The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Corporate Performance in the Food Industry in Saudi Arabia: A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I am delighted to have been able to review this article. I found the effect of Corporate Social Responsibility within the business and socio-economic world to be a very relevant topic.

 

The Abstract is correct in itself, it gives a fairly clear image of the object and scope of the study, and also offers a taste of the results and conclusions that will be shown below. Well done!

 

The introduction is brief, and includes few bibliographical references, but this defect is compensated for by section 2. I like that at the end of the section the structure of the article is explained.

 

Regarding section 2, I differentiate between two areas:

- the literature review is sufficient (although not very extensive) and quite current, although I recommend extending and broadening the concept of CSR through studies such as DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122742 which, although they belong to another geographical area, largely relate the development of societies and technological development with CSR and with the digital field in which part of this study is developed.

- the hypotheses are well formulated and well defined, and Figure 1 helps a lot to understand them. Well done!

 

The Methodology (section 3) is well explained and greatly allows the replicability and follow-up of the article. The figures are very helpful, and in the same way the formulas and equations are correct and well developed and well presented.

 

Regarding section 4. Analysis and results, it is well formulated, well presented, and the figures are very helpful. The flow of the section is adequate and makes it easy to understand. However, I recommend including a graphic diagram or flowchart at the beginning of the section to help the reader understand the sequence of operations and subsections that are developed below.

 

The discussion of results is correct, but I recommend revising the format, perhaps dividing this section into subsections, to make it easier to understand.

 

The conclusions are well supported by the results, and the limitations of the study and references to future complementary studies are conveniently included. Well done!

 

The references are well formulated and quite current.

 

In general I consider it to be a very good article, lacking the small improvements suggested in these humble comments. Thank you!

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear authors

I would suggest changing the Abstract, i.e., deleting this part: "The findings indicate that CSR significantly improves FP and CA, primarily when CSR initiatives are oriented toward fostering innovation. However, the expected moderating effect of CA on the CSR-FP relationship was not supported." 

The matter is that Abstract does not say anything about the outcomes: it represents the problem, the statements and possible pluses.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Abstract

The abstract indicates the existence of a research gap in the scope of the impact of CSR on financial results and competitive advantage in the food industry. The role of innovation is presented as mediating and competitive advantage as moderating. After reading the abstract, the reader can predict whether the content of the article is interesting to him.

 

Introduction

The introduction begins with a definition of CSR along with a brief historical outline of the development of this concept. The authors also characterize CSR in Saudi Arabia, where the study was conducted. It was found that CSR in the food industry is a determinant of food safety. The authors justify the choice of the research problem by pointing to the gap in knowledge regarding the impact of CSR on financial results. The role of other studied factors is discussed: innovation and competitive position, which, according to the authors, are important in the relationship between CSR and financial results.

Literature Review

This part contains an in-depth introduction to the principles of corporate social responsibility, which is concluded with the formulation of research hypotheses.

For the CSR-financial results relationship, the factors that shape it are listed: company reputation, customer satisfaction. Next, the research results concerning the successively studied relationships between the analyzed variables are cited.

Methods

The methodological chapter explains the method and criteria for selecting the research sample. The presentation of the conceptual scheme in graphical form facilitates the interpretation and understanding of the tested mathematical model.

The stages of the research procedure are described in detail.

Results

The results are presented in the form of descriptive tables and drawings, enabling good understanding.

Discussion and conclusion

The authors compare the research results with the results of other authors' works.

The limitations of the obtained research results due to the regional specificity of the Saudi Arabian market under study are indicated. Directions for future research deepening the issue are proposed.

To the Authors

1. Please explain to the readers how social responsibility in enterprises was measured and defined. Similarly, the remaining factors, whether they were the opinions of employees and managers, whether it was measured on a scale or in another way.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Title: The title is coherent with the content of the paper.

Abstract: Well developed, includes all important information.

 

Introduction: Included all important ideas and shows why a how the authors have approached the problem.

 

Section 2: Well developed, supported by correct citations. Hypothesis stem from the review of relevant literature.

 

Section 3: Well developed and structured.

Small typo line 283 (direct should be capital letter)

Line 289-293, using multiple synonyms for represents, denotes... not always good when writing a scientific paper. Might be good to consult with native speaker or proof-reader.

Section 3.3 Questionnaire and data. So your data are all based on subjective responses from your respondents including financial performance.. this might be potentially problematic, even if your questions are clear. It would be good to explain why you have used questionnaire rather than some quantitative data gathering technique. 

Section 4

Small typo 4.2.1 Indicator (capital letter)

Analysis looks to be consistent and thorough. 

Table 8. Better use in the results Supported/Not supported than Achieved...

Section 5

Results are coherent with current research and empirical findings. So no surprises or significant specifics related to Saudi Arabia Food industry. As you mentioned the CA moderating effect is not found, but I would say that CA might be also the most subjective part of the questionnaire. So, this as mentioned earlier can be potentially biased and play a role in significance of your research... However, your results are coherent with previous studies, and the data gathered are valid and consistent enough

Conclusion: Is ok, I would also suggest to add to limitations that you relied upon subjective responses from companies’ employees.

 

Altogether the paper solves well know phenomena, but it’s another paper supporting the important role of CSR across various business sectors.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf