Anatomy of Corporate Pseudo-Social Responsibility Behavior: Identification Mechanism and Preventive Countermeasures of Greenwashing Phenomenon

Abstract

"Greenwashing" is a prevalent form of pseudo-corporate social responsibility (CSR), which refers to misrepresenting a company's environmental efforts to mislead consumers and shareholders about the company's actual commitment to sustainable development. Although CSR has been widely recognized, some companies use CSR only for financial gain without implementing real sustainability practices. This paper critically investigates the phenomenon of “greenwashing” by examining its intrinsic motivations, manifestations, and negative impacts on society and the environment. Using Company C as a case study, the paper illustrates how the company employs misleading tactics to create the illusion of environmental responsibility, ultimately undermining consumer trust and jeopardizing broader sustainability efforts. In addition, this study identifies specific mechanisms for detecting “greenwashing,” such as discrepancies between public statements and operational practices, and suggests preventive strategies, including the implementation of stricter regulatory standards, increased transparency requirements, and comprehensive policy reforms. By emphasizing the importance of consumer education and strengthening regulatory frameworks, this study concludes that addressing “greenwashing” is critical to fostering genuine corporate responsibility and promoting sustainable development.