The Role of Political Conservatism in Prospective Employees’ Perceptions of Potentially Political Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives

Abstract: Individual differences in the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on potential job applicants’ perceptions are not well understood. Yet, CSR may affect prospective applicants’ attraction to organizations differently depending on the values that CSR conveys. We examined the effects of specific CSR causes and conservatism on potential applicants’ perceptions. Participants read mission statements supporting (i) traditional values; (ii) diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); or (iii) veterans and completed measures of meaningful work, organizational justice, job interest, and person–organization fit. Participants perceived the CSR organizations as providing more meaningful work. More conservative individuals expected greater fit in the organization supporting veterans (vs. DEI) and expected more meaningful work, perceived greater justice, expressed greater interest, and expected better fit in the organization supporting traditional values (vs. DEI).