Corporate Social Responsibility Plans Research Articles

Corporate Social Responsibility in the Formal Strategic Planning of South African Listed Companies

Manuscript type: Research paper Research aims: This study investigates the relationship between formal strategic planning and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the South African context, considering JSE-listed companies. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employed multiple-scale items with a five-point Likert scale to measure CSR and formal strategic planning. A chi-square test was performed to test the significance of the relationship between the variables. Research findings: The analysis of all South African listed companies (i.e., JSE-listed companies) revealed that formal strategic planning is significantly associated with CSR, suggesting that CSR concerns are addressed during the formal strategic planning process. Theoretical contribution/Originality: The respondents are only limited to JSE-listed companies and the findings are related to the links only between formal strategic planning and CSR. Practitioner/Policy implication: The JSE is the largest stock exchange in Africa. Thus, it is becoming increasingly important for them to maintain their corporate reputation with stakeholders. Accordingly, addressing stakeholders’ demand for CSR through the formal strategic planning process would benefit the organisation is vital. Originality/Value: This study contributes a deep intuitive knowledge of companies’ perceptions of CSR demonstrations by considering formal strategic planning in the South African context.

Interaction of corporate social responsibility and attractiveness of organization to job seekers: a system dynamic study

Purpose This paper aims to understand the two-way interaction between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the attractiveness of organization to job seekers (AOJS). Design/methodology/approach A system dynamics model is developed in the form of a causal loop diagram (CLD) that explains the CSR-AOJS interaction dynamically. To test the credibility of the developed model, the survey data are used to validate the causal relationships in the CLD. Findings This study found that developing an effective strategy or tool by capturing various essential CSR elements can attract potential job seekers. Originality/value The developed model is relevant to policymakers, decision-makers and managers when strategizing the CSR plan to attract potential job seekers.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development in the Indian Dairy Sector: A Comprehensive Analysis

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development within the Indian dairy sector. As the world's largest producer of milk, India's dairy industry plays a crucial role in the nation's economy and socio-economic fabric, impacting millions of rural livelihoods. “This study examines the current state of CSR activities in the sector, evaluating their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a detailed review of literature, analysis of CSR reports, and case studies of leading dairy companies such as Amul and Mother Dairy, the paper identifies best practices, gaps, and areas for improvement. The findings reveal that while significant efforts are being made towards community development and environmental sustainability, there is considerable scope for enhancing the effectiveness and reach of these initiatives. The paper proposes a robust framework for improving CSR and sustainability practices, focusing on strategic CSR planning, stakeholder engagement, sustainable farming techniques, and rigorous monitoring and evaluation. Recommendations include policy changes to support sustainable practices, increased stakeholder involvement, and the adoption of innovative technologies. This study aims to provide dairy companies, policymakers, and other stakeholders with actionable insights and practical guidelines to foster a more sustainable and socially responsible dairy sector in India”. The proposed framework and recommendations are designed to help align industry practices with global sustainability standards, ensuring long-term benefits for the environment, society, and the economy.

Konsep dan Implementasi Corporate Social Responsibility Berbasis Kearifan Lokal Indonesia : Sebuah Tinjauan Literatur

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) was just formally established in Indonesia by Limited Liability Companies Law Number 40 of 2007. The fundamental principles of CSR, on the other hand, are not new and can be interpreted through Indonesian local wisdom. The purpose of this research is to determine the concept and practice of CSR based on local wisdom that exists in Indonesia. This research can provide a comprehensive understanding in developing CSR strategies that have a positive impact on society and the environment, as well as maintaining the sustainability of the relationship between companies and local communities. To achieve its goals, this study reviewed 20 CSR articles based on local wisdom with an Indonesian background. To find relevant articles, this study evaluates the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. This research focuses on the concept of CSR and its implementation in various Indonesian local cultures. According to the findings, CSR planning, implementation, and evaluation that considers local wisdom can lead to a sustainable CSR program. This research will also help future researchers conduct CSR research based on local wisdom by filling identified research gaps.

