Towards the Development of an Empirical Model for Islamic Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence from the Middle East

Academic research suggests that variances in contextual dynamics, and more specifically religion, may lead to disparate perceptions and practices of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Driven by the increased geopolitical and economic importance of the Middle East and identified gaps in knowledge, the study aims to examine if indeed there is a divergent form of CSR exercised in the region. The study identifies unique CSR dimensions and constructs presented through an empirical framework in order to outline the practice and perception of CSR in a context with strong Islamic beliefs. The framework goes beyond the platform of mere Islamic philanthropy and is based on CSR-stakeholder management practices. Following an exploratory research design and collecting interview data from representatives of 63 organisations from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, the study offers a snapshot of the CSR reality from the perspective of those living the phenomenon. The results suggest that the practice and perception of CSR in the examined context are largely grounded in the areas of social and altruistic actions but they cannot be examined in isolation from the religious context of CSR operation. This focus is mainly attributed to the dominant role of Islam in the examined sample, which leads to forms of non-structured or semi-structured approaches to CSR. Apart from the theoretical advancements offered to the CSR literature, the study also provides contributions for practitioners and policy makers.</p

Enhancing green loyalty towards apparel retail stores: A cross-generational analysis on an emerging market

Faced with an array of scandals and challenges caused by environmental pollution and exploitation of workers, apparel retailers are often compelled to re-think their strategies in compliance with environmental governance, and to implement specific measures aimed at environmental protection and preserving resources. By adopting green-based strategies to reach their target segments, retailers seek not only to capture the attention of different consumer generations, but also to inspire loyalty and encourage them to re-visit stores. Based on the generational theory and by means of quantitative research addressing four consumer generations in an emerging market, the authors highlight the extent to which clothing retailers are able, by adopting green strategies and consistently implementing environmental protection actions, to attract mainly young consumers to their stores, encouraging the sharing of peer recommendations, increasing purchasing behaviour and invoking loyalty. The article highlights the contribution of green marketing strategies in developing consumer loyalty in an emerging market by offering retailers the possibility of deepening their understanding when approaching different consumer generations

Comparative genetic structure of two co-occurring tree species, Maclura pomifera (Moraceae) and Gleditsia triacanthos (Leguminosae)

Maclura pomifera, an autotetraploid, and Gleditsia triacanthos, a diploid, are ecologically similar dioecious tree species that often co-occur in early successional habitats throughout the mid-western United States. We studied levels of genetic diversity and patterns of genetic structure for four polymorphic enzyme loci of M. pomifera and 16 polymorphic enzyme loci of G. triacanthos from a single population in eastern Kansas. Levels of expected heterozygosity were high for both species, averaging 0.725 for M. pomifera and 0.366 for G. triacanthos. Although genotypes for nearly all G. triacanthos loci were in Hardy-Weinberg frequencies, three of four M. pomifera loci deviated from equilibrium expectations. Two aspects of genetic structure were explored. First, the extent of clonal growth was estimated by comparing genotypes of stems within 50 G. triacanthos and 32 M. pomifera clumps. The great majority of clumps contained more than one genotype, and in many clumps, all stems were genetically unique. Secondly, as revealed by spatial autocorrelation analyses, genetic substructure was very local for both species, with significant positive autocorrelation occurring only within clumps of individuals or among near neighbours. We argue that this pattern of spatial structure for both species results from extremely local seed dispersal and establishment of individuals from the same multiseeded fruit

Sustainability and consumer behaviour

Existing research suggests that sustainable strategies of many corporate organizations are internally focused and aim to boost companies’ brand images, improve their competitive positions and to increase wealth for their shareholders. Such sustainable initiatives lack a genuine commitment to long-term green production, ecological integrity, human welfare and green buying behaviour. Yet, not many consumers have developed the mindset to buy green products even when companies strive hard to preserve sustainable standards through externally-focused initiatives to promote fair trade, ecological protection and social justice. While consumers’ demand for products can be analyzed and predicted through economic models, their green consumption behaviour is not always predictable and goes far beyond simple rational analysis. Some consumers even take sustainability matters less seriously due to complex and sometimes divisive sustainability discussions by world leaders. Models to address these sustainability issues are also limited. This chapter, therefore, uses the lens of cohered emergent theory to propose a corporate sustainability model that can promote pro-environmental practices and inspire firms to involve consumers actively in their sustainable development activities. It encourages consumers to become green buyers who consume goods and service responsibly and motivate firms to develop marketing campaigns that are eco-friendly and ethically acceptable to changing consumer behaviour. The chapter also motivates policymakers to introduce policies that can actively bring the ideas of corporate managers, the consuming public, and other environmental-friendly stakeholders together to develop adaptive production and consumption programmes that can promote economic benefits, eco-friendly environments and social justice