Identification and configuration analysis of factors influencing the platform corporate social irresponsibility

Purpose Corporate social irresponsibility (CSIR) is not equivalent to corporate social responsibility (CSR); rather, it exhibits distinct mechanisms of occurrence and consequences. In response to the rising incidence of platform CSIR, this study aims to identify the pathways through which such incidents arise, thereby providing targeted levers for platform governance. Design/methodology/approach Grounded theory is first used to identify key factors from the perspective of multiactor interactions within the platform ecosystem. Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is then used to examine interdependencies and substitutive relationships among these factors, to distinguish between intentional and unintentional CSIR and to identify their configurational pathways. Findings The factors influencing platform CSIR can be classified into three levels: platform motivation factors, platform governance factors and external environment factors, including six factors: review strictness, platform profit-oriented value, platform leadership, monopoly position, competition intensity and industry self-discipline. Intentional platform CSIR primarily arises through two configurations: the profit-driven, control-neglect type and the profit-induced abuse-of-power type. Driven by platform profit-oriented value, platform firms may either abuse their leadership to excessively encroach on users’ rights or relax the review of platform users, which are the main paths leading to intentional platform CSIR. Unintentional CSIR primarily arises in two configurations: the go-with-the-flow and powerless types. In the highly competitive market environment, platform firms either actively comply with or reluctantly accept the industry’s hidden rules, which are the main paths leading to unintentional CSIR. Originality/value This study, based on the platform ecosystem, deeply analyzed and identified the unique influencing factors and mechanisms of occurrence of platform CSIR. It also clearly distinguished the significant differences in the mechanisms underlying intentional and unintentional behaviors. This study expands the theoretical framework for CSIR research, providing a theoretical basis and practical reference for platform enterprises to achieve precise governance through multiparty collaboration.