INTEGRATING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE CSR STRATEGIES FOR RETAIL COMPANIES IN LATVIA

Authors

  • Velga Vevere EKA University of Applied Science (LV)
  • Inga Shina EKA University of Applied Science (LV)
  • Malalgodapitiya Gamage Darika Nirujani Nanayakkara EKA University of Applied Sciences (LV)
  • Iveta Linina Commerce Department, Turiba University (LV)
  • Rosita zvirgzdina Commerce Department, Turiba University (LV)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17770/etr2025vol2.8579

Keywords:

Digital Technologies, Retail Industry, Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability, Resource Optimization

Abstract

As sustainable practices grow in importance, Latvian companies must align their CSR strategies with environmental goals. Integrating digital technologies into CSR presents an opportunity for progress, innovation, and efficiency. Through this transformation, companies can benefit both themselves and the environment, reducing their ecological footprint and contributing to a sustainable future. Embracing this evolution in CSR demonstrates commitment to positive change and fosters collaboration among stakeholders. By combining sustainable practices with digital technologies, Latvian companies can lead in creating a greener business landscape. Adaptation and improvement of CSR strategies can make a lasting global impact on sustainable development. The goal of the research was to assess the ways in which retail companies in Latvia can utilize digital technologies to enhance their CSR strategies, with an emphasis on advocating for sustainable practices. To reach the goal the following tasks were set forth: (1) to research theoretical sources on CSR and digitalization, with a particular accent upon retail companies; (2) to work out empirical research methodology; (3) to carry out empirical research and interpret results. The main empirical research method employed was the online survey of retail customers (n=207). The findings suggest that digital technologies play a crucial role in improving companies' CSR capabilities. The findings show that opinions about the role of digital technology in CSR vary greatly depending on age and gender. Younger people, especially women, are very supportive of using digital tools in CSR, possibly because they are more familiar with technology and have a stronger awareness of environmental issues. On the other hand, the responses from older age groups show a mix of opinions, indicating the need for specific awareness campaigns and training to bridge the confidence gap. To effectively incorporate digital technologies into CSR efforts, retail companies need to customize their strategies to accommodate these demographic differences to promote widespread and inclusive adoption.

 

References

European Commission, “2023 Country Report – Latvia” Comission Staf Working Document, 2023. [Online] Available at: https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-05/LV_SWD_2023_614_en.pdf [Accessed February 15, 2023].

P. G. Cardinali and P. Giovanni, “Responsible digitalization through digital technologies and green practices,” Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, vol. 29(4), pp. 984–995, 2022.

K. S. Al-Omoush, B. Ribeiro-Navarrete and W. C. McDowell, "The impact of digital corporate social responsibility on social entrepreneurship and organizational resilience", Management Decision, vol. 62 (8), pp. 2621-2640, 2024.

M. Karwowski and M. Raulinajtys‐Grzybek, „The application of corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions for mitigation of environmental, social, corporate governance (ESG) and reputational risk in integrated reports”, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, vol. 28(4), pp. 1270-1284, 2021.

M. Ahmad, Q. Wu, and S. Ahmed, (2024). “Does CSR digitalization improve the sustainable competitive performance of SMEs?” Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 15(1), pp. 119–147, 2024.

C. N. X. Chen, X. Chen, X. Li, Y. Li and X. Wang, “Digital transformation of value chains and CSR performance”, Sustainability, vol. 14 (16), 10245, 2022. [Online] Available: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/16/10245 [Accessed January 10, 2025].

J. Hwang, “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Digital Age: Investigating the challenges and future insights”, GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, vol. 21(01), pp. 503-518, 2024.

V. Vevere and A. Svirina, Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility. Riga: EKA University of Applied Sciences, 2020.

L. Illia, S. Romenti, B. Rodríguez-Cánovas, G. Murtarelli & C. E. Carroll, “Exploring corporations' dialogue about CSR in the digital era”, Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 146(1), pp. 39-58, 2017.

G. Tomaselli & M. Melia, “The role of interactive technologies for CSR communication”, Journal of International Scientific Publications: Economy & Business, vol. 8, pp. 324-340, 2014.

European Commission, “Corporate Social Responsibility: a new definition, a new agenda for action” [Online] Available: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/memo_11_730 [Accessed January 10, 2025].

A. Carroll, “The Pyramid of Corporate Social Responsibility: Toward the Moral Management of Organizational Stakeholders”, Business Horizons, vol. 34(4), pp. 39-48, July 1991.

T. T. Le, “Corporate social responsibility and SMEs' performance: Mediating role of corporate image, corporate reputation, and customer loyalty”, International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 18(10), pp. 4565-4590, 2023.

A. Elalfy, N. Palaschuk, D. El-Bassiouny, J. Wilson and O. Weber, “Scoping the evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) research in the sustainable development goals (SDGs) era”, Sustainability, vol. 12(14), 5544, 2020. [Online] Available: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/14/5544 [Accessed January 10, 2025].

A. Petersons and G. King, Gundar, (2009). “Corporate social responsibility in Latvia: A benchmark study”, Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 4, pp. 106-118., 2009.

O. Ņikadimovs, (2023). “Corporate Social Responsibility–Assessment of Facilitating and Impeding Factors for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Latvia”, European Integration Studies, vol. 17, 2023. [Online] Available: file:///C:/Users/velga/Downloads/33542-Article%20Text%20-126225-1-10-20230915.pdf [Accessed December 20, 2024].

“Rimi Corporate Responsibility Report,” 2021 [Online] Available: https://www.rimibaltic.com/rimi-corporate-responsibility-report-2021 [Accessed January 10, 2025].

“Maxima Consolidated Annual Report”, 2022. [Online] Available: https://www.maximagrupe.eu/uploads/MG%2520Consolidated%2520Annual%2520Report%25202022.pdf [Accessed January 10, 2025].

O. Ņikadimovs, (2023). “Corporate Social Responsibility–Assessment of Facilitating and Impeding Factors for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Latvia”, European Integration Studies, vol. 17, 2023. [Online] Available: file:///C:/Users/velga/Downloads/33542-Article%20Text%20-126225-1-10-20230915.pdf [Accessed December 20, 2024].

P. G. Cardinali and P. Giovanni, “Responsible digitalization through digital technologies and green practices,” Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, vol. 29(4), pp. 984–995, 2022.

H. Nwariaku, B. Fadojutimi, L.Gertrude, L. Lawson, J. Jumoke, J. Udom and T. Olajide, “Blockchain technology as an enabler of transparency and efficiency in sustainable supply chains”, Electronic Research Archive, 1779-1789, 2024. [Online] Available: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383201302_Blockchain_technology_as_an_enabler_of_transparency_and_efficiency_in_sustainable_supply_chains [Accessed December 19, 2024].

C. N. X. Chen, X. Chen, X. Li, Y. Li and X. Wang, “Digital transformation of value chains and CSR performance”, Sustainability, vol. 14 (16), 10245, 2022. [Online] Available: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/16/10245 [Accessed January 10, 2025].

J. T. Chan, “Snowball Sampling and Sample SeleCtion in a SoCial network,” in Econometrics of networks. Advances in Econometrics, vol. 42, 2020, pp. 61–80.

Downloads

Published

08.06.2025

How to Cite

[1]
V. Vevere, I. Shina, M. G. D. Nirujani Nanayakkara, I. Linina, and R. zvirgzdina, “INTEGRATING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE CSR STRATEGIES FOR RETAIL COMPANIES IN LATVIA”, ETR, vol. 2, pp. 367–374, Jun. 2025, doi: 10.17770/etr2025vol2.8579.