Corporate philanthropy research paper wins European award
Dr Pamala Wiepking from Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) and ERIM Associate member won the European Research Network on Philanthropy (ERNOP) best conference paper award for a paper she co-wrote about employee engagement in corporate philanthropy. The prize was awarded at ERNOP’s international research conference for philanthropy scholars, which took place at Copenhagen Business School in Denmark on 13 – 14 July 2017.
The paper, Different Drivers: Exploring Employee Engagement in Corporate Philanthropy, was conducted by Dr Wiepking from RSM’s Department of Business-Society Management and Dr Beth Breeze, director of the Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Kent in the UK.
The researchers’ conclusions draw interesting recommendations for management of businesses and fundraising organisations.
Strategic goals and HRM benefits
“Our data suggests that truly strategic corporate philanthropy should involve both business leaders and employee representatives in democratised and devolved corporate philanthropy decision-making. This maximises the business benefits of corporate philanthropy that incorporates both strategic goals and HRM benefits,” says Dr Wiepking.
It was the first time the ERNOP Best Conference Paper Award was presented. The jury consisted of Prof. René Bekkers from VU Amsterdam, Dr Georg Mildenberger from CSI Heidelberg and Greg Molecke from ESSEC Business School. They said the paper was characterised by an excellent analysis of the lack of understanding of lower-level employees, and their under recognised role in corporate philanthropy, followed by clear research questions and analysis.
“I feel honoured to have received this award with my colleague Beth Breeze,” says Dr Wiepking. “This award acknowledges our approach to not just study the business elites, but pay attention to the people doing the actual legwork in corporate philanthropy.”
The award, which is sponsored by Transnational Giving Europe, comprises an award certificate and a € 1,000 cash prize.
