The effect of corporate social responsibility on unethical pro-organizational behavior: the mediation of moral identity and moderation of supervisor-employee value congruence

In recent years, the frequent occurrence of corporate scandals in Chinese companies, organizations have increased their efforts to curb unethical employee behavior. However, little is known about whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) inhibits unethical pro-organizational behavior. Drawing on social identity theory, this study investigates the relationship between CSR, moral identity and unethical pro-organizational behavior. Data from 319 employees of new ventures in China at two-time points are used to test hypotheses. Results show that CSR has a negative effect on unethical pro-organizational behavior, moral identity plays a partial mediating role in the negative effect of CSR on unethical pro-organizational behavior. Moreover, supervisor-employee value congruence moderates the effect of CSR on unethical pro-organizational behavior. Implications for research and practice are discussed.