An analysis of Turkey's telecommunications sector's social responsibility practices online

Rooted in social identity theory, this exploratory study focuses on Turkey's four largest telecommunications companies (Turkcell, Türk Telekom, Avea, and Vodafone) to determine how public relations and corporate social responsibility practices help construct organizational identity. To achieve its aim, the study performs a thematic content analysis of the companies' corporate websites and social media accounts. Study results reveal that, in addition to focusing on their core business functions, telecommunications companies in Turkey try to create value and construct a legitimate identity by emphasizing community benefits and their superiority vis-à-vis their competitors. This study also demonstrates that companies' CSR activities play a crucial role in constructing organizational identity and gaining legitimacy. © 2015 Elsevier Inc.