Is CSR a Hygiene Factor for Prospective Employees? An Indian Exploration

Abstract

Western research has validated the attractiveness of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for prospective employees while making a job choice. The phenomenon has been rarely explored in the Indian context. Interviews were taken from graduating Master of Business Administration (MBA) students from a top business school in the country. The interviews explored the importance of CSR for prospective employees while making a job choice. The inquiry further extended to uncover the importance of CSR for brand image and other attractive features of an organization. It was found that CSR is not more than a hygiene factor for the prospective employees, which is in contrast to the Western context.