Institutional antecedents of socially responsible collective action in megaprojects

Abstract

Purpose

Megaprojects exert a significant impact on sustainable development, and it is imperative for stakeholders to collectively ensure their development occurs in a socially responsible manner. While there has been a growing focus on the involvement of megaprojects in social responsibility, scant attention has been given to understanding the collective actions of stakeholders in implementing social responsibility within these projects. Specifically, the institutional mechanism leading megaproject stakeholders to engage in socially responsible collective action is largely unexplored. To fill this gap, this study primarily aims to explore the institutional antecedents influencing socially responsible collective action in megaprojects.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on institutional theory, this study empirically examines the factors influencing socially responsible collective action in megaprojects. An online questionnaire survey was administered to collect data from 365 participants engaged in mega water transfer projects in China. The data analysis employed the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The findings from the partial least squares analyses indicate that coercive isomorphism, mimetic isomorphism, and normative isomorphism all demonstrate positive associations with stakeholders’ intention to engage in socially responsible collective action. Moreover, the findings also show a positive correlation between stakeholders’ intention and their behavior in participating in socially responsible collective action within megaprojects. Additionally, coercive isomorphism positively moderates the connection between mimetic isomorphism and the intention to engage in SRCA, while negatively moderates the relationship between normative isomorphism and the intention to undertake socially responsible collective action.

Originality/value

This study enriches the existing body of knowledge by identifying coercive, mimetic, and normative isomorphism as antecedents to adopting socially responsible collective action in megaprojects. Furthermore, the study enhances our comprehension by demonstrating that stakeholders’ intention to fulfill social responsibility translates into tangible actions. The implications and recommendations provided shed light on how various types of institutional isomorphism can be used to encourage stakeholders to embrace socially responsible collective action in megaproject management.

Citation

Zhai, W., Ju, C., Ding, J., Jia, J. and Liu, F. (2025), "Institutional antecedents of socially responsible collective action in megaprojects", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 78-98. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-06-2024-0137