Identifying the determinants of corporate managers’ perceived social obligations

Abstract

Explores the determinants of perceived social obligations of corporate managers focusing on managerial and personal demographics. A survey of Australian corporate managers revealed that there is a significant relationship between the level of education, training status and religiosity of managers and their perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The findings indicate that managerial commitment to CSR is linked with the acquired qualities (education and training) rather than their inherent physical maturity (age). Furthermore, modernity reflected in achievement via hard work, rather than mere belief in luck, determines the pattern of managerial perception of CSR. Religious metaphors seem to influence managers’ perception of social commitment suggesting that theology is also an important determinant of the ethical perceptions of Australian corporate managers. These findings have important implications for personnel policies of socially responsive corporations. Addresses the limitations of the study and explores potential areas of further research.

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