Title: Investigating the relationship between CSR and financial performance based on corporate reputation: evidence from Vietnamese enterprises

Authors: Khoa Truong An Nguyen; Khuong Ngoc Mai; Minh Man Cao

Addresses: School of Business, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Quarter 6, Linh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ' School of Business, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Quarter 6, Linh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ' School of Business, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Quarter 6, Linh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and financial performance as mediated by corporate reputation in a developing context. A total of 869 respondent firms from the manufacturing, real estate, trade, and service sectors participated in the research. Factor analysis and structuring equation modelling were used to investigate the direct and indirect effects of the identified factors. The results showed CSR practices positively affect financial performance mediated by corporate reputation. However, CSR practices in the legal, environmental, and philanthropic area have positive effects, while economy-oriented CSR practices do not show any significant effect. As such, firms should invest more in CSR in legal, philanthropic, and environmental areas to improve corporate reputation, which in turn leads to good financial performance.

Keywords: corporate social responsibility; CSR; financial performance; reputation; managerial perception; business sectors.

DOI: 10.1504/GBER.2021.113118

Global Business and Economics Review, 2021 Vol.24 No.2, pp.107 - 127

Received: 05 Jun 2020
Accepted: 09 Jun 2020

Published online: 19 Feb 2021 *

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