Research on Corporate Social Responsibility in Ghana

Mavis Amo-Mensah

doi:10.7176/ejbm/11-5-07

Abstract

This study examines the current state of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) research in Ghana. The evidence is based on a review of 47 published academic papers retrieved from three key online databases (EBSCOhost, Emerald Insights and Business Source Complete) and content analysis procedures drawn from the extant literature. The analysis demonstrates that the concept of CSR in Ghana is under-theorised. Researchers have focused more on empirical dimensions of CSR, following mostly quantitative methods of research. In addition, majority of the studies were skewed towards large multinational or internationally connected companies, especially those in the mining, banking and telecommunications sectors. This study contributes significantly to research in CSR literature. The study is the first attempt to map the research terrain of the body of knowledge on CSR in Ghana. It provides insights into research studies that have been conducted on CSR in Ghana, the areas that have not been explored, and avenues that exist for further research considerations. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR communication, CSR research, CSR theory, content analysis, Ghana. DOI : 10.7176/EJBM/11-5-07

Highlights

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has received a lot of attention in both academia and practice
In Ghana, for example, Ofori and Hinson (2007, p.180) argued that “the increasing concern expressed by policy makers about corporate social responsibility and the pressure exerted on firms to demonstrate high ethical standards” have pushed many companies to focus on CSR
Researchers have focused more on empirical dimensions of CSR focusing on positivist orientations

Summary

Introduction

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has received a lot of attention in both academia and practice. In Ghana, for example, Ofori and Hinson (2007, p.180) argued that “the increasing concern expressed by policy makers about corporate social responsibility and the pressure exerted on firms to demonstrate high ethical standards” have pushed many companies to focus on CSR. This demonstration of ethical standards, highly advocated in the Ghanaian context, is strongly emphasised in Carroll’s (1999) most popular four-part definition of CSR “the economic, legal, ethical and discretionary expectations that a society has of organizations at a given point in time” This demonstration of ethical standards, highly advocated in the Ghanaian context, is strongly emphasised in Carroll’s (1999) most popular four-part definition of CSR “the economic, legal, ethical and discretionary expectations that a society has of organizations at a given point in time” (p. 283)

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Conclusion