Online disclosure of corporate social responsibility in the Spanish wine sector: influence of organisational and digital factors

Purpose The aim of this research is to assess the level of online disclosure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and to identify the factors which positively influence it. Design/methodology/approach From the perspective of legitimacy theory, CSR practices are an essential tool employed by companies to maintain their social support. By applying a configurational approach (fsQCA analysis), complex combinations of organisational factors that favour their disclosure are identified. This study focuses on a sector that has been little studied in this field, namely the agri-food sector. Findings The fieldwork results show the low level of online dissemination of CSR practices among the companies analysed. However, certain combinations of factors related to online market orientation (packaged wine, online shop and social networks) and organisational characteristics (board size and gender diversity) positively influence the greater disclosure of sustainability information. Research limitations/implications This study has focused on a single product and geographical area, Spain, although it is relevant at national and international levels. External factors (e.g. legislation) could have been considered as conditioning factors for the level of online dissemination of CSR. Originality/value CSR diffusion is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by organisational and technological factors, among others. Therefore, a configurational approach (fsQCA method) is provided, which allows exploring complex interactions between variables and provides an innovative perspective in a sector such as the agri-food sector, traditionally less digitalised and particularly sensitive to CSR actions.