When the Private and the Public Self Don’t Align: The Role of Discrepant Moral Identity Dimensions in Processing Inconsistent CSR Information

Abstract Inconsistent information between an organization’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments and perceived CSR (in-)action is a big challenge for organizations because this typically associated with perceptions of hypocrisy related negative stakeholder reactions. However, in contrast to the prevailing literature we argue that inconsistent does not always correspond hypocrisy; rather, responses depend on individual predispositions processing CSR-related information. In study, investigate how individual’s moral identity shapes reactions The results our three studies show individuals who symbolize—i.e., display—their public more than they internalize values react less negatively We also weakens their anger willingness change company behavior. Furthermore, find effect amplified extraverted but weakened neurotic individuals. Our findings underline importance