Foreword

The growth of the notion of ethical consumerism stems from customers and other stakeholders who increasingly pressure organizations to be socially responsible and minimize their negative impact on the environment ( Iglesias et al., 2020 ). In response, firms integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into their business strategies and actions, promising to meet broader responsibilities toward society and the environment. Yet some firms use CSR in manipulative ways or merely to strengthen their reputations ( Markovic et al., 2022 ; Pope & Wæraas, 2016 ). When stakeholders become aware of such insincere CSR—an outcome that is more likely today due to the vast expansion of information technologies—they might penalize misleading firms by spreading negative word of mouth about them and criticizing their CSR knowledge, values, and actions ( Markovic et al., 2018 ). Such scenarios also leave stakeholders increasingly critical and cautious in their assessments. Against this background, this edited volume aims to provide different internal and external perspectives on CSR knowledge, values, and actions, both academic and practical in nature. The 15 chapters are organized according to these three main topics, that is, (1) CSR knowledge, (2) CSR values, and (3) CSR actions.