Corporate social responsibility and dividend policy in India

PurposeThe study investigates the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and dividend policy in the context of Indian firms, as well as how regulatory interventions in the form of mandated CSR can moderate this relationship.Design/methodology/approachA sample of the largest 500 companies listed on the National Stock Exchange from 2008 to 2019 is used in the study. The authors employ the system generalized method of moments since this estimation technique yields accurate and consistent findings in a dynamic panel data setting.FindingsThe authors find that CSR is positively associated with dividend payments. Increased incomes and lower financial constraints are the likely factors causing this relationship. Additional analysis suggests that the positive relationship is stronger for mature firms and for firms with higher information asymmetry. Financial reporting quality works in tandem with CSR to boost dividends. Regulatory interventions in the form of mandated CSR weaken the relationship. Finally, the speed of adjustment of dividends is relatively faster for socially responsible firms.Practical implicationsThe positive association between CSR and dividends suggests that the interest of shareholders and other non-financial stakeholders can be reconciled. Additionally, businesses should attempt to strategically implement their CSR plans in accordance with the requirements of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 to avoid any unfavourable moderating effects of the legislation. The results also show that CSR disclosures complement rather than serve as a substitute for financial disclosures.Originality/valueThe study is the first to evaluate the relationship between CSR and dividends in the context of India, which is a pioneer in passing legislation that mandates CSR for firms surpassing a threshold. The authors also identify financial constraints as a channel through which CSR affects dividends.

Corporate social responsibility: a cluster analysis of manufacturing firms in India

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the corporate social responsibility (CSR) patterns of Indian manufacturing firms using a CSR index based on ISO26000 and India’s National Voluntary CSR Guidelines.Design/methodology/approachA total of 121 manufacturing enterprises in the national capital region (NCR) were surveyed. The questions related to the involvement of CSR in business strategy, involvement in CSR planning, involvement in environmental activities, involvement in social activities, monitoring, evaluation and involvement in CSR, reporting and policy and deployment of CSR. A two-step cluster analysis using log-likelihood measures was used to identify groupings in the data set based on their performance across the seven issues.FindingsThe two distinctive segments identified adopted intermediate CSR activities, and one undertook advanced CSR activities.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has several limitations. First, the survey data were drawn exclusively from medium-sized enterprises in the NCR. Second, all the indicators in the CSR index were equally weighted.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by grouping manufacturers’ CSR activities based on seven dimensions suggested in ISO26000 and India’s National Voluntary Guidelines. The results of this study can help managers, boards and regulators better understand CSR and identify ways to improve it further.

On the micro-foundations of corporate social responsibility: a perspective based on dynamic managerial capabilities

PurposeThis study proposes that the three core underpinnings of dynamic managerial capabilities (DMCs) – managerial cognition, managerial human capital and managerial social capital – represent individual-level micro-foundations that influence corporate social responsibility (CSR). It further explores the interaction mechanism between the three underpinnings in influencing CSR, and their influence depends on the technological turbulence caused by big-data-related technologies.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a quantitative research method and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the relationship between latent factors based on a sample of 270 Chinese top managers.FindingsThe three core underpinnings of DMCs are positively related to CSR. Managerial human capital and managerial social capital mediate the relationship between managerial cognition and CSR. Technological turbulence's moderating effects are also tested. Specifically, technological turbulence amplifies the positive relationship between managerial cognition, managerial human capital and CSR but negatively moderates the relationship between managerial social capital and CSR.Originality/valueWhy are some firms more willing to participate in CSR than others mainly depend on the fact that the actual participants of CSR are the top managers who formulate strategies and implement CSR plans. This study, grounded in the DMCs framework and the upper echelons perspective, is arguably the first to link DMCs' three core underpinnings and CSR, and further explore the multiple drivers' mechanisms and boundary conditions. This study contributes to individual micro-foundation of CSR literature, and advances the understanding of whether and how top managers influence CSR engagement.

PR Practitioners’ Conceptualisation of the Role of Stakeholder Engagement in Corporate Social Responsibility Planning and Implementation

Over the years, practitioners and stakeholders have regarded the practice of stakeholder engagement as a non-essential part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The only standard corporate practice was to invest in developing CSR and sustainability programmes with minimal involvement of those they materially affect, also known as their stakeholders. However, engaging with stakeholders is no longer optional. In theory, the reflective public relations paradigm emphasises the need for organisations to meet stakeholder and societal expectations, values, norms, and standards by conducting themselves in a socially responsible manner in their communities. Against this background, this study evaluated PR practitioners’ conceptualisation of the role of stakeholder engagement in Corporate Social Responsibility planning and implementation using the Public Relations reflective paradigm conceptualised by Susanne Holmström. The study also adopted the stakeholder approach to CSR formulated by Freeman. The study followed an exploratory qualitative research approach, involving six PR practitioners involved in CSR within their organisations in Cape Town. The researchers selected participants through the purposive sampling technique. The findings of this study revealed that stakeholder inclusivity and engagement vary for each organisation. However, in many organisations’ corporate social responsibility strategies, the most common goal is to engage and put all their stakeholders at the forefront.

