The developed CSR dilemma model synthesizes direct positive effects and indirect negative effects of CSR on corporate legitimacy.

Socio-psychological constructs examine how CSR information is processed and evaluated.

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) allows to analyze direct and indirect effects of CSR on legitimacy in one model.

Corporate legitimacy is measured by a new scale.

The results show that CSR communication has a positive effect on corporate legitimacy despite stakeholder skepticism.