The mediating role of innovation performance and CSR in the relationship digitalization-performance: Case of French companies

Abstract

This paper examined the impact of innovation performance and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the relationship between digitalization and firm performance. The sample is composed of 118 retained valid surveys collected from French companies. Using the PLS-SEM approach, the study found that CSR significantly mediates the relationship between digitalization and non-financial performance. The results suggest that French companies should focus on investing in CSR strategies in order to benefit from digitalization and improve non-financial performance. The study also found that innovation performance did not significantly impact the relationship between digitalization and performance. These findings have important theoretical implications for understanding the role of CSR in the digitalization process, as well as practical implications for French companies looking to improve performance through digitalization. Future research should continue to explore the moderating effect of CSR on the relationship between digitalization and performance, as well as other potential moderating variables. The aim of this study is to contribute with greater knowledge to how the digitalization of the company affects its performance and manifest the role that CSR plays in this relationship.