The Impact of Environmental corporate Social Responsibility on Employee Gratitude and Organizational Citizenship Behavior: Exploring the Moderating Role of Environmental Concern

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Organization Development & Change (D.O.D.C.)

Department

Organization Development

First Advisor

Margaret Brooks (Committee Chair)

Second Advisor

Kimberly Coates (Other)

Third Advisor

Truit Gray (Committee Member)

Fourth Advisor

Haeseen Park (Committee Member)

Abstract

This dissertation advances corporate social responsibility (CSR) research by examining how employees’ perceptions of environmental CSR (ECSR) influence workplace gratitude and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). While prior studies have broadly linked CSR to positive employee outcomes, this study isolates the environmental dimension and identifies gratitude as a key emotional mechanism driving OCB. Drawing on social exchange theory (Blau, 1964) and person-environment fit theory (Kristof, 1996), this study tested a moderated mediation model in which environmental concern strengthens the relationship between perceived ECSR and gratitude. Data from 360 full-time U.S. employees reveal that perceived ECSR significantly predicts both OCB directed at the organization (OCB-O) and at individuals (OCB-I). Gratitude mediates these relationships, and environmental concern moderates the relationship between ECSR and gratitude. Supplemental analyses show that organizational identification also serves as a significant mediator. Supplemental analyses also show that received resources and support also serves as significant stage two moderators. This study contributes three key insights. First, it isolates ECSR as a distinct CSR dimension with unique emotional and behavioral effects. Next, it demonstrates the central role of gratitude in translating ECSR into OCB. Finally, it identifies environmental concern as a boundary condition that amplifies ECSR’s impact. These findings offer actionable guidance for organizations seeking to align sustainability efforts with employee engagement strategies.

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