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CALL FOR CHAPTERS

Chapter Proposals Due: June 30, 2015
Full Chapters Due: March 31, 2016

the use and effectiveness of csr communications through digital platforms

Edited by:

Adam Lindgreen, Cardiff University, UK
Joëlle Vanhamme, Edhec Business School, France
François Maon, IESEG School of Management, France
Rebecca Watkins, Cardiff University, UK

Publisher: Gower Publishing

Although the literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR) is vast, the literature on the use and effectiveness of CSR communications through digital platforms is relatively scarce. This is surprising because communicating about CSR initiatives, as many argue, is vital for organizations. For example, organizations increasingly communicate about their CSR initiatives to position a corporate brand in the eyes of consumers and other stakeholders. Yet, some organizations still use traditional methods of communicating about such initiatives, or they decide against communicating at all because doing that could trigger stakeholders’ skepticism and cynicism.

A systematic, interdisciplinary examination of CSR communication through digital platforms could offer an essential definition and up-to-date picture of the field of CSR communication. Such an examination would emphasize the role and use of CSR communication through digital platforms; outline key CSR communications tactics including social and environmental reporting, internationally recognized CSR frameworks, and different means to involve stakeholders in two-way communication processes through digital platforms; and examine the effectiveness of CSR communication through digital platforms.

Thus, this research anthology will consider the use and effectiveness of CSR communications using digital platforms. Drawing upon marketing, management, and communication disciplines, amongst other, the anthology will examine how organizations construct, implement, and use CSR through digital platforms in order to achieve their goals. 

Across the varied topics that could appear within these themes, we seek two important types of contributions:

1.      Literature reviews that survey critical points in current literature relevant to the topic. Literature reviews should describe, summarize, and critically evaluate previous work relating to the topic. These reviews must make a significant contribution to our understanding of the topic by providing integrative framework(s) and/or paths for further research.

2.      Conceptual, methodological, or empirical studies, such as meta-analyses, qualitative studies, experiments, or surveys, that contribute in some of the following ways:

1. A conceptual study might improve conceptual definitions of original constructs, develop an improved theoretical rationale for existing linkages, identify and conceptually define additional constructs to include within existing conceptual frameworks, or develop theoretical linkages, along with an accompanying rationale that suggests more comprehensive integrative frameworks for understanding the topic.
2. Methodological entries might examine changes in the design of prior studies or modifications in experimental procedures that, for example, enhance the validity of statistical conclusions or increase the realism of the experiment.
3. An empirical study could examine how, at a practical level, organizations deal with the complexities of CSR communications through digital platforms.

The text is in English. Spelling and punctuation follow US standards. To ensure an engaging read for the target audience (as discussed next), the chapters should be accessible, with a style similar to California Management Review’, MIT Sloan Management Review’s, or Harvard Business Review’s. Although the contributors should describe their methodology, especially in conceptual, methodological, and empirical papers, this focus may be less pronounced than in traditional academic articles and possibly even appear mainly in appendixes. All chapters should include theoretical contributions and managerial implications. The editors are happy to discuss whether a particular chapter offers an appropriate style.

Target audience

This text will target various readers: academics who teach and/or research CSR communication through digital platforms; doctoral students in this discipline; practitioners who want to know more about CSR communication, especially in terms of managerial consequences for organizations; and others who could benefit from the research presented in such an anthology, including consumers, civil societies, and the media (e.g., journalists, writers).

Submission process

Potential authors are invited to submit, on or before June 30, 2015, a brief, two- to five-page proposal that clearly explains the intended contributions of their chapter, as well as their intended methodology/approach.

Chapters submitted must not have been published, accepted for publication, or under consideration for publication anywhere else. Proposals should be submitted via e-mail in a single Word file attachment to WatkinsRD@cardiff.ac.uk. The first page of the proposal should contain the title of the intended chapter, as well as the authors’ names and full contact details.

The purpose of reviewing the proposals is to identify potential chapters that fit the overall theme of the anthology. In some cases, we may propose changes to align the proposed chapter better with the book; such changes will take place only in a dialogue with the authors.

By July 31, 2015, potential authors will be notified about the status of their proposed chapter and receive further information regarding the submission process, including the formatting guidelines. Full chapters must be submitted via e-mail in a single attached Word file to WatkinsRD@cardiff.ac.uk on or before March 31, 2016. Final submissions should be approximately 5,000–6,000 words in length, excluding references, figures, tables, and appendices. All chapters will be double blind reviewed by colleagues who also will have contributed to this research anthology and thus are knowledgeable about the overall project. Authors must not identify themselves in the body of their chapter.

Questions

Please address questions to Professor Adam Lindgreen: Adam_Lindgreen@hotmail.com.

 

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