The effect of globalization on commitment to ethical corporate governance and corporate social responsibility in Lebanon

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the effect of globalization on a commitment to the principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical corporate governance in Lebanon.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 278 university educated employees of public and private firms in Lebanon were asked to complete a self‐administered questionnaire on various issues related to corporate governance. The data were then subjected to multiple regression analyses to establish the nature of relationships among constructs.FindingsThe study finds that commitment to ethical corporate governance among public‐sector organizations in Lebanon is mainly influenced by globalization and a desire to practice CSR, whereas such commitment among private‐sector organizations is mainly influenced by vision, a code of ethics, and a desire to practice CSR.Research limitations/implicationsBecause the concept of corporate governance is a relatively new notion in Lebanon, the selection of a relevant population from which to draw information was difficult. The use of a university‐educated sample has some advantages in terms of the respondents' relative familiarity with the subject under study, but can also have disadvantages in terms of possible sample bias.Practical implicationsEffective corporate governance can be achieved in Lebanon by building new corporate values within organizations and acknowledging the links that exist among environmental, economic, social, technological, and cultural values. Employees in both the public and private sectors in Lebanon should be educated about the importance of globalization, gender equality, and environmental protection, without any feelings of guilt that some of these ideas might contradict their traditional socio‐cultural values.Originality/valueGiven the general paucity of research on Lebanon, this study makes a significant contribution to knowledge about the emerging concepts of corporate governance and CSR in this country.