This research develops and empirically validates a model that examines how employees’ perceptions of a firm’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment, specifically, social CSR and environmental CSR, may influence job satisfaction, as mediated by CSR importance to employee. In addition, we demonstrate that this mediation effect varies according to the level of procedural justice. Analyses of survey data collected from 264 employees find support for the hypotheses. Notably, the interactive effect of procedural justice and environmental CSR turns out to be negative. This research contributes to the emerging CSR-related literature in marketing and provides new insights into the justice-CSR interface.

Purpose: Based on knowledge-based view of the firm, and salesperson attributions, the purpose of this paper is to develop and test a contingency-based framework featuring how salespeople’s product knowledge: product and brand knowledge (PBK) and competitors’ product and brand knowledge (CPBK) and optimism impact salesperson performance.Design/methodology/approach: Hypotheses are tested on survey data from 185 car salespeople in Southeast USA.Findings: Results document support for the main effects of PBK, CPBK, and their joint effects. Furthermore, under high optimism, the positive impact of CPBK on salesperson performance is attenuated. However, optimism × PBK interaction was not supported.Research limitations/implications: Extant literature lacks insights into the impact of salespeople’s product knowledge. By examining salespeople’s product knowledge in a disaggregated fashion, and the interaction of product knowledge × optimism, this research highlights the multi-dimensional nature of product knowledge, whose complex ramifications cannot otherwise be uncovered by a globally conceptualized construct.Originality/value: This study isolates salespeople’s domain-specific knowledge of products from the more global construct of salespeople’s knowledge. The focus on how PBK and CPBK exert a joint positive influence on performance is novel. In addition, by examining how optimism weakens the relationship between CPBK and performance, this research provides a notable contrast to extant findings and broadens the learned optimism paradigm.

Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has gained prominence across disciplines for evaluating structural relationships among latent variables. Despite its widespread use, the application of conditional mediation (CoMe) modeling remains underutilized. This paper addresses this gap by offering a comprehensive guide on implementing CoMe models using PLS-SEM. We outline the conceptual foundations of CoMe, present a detailed step-by-step analytical procedure to apply CoMe, and provide practical interpretation guidelines. A case study of luxury counterfeit purchases illustrates the application of CoMe and demonstrates its enhanced ability to uncover complex relational dynamics. Additionally, we propose best-practice guidelines for researchers employing CoMe within PLS-SEM. By highlighting the value of CoMe in generating nuanced theoretical insights, this paper aims to encourage its wider adoption in empirical research accross disciplines.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to propose that high categorization flexibility’s positive influence on hedonic or affect-laden choice is attenuated by conservation and nutrition mind-sets. Further, categorization flexibility can also promote utilitarian or cognitively superior preference and may have a role in steering customers toward healthier dietary choices. Design/methodology/approach: Two experimental studies document that the pro-utilitarian impact of food categorization flexibility can be facilitated by priming conservation mind-set and nutrition mind-sets. Findings: The results of this study show that conservation and nutrition mind-sets not only mitigate the earlier-demonstrated facilitative influence of food categorization flexibility on hedonic food preference, but also facilitate utilitarian food preference. Originality/value: The current study provides the first evidence that food categorization flexibility can facilitate both hedonic and utilitarian preferences. The findings contribute to literature streams on categorization flexibility, resource-scarcity and hedonic versus utilitarian consumption. In addition, the findings offer specific prescriptions about encouraging customers to choose utilitarian and relatively more healthful food options, which in turn will improve the general welfare of the society.

Background: Recently, there has been a shift in strategic goals relating to water management in Australia, from water development to protecting and restoring environmental assets. Thus, there is a need to develop knowledge that accounts for the new realities of developing an effective communication channel with irrigators. Combining insights from two communication theories: the hierarchy of effects model, AIDA, and the diffusion of innovation (DOI) model, this article explores developing effective communication techniques (e.g., format, style, content, and source) and tools for Australian irrigators regarding adopting new sustainable technology—a modern self-cleaning fish screen. This study investigates irrigators’ communication preferences and innovation processes to understand to sketch foundational strategies for improving communication schemes. Methods: Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. Twenty-three irrigators in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia’s primary food bowl, participated in the study. Constructivist grounded theory (CGT) was used to design and analyse the data. Results: The study explored the communications preferences of Australian irrigators and revealed insights into their preferred format, style, content, and source and how information is gathered and evaluated in the decision-making process. The results confirmed that the information must come from trusted sources, be grounded in research, provide hands-on observations/experiences, and focus on benefits for irrigators (i.e., improving irrigation efficiency) to be impactful. Broadly, this study contributes to the discussion of policy formulation, enhancing technology adoption in a broader setting and designing efficient and effective systems for engaging with Australian irrigators. Conclusions: To increase the likelihood of adopting fish screens, it is essential to implement targeted education and information programs and communications in appropriate formats with relevant content.