How does corporate social responsibility contribute to innovation performance? The moderating role of social media strategic capability and big data analytics capability

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on innovation performance and examine the moderating role of social media strategic capability and big data analytics capability. Specifically, the authors explore the effects of both external and internal CSR on innovation performance. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected data from 221 senior, middle and research and development (R&D) managers of high-tech firms in China, using a questionnaire survey with a six-month interval. Findings The empirical results show that both external and internal CSR positively influence innovation performance. Furthermore, social media strategic capability has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between CSR and innovation performance, while big data analytics capability moderates the relationship between external CSR and innovation performance. Research limitations/implications The data comes from high-tech firms in China, which may limit the generalizability and external validity of the findings. Future studies should replicate this study in other industries and types of organizations. Practical implications The study suggests that high-tech firms should engage in both external and internal CSR activities to promote innovation performance. Moreover, leveraging social media strategic capability and big data analytics capability can enhance innovation performance. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on CSR outcomes by empirically exploring the effects of external and internal CSR on innovation performance, thus extending stakeholder theory. Additionally, by revealing the contingency effects of social media strategic capability and big data analytics capability, this study enriching the research on dynamic capabilities theory in the context of digital transformation.