Job seekers' perceptions of corporate social responsibility practices (CSRP) and organisational attractiveness: a multigroup analysis

PurposeThis paper aims to model the impact of corporate social responsibility practices (CSRP) on job seekers' organisational attractiveness (JSA) with particular reference to two Indian states, i.e. Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Odisha (OD). Further, the paper examines whether there are any significant variations in the perception of job seekers in these two states.Design/methodology/approachThe sample for this exploratory research consisted of 943 business management students of AP and OD. The model was developed using the hierarchical component model method, and the associations were examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Furthermore, PLS-multi group analysis (PLS-MGA) was used to analyse the specific differences between two sample groups.FindingsThe study found that the CSR constructs, i.e. economical, legal, ethical and philanthropic, have a positive significant effect on CSRP for both groups of job seekers. The study also argued that the company selection by job seekers based on high or low CSR practices has no moderating effect on both sample groups for economical, legal, ethical and philanthropic dimensions. Further, the result revealed that the age and gender variables could not make any significant differences in the perceptions of job seekers.Practical implicationsThe study provides research-based insights to relevant stakeholders (institutions, corporate, government and policymakers) that would be used in formulating strategies to strengthen the relationship between CSRP and JSA.Originality/valueThe study investigates CSR's effect on organisational attractiveness from the theoretical lens of Carroll's pyramid for two groups of job seekers. Limited studies have examined the complexity of this association with such a research context. The result guides educators, corporate, governments, practitioners and job seekers working on CSRP and JSA.