The Impact of Knowledge Management on Corporate Social Responsibility: An Empirical Investigation of Emerging Market Dynamics in Algerian Enterprises

Abstract

This empirical inquiry investigates the structural and relational impact of Knowledge Management (KM) processes on the multidimensional facets of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the context of Algerian enterprises. In emerging economies undergoing institutional and economic transitions, understanding how intellectual assets and cognitive capabilities can be orchestrated to foster sustainable corporate citizenship has become an imperative strategic question. Grounded in the Knowledge-Based View (KBV) of the firm, Carroll's foundational CSR typology, and emerging market contextual frameworks (Fellag, 2019), this study models the influence of KM across four core CSR dimensions: economic sustainability, environmental stewardship, philanthropic engagement, and workplace/social responsibility. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was administered to senior corporate executives, managing directors, and strategic department heads across 40 operational enterprises situated in the industrial regions of Oran and Mascara, Western Algeria. A total of 38 thoroughly verified and valid questionnaires were retained for statistical modeling. Measurement models demonstrated rigorous psychometric properties (Cronbach's alpha = 0.764; composite scale consistency). Non-parametric correlation analyses (Spearman's rho) coupled with linear regression modeling reveal that KM practices exert a statistically significant, positive influence on aggregate CSR practices (r = 0.466, p < 0.01; R² = 0.217). Among individual dimensions, the economic dimension demonstrated the strongest alignment with KM infrastructure (r = 0.613, R² = 0.376), followed by philanthropic engagement (r = 0.593, R² = 0.351), environmental stewardship (r = 0.506, R² = 0.256), and workplace social equity (r = 0.496, R² = 0.246). The findings highlight an asymmetric operational reality: while Algerian firms effectively mobilize external knowledge surveillance to enhance commercial competitiveness and mitigate workforce grievances, significant deficiencies persist regarding internal tacit knowledge codification and affirmative workplace inclusion for vulnerable societal groups. The study delivers actionable managerial strategies and macro-level policy recommendations, providing a blueprint for establishing an Algerian National CSR Index and institutionalizing Enterprise Content Management to accelerate sustainable development goals.