The nature and extent of corporate social responsibility disclosure in Tanzania

Abstract

AbstractThe study determined the nature and extent of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures in the annual reports in Tanzania. The documentary analysis of the annual reports of 15 listed companies on the Dar Es Salam stock exchange market was undertaken from 2000 to 2014. The data were analysed using content analysis to determine the patterns and contents of information disclosed. The findings indicate that disclosure of CSR activities in the narrative section of the annual report is pleasing. Good reports disclosed social and environmental protection, education, health, and water supply to the stakeholders accompanied with monetary values. Other disclosures included contributions in sports and culture, empowerment of women and youth, community, employees, and human rights. However, some companies had unsystematic reporting and less monetary values to support their recipients. The study recommends the stock exchange and the accounting body to provide disclosure guidelines to improve the form and contents of reporting. Future research can be directed to other disclosure means such as websites, stand‐alone reports, and press releases of both listed and unlisted companies.