Unleashing the Barriers to CSR Implementation in the SME Sector of a Developing Economy: A Thematic Analysis Approach

The notion of corporate social responsibility (CSR) from the perspective of sustainability has been a part of the academic discussion in recent years. Different studies have also highlighted the inability of the SME sector to implement a CSR plan to achieve sustainability objectives. However, why this sector is unable to adopt CSR is something that has not been properly attended by contemporary scholars. Against this backdrop, the current study aims to explore the major barriers that inhibit SMEs from implementing CSR and sustainability measures. The current study data were collected from the senior management of different SMEs in Pakistan and were analyzed using thematic analysis to extract different patterns of themes. The results unveil that the “lack of finances” is the most critical barrier for CSR, followed by the “lack of CSR knowledge.” The implications for theory and practice are also discussed in detail.

Strategic CSR practices, strategic orientation and business value creation among multinational subsidiaries in Ghana

PurposeThis study aims to examine the direct influence of strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices on business value creation while accounting for the moderating and mediating roles of strategic orientation.Design/methodology/approachIt used data from 118 CSR-intensive multinational subsidiaries operating in five major different industries in Ghana and applied hierarchical regression and bootstrapping via Hayes’ PROCESS Macro for the analyses.FindingsThe results showed that strategic CSR practices comprising of strategic CSR planning, strategic CSR implementation and strategic CSR positioning contribute positively and significantly to business value creation of multinational subsidiaries. Moreover, it found that strategic orientation has directly predicted business value creation significantly and further mediated the nexus between business value creation and the three strategic CSR practices. However, it did not moderate the influence of strategic CSR practices on business value creation.Originality/valueThe study validates and adds to the knowledge on strategic CSR and business value creation theory by demonstrating that strategic CSR practices of multinational corporation (MNCs) are parallel to their subsidiaries’ commitment to shared growth in host countries. Similarly, it provides a better understanding of the dual roles of MNCs’ strategic orientation on strategic CSR practices and business value creation, thereby offering valuable information about the underlying economic process and context that can affect the strategic business value of firms’ strategic CSR practices.

Scale development and validation of total quality and socially responsible management (TQSR-M) framework: dual competitive strategy for management

PurposeThis study aims to develop a valid and reliable scale for measuring an integrated total quality and socially responsible management (TQSR-M) model, which affects business excellence.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through a questionnaire in two phases (first for scale development and second for scale validation purpose) from managers employed in Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) listed companies. The structural equation modeling technique (SEM) was used to develop and validate the measurement and structural model.FindingsThis study confirmed the empirical validation of the eight distinct dimensions (top management, strategic planning management, human resource management, supplier management, customer management, social/community management and environmental management) of TQSR-M. Moreover, the validation of the TQSR-M model is further confirmed by testing the relationship between TQSR-M and the hypothetically associated business performance variables through SEM.Research limitations/implicationsThe measurement scale helps companies assess the TQSR-M model related to business excellence. It assists managers in identifying the factors for implementing total quality management (TQM) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in their organization for developing TQM and CSR plans, policies and strategies.Social implicationsThis study confirmed that combined TQM-CSR approaches are potential sources of achieving business excellence, sustainable competitive advantages and improving the quality of life of the workforce, local communities and the environment in particular and even of society in general.Originality/valueDespite such studies exploring the association between TQM and CSR, it remains unclear how the integration of both the concepts develops. Academics and managers lack a tool to measure TQM-CSR together. Therefore, this study integrates both distinct areas of TQM and CSR into a single comprehensive model by developing a measurement scale.

Factors Inhibiting Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives Among Construction Companies

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one of the best strategies that companies used in minimising negative societal and environmental impacts, enhancing economic development and improving social progress concurrently. However, there are many factors discouraging construction companies to implement or establish a CSR plan. Furthermore, there are few empirical studies in relation to CSR in construction, and the majority of empirical research on CSR implementation are rooted in the organisational and economic context of the developed world. Therefore, the current study seeks to investigate the factors inhibiting CSR initiatives among construction companies within the context of a developing country such as Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research method. Questionnaires were administered to a purposively selected group of managing directors, directors, other top construction professionals or management personnel involved in the operation of small, medium and large construction companies in Nigeria. A total of 196 questionnaires were administered among the sampled respondents out of which a total of 119 representing 61% were adequately filled and returned. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed corruption tendencies borne from lack of transparency between companies and government, lack of CSR benefits measurement, lack of financial resources, inadequate support from top management and lack of governmental support as the top five factors inhibiting CSR initiatives among construction companies in Nigeria. In addition, the results from the study revealed that, there is no statistically significant difference in factors inhibiting CSR in construction between indigenous and expatriate and partly indigenous/partly expatriate companies. The findings provide in-depth insight of the factors inhibiting CSR programmes in construction that can help top construction professionals and management personnel in construction companies facilitate development of strategies required to mitigate the factors inhibiting CSR programmes.

