical responsibility of businesses to not only focus on operational eco-friendliness but to also inspire positive external action among their workforce.
In conclusion, organizations have a profound impact on their employees’ philanthropic tendencies through their environmental practices, urging a call for eco-conscious corporate responsibility.
