Promoting positive change of megaproject social responsibility behavior : Looking through a Chinese lens

Megaproject social responsibility (MSR) is crucial to the sustainable development of megaprojects. However, MSR behavior as implementation of MSR is faced with challenges due to social issues caused by megaprojects. Although some studies on MSR have been carried out, existing studies on the change in MSR behavior are quite limited, especially those considering the contextual characteristics. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the change mechanism of MSR behavior in the Chinese megaproject context. To achieve this, this study extracted the factors of MSR behavior change and integrated institutional theory, social exchange theory, and altruistic perspective to construct an MSR behavior change model. Then, this model was validated by using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings are as follows. (1) The uniqueness of the Chinese megapro-ject context lies on its complex institutional environment, prominent informal relationships, and altruistic values. (2) The change of MSR behavior in China involves the institutional environment, and the informal relationships that constitute the interaction process, leading to MSR behavior change and the emergence of change phenomenon. Altruistic values have an insignificant impact on MSR behavior change. The findings in this study may help guide positive change in MSR behavior.