Costly signaling and CSR legitimacy in a polarized environment: the role of technology‑based verification in CSR campaigns (2026)

This project is examining how emerging technologies can strengthen the credibility of corporate social responsibility communication. Through interviews and experimental research, the project explores whether tools such as blockchain verification, supply chain tracking and public dashboards can help organizations move beyond simply asking consumers to trust their CSR claims and instead provide evidence that can be independently verified. The study aims to identify the types of evidence consumers find most credible and offer guidance for more transparent and effective CSR communication.