Corporate Social Responsibility Awards Research Articles

Corporate social responsibility activity reportage on bank websites in Ghana

PurposeThe concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has witnessed a resurgence in the management literature in recent years. This might be due to a renewed focus on corporate governance and ethical practices of companies the world over. This current study seeks to focus on how banks operating in Ghana communicate their CSR programmes and intentions via their corporate websites.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework was adapted from the extant literature and was used as the basis of a content analysis of 16 banks in Ghana. This paper adopts a qualitative research approach drawing upon available information from the websites of these 16 banks.FindingsOne of the banks that had won the most CSR awards at the Ghana banking awards had the poorest CSR communication content on its corporate website. It was also noted that banks that had never won a CSR award previously seemed to have a better organised structure in respect of their CSR activities on their websites. These findings clearly demonstrate the challenges that sometimes exist in transferring bricks‐and‐mortar organisational capabilities to online environments.Originality/valueStudies focussing on online CSR communications in emerging market contexts are almost non‐existent and this study makes an important contribution in not only addressing this imbalance, but more importantly in improving bank marketing practices in Ghana.

Sincere gestures of community support

PurposeReviews a case study of four Thai companies who have all won awards for CSR activity.Design/methodology/approachOutlines the approach to CSR of four companies, offering advice on best practice to other managersFindingsOver the past five years Thailand has become increasingly interested in corporate social responsibility (CSR). The government and professional bodies have done much to promote growing CSR practice, including many CSR events and awards. The Stock Exchange of Thailand created awards for listed companies in 2006, and in 2007 the CSR Institute was created to further support CSR activity across the country. A couple of years on, business academics and journalists are beginning to offer studied reflections on best CSR practice in Thailand, in a bid to unite understandings and expectations and to prompt more comprehensive research in the future.Practical implicationsForms the basis of potential future CSR research and practice.Social implicationsOffers details of successful CSR practice in Thailand that has made a significant positive impact on local communities.Originality/valueMay be useful to CSR managers across the world in developing a successful model for philanthropy.