Family CEO and CSR Engagement: Moderating Roles of Non-market Connections

Author: Jegoo Lee (The University of Rhode Island)

Abstract: This study investigates the corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagements of firms led by family CEOs. Drawing on the social network theory, which highlights the utility of connections, we propose that non-market connections act as key facilitators in the relationship between family CEOs and CSR engagement. Specifically, we categorize these non-market connections into ‘pipes’ and ‘prisms,’ based on the natures of resources they provide. To empirically test our framework, we collected and analyzed a unique dataset from one of the prominent family-capitalist economies. The results support all proposed hypotheses. This paper provides both theoretical and practical implications about the roles of family CEOs and non-market connections in driving CSR engagement, in the context of emerging economies.

Host: Alwine Mohnen