Synthesizing and comparing the different effects between internal and external corporate social responsibility perceptions and organizational citizenship behavior: A need theory perspective

Abstract This study examines the comparative effects of internal and external CSR perceptions on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and focuses on two consequences to compare CSR perception types. It also attempts to develop logical linkages between CSR perceptions and OCB through individual‐level psychological mechanisms, perceived external prestige, and affective commitment. The study is centered around the Chinese manufacturing and service industries using an online data‐collection platform similar to Qualtrics. The structural equation modeling technique was based on 200 supervisor/subordinate dyads. The quantitative analysis utilized SPSS and AMOS software. Results demonstrate that internal CSR perception has more benefits for OCB than external CSR perception. Since internal CSR inputs are often neglected by companies, results provide scholars and managers with a new view to pay attention to the potential of internal CSR inputs.