Employee Engagement with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Ethical Judgments and the Path to Positive Word-of-Mouth

The interplay between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee commitment has been viewed positively. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted employees to question the value of their organizations’ CSR initiatives, especially when they are not the direct recipients. This study explores the influence of employees’ ethical judgment of their organizations’ CSR initiatives on employee engagement. Drawing on social exchange theory (SET), a theoretical model was constructed to examine CSR communication during the crisis. Survey data indicates that employees’ favorable ethical assessments of their organization’s CSR efforts during COVID-19 correlate with increased participation in CSR programs, heightened organizational commitment, and a greater propensity to engage in supportive WOM behaviors. The study also shows the mediating roles of employees’ CSR communication engagement and organizational commitment in the nexus between ethical judgment and positive WOM actions. Implications for theory and practice are discussed, underscoring the critical role of ethical judgment in employee communication during unprecedented times.