Outlook · Volume 23 · 2025Research

Sustainable Business Practices – Corporate Reputation Within an Arab Context within a Multi-Stakeholder Group, Dr Randa Diab-Bahman, Dr Abrar Al-Enzi, Dr Sapheya Aftimos

American International University (AIU)
Kuwait
Gulf University for Science and Technology
Kuwait
Australian University in Kuwait
Kuwait
Received: 22 December 2025Revised: 23 December 2025Accepted: 29 December 2025Published: 30 December 2025
Purpose

This research investigates the perceptions and attitudes of employees and customers toward a telecommunications company in the Arab world, with a focus on how these perceptions shape and reflect the company’s Corporate Reputation (CR). It explores CR through multidimensional factors including trust, ethical alignment, stakeholder experience, and the company’s adherence to religious and social obligations.

Design/Methodology/Approach

Quantitative research design was employed, utilizing both formative and reflective scales. The study surveyed two stakeholder groups: employees (n=684) and customers (n=351). Key constructs included positive intent, trust/distrust, stakeholder experiences, perceived corporate commitment to well-being and religious obligations, and stakeholder identification with the company.

Findings

The results indicate an overall favorable perception of the company’s reputation from both employees and customers. Both groups report positive personal and observed experiences, as well as a general sense of trust and identification with the company. However, the data also reveal that similar stimuli can produce both positive and negative responses, suggesting the need for nuanced interpretation of CR across different stakeholder groups.

Original/Value of the Paper

This study is the first to apply reputational theory from a multistakeholder perspective within an Arabian cultural and corporate context. The findings offer strategic guidance for organizations seeking to enhance stakeholder relationships and reinforce positive reputation through culturally responsive practices.

Keywords
SustainabilityStakeholder TheoryReputation TheorySocial AxiomsReligiosityi-CSR
Citation

Diab-Bahman, R., Al-Enzi, A. and Aftimos, S. (2025): Sustainable Business Practices – Corporate Reputation Within an Arab Context of a Multi-Stakeholder Group. In Ahmed, A. (Ed.): World Sustainable Development Outlook 2025: United Nations: What Next After 2030 Agenda and SDGs, Vol. 21, pp. 333-349. WASD: London, United Kingdom.