When and how corporate digital responsibility contributes to a firm's reputation in society: Scale development and structural analysis

Abstract

Digital technologies’ use is growing significantly across all industries, highlighting the need for firms to take responsibility in digital environments. Despite their ethical challenges, the scholarly discourse surrounding corporate digital responsibility (CDR) has predominantly neglected a systematic framework. This study tackles the gap by creating a scale for CDR and examines how it relates to firm reputation, thereby significantly advancing the field. The research utilizes data from four surveys carried out in two countries, facilitating the identification of five essential dimensions: data privacy and protection, digital well-being, environmental sustainability, digital inclusion and accessibility, and ethical technology use. These dimensions are assessed using twenty-seven items demonstrating established psychometric reliability. This research revisits essential corporate responsibility frameworks while presenting a novel conceptualization of CDR capabilities, deepening the comprehension of how organizations can engage responsibly within digital environments. The findings highlight the significance of digital accountability and offer a crucial measurement instrument for researchers and practitioners alike. This research enhances the understanding of CDR, enabling managers to refine their organizations' digital practices and ensuring alignment with sustainable and responsible digital behaviors. This study marks a significant advancement in the assessment of CDR, offering considerable opportunities for additional exploration into its various aspects.