Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development in a Developing Country: The Mediating Role of Team Identity and Team Brand Image

<p dir="ltr">This paper examines the mediating role of team identity and team brand image in the relationship between corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. Using convenience sampling, 372 usable questionnaires were completed from fans of four Iranian football teams. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Positive and significant impacts were evident in the relationships between a) social responsibility and sustainable development; b) the team’s social responsibility and team identity; c) the team’s social responsibility and brand image; d) team identity and sustainable development; e) team brand image and sustainable development; as well as e) the mediating roles of team identity and brand image in the relationship between social responsibility and the sustainable development. Social responsibility can help to strengthen the team identity and brand image of the club in the minds of fans, as well as contribute to sustainable development. This research provides valuable insights into the link between social responsibility, team identity, team brand image, and sustainable development of football clubs in developing countries.</p>