Explicating firm international corporate social responsibility initiatives

PurposeThe growth of the international business is a new global reality of emerging economy firms. The increasing international footprint of business firms is transpiring into firms being embedded in the nest of the international business landscape. corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives cater to stakeholders. Given this, it is imperative that International CSR (ICSR) initiatives are undertaken for meeting the expectations of international stakeholders. It is important that ICSR is both efficient and effective. The purpose of this paper is to explicate the concept of ICSR in this study.Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploratory study and for this, a qualitative research approach is applied. Based upon the inputs from the literature a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire is prepared. Non-probabilistic purposive snowball sampling is used to identify experts on ICSR. Qualitative in-depth personal interviews are conducted. The qualitative data is collected by in-depth personal interviews with 31 Indian ICSR experts by using a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire. Data collection was stopped after reaching thematic saturation post 31 interviews. The data is thematic and relational content analysed for seeking an answer to the research questions posed.FindingsThe author for explicating ICSR developed a moderated mediation model. The developed moderated mediation model on ICSR is having nine factors, namely – firm ICSR perspective (FICSRP), ICSR practice (ICSRP), CSR planning function (ICSRPF), organisational ICSR commitment (OICSRC), organisational stakeholder inclusivity orientation (OSIO), firm international exposure (FIE), bounded rationality of ICSR practitioners (BRICSRP), ICSR management bounded reliability (ICSRMBR) and nature of ICSR footprint (NICSRF). The author found that “firm outlook”, “CSR planning plus implementation” and “CSR commitment” are the independent variables. While firm “international exposure” and “stakeholder inclusivity orientation” are the mediating variables. CSR bounded “reliability” and “rationality” are moderating variables. The “nature of ICSR” (classified as an island or mixed or extension) is the dependent variable.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is set in the context of internationalisation of the emerging economy firms of India. This qualitative empirical research study developed a moderated mediation model on ICSR. There are nine factors in the model, namely, “firm outlook”, “CSR planning plus implementation” and “CSR commitment” as independent variables, firm “international exposure” and “stakeholder inclusivity orientation” as the mediating variables, CSR bounded “reliability” and “rationality” as moderating variables and the “nature of ICSR” as the dependent variable.Practical implicationsManagers engaging in planning and implementation of ICSR initiatives in various foreign countries could best upon this study findings improve the ICSR delivery. Managers in their firms could improve the “firm outlook” to enhance ICSR, undertake increased “CSR planning plus implementation” and “CSR commitment”. Managers could base upon this study results to improve the moderating conditions of ICSR that is CSR bounded “reliability” and “rationality”. Better firm managers “international exposure” and “stakeholder inclusivity orientation” will better mediate ICSR action. All these would finally help the ICSR managers to better deliver the more effective “nature of ICSR”.Social implicationsA better understanding of ICSR will help foreign managers to develop more efficient and effective foreign CSR initiatives. This will help a better quality of CSR work done in foreign countries. This will help the host country communities and society in general.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first set of studies in the context of ICSR. This qualitative empirical study is also one of the first studies to explicate ICSR through a moderated mediation model consisting of organisational variables such as “firm outlook”, “CSR planning plus implementation” and “CSR commitment” as the independent variables. The ICSR model is composed of the firm “international exposure” and “stakeholder inclusivity orientation” as the mediating variables, CSR bounded “reliability” and “rationality” as moderating variables and the “nature of ICSR” as the dependent variable.

Plan de responsabilidad social empresarial para el sector inmobiliario

La responsabilidad social empresarial como pacto voluntario de las empresas con la sociedad por ayudar a alcanzar objetivos de sostenibilidad incluyendo ambientales, es un argumento para lograr ventajas empresariales en el mercado. Por lo que el objetivo de la investigación consiste en diseñar un plan de responsabilidad social empresarial para las inmobiliarias de la ciudad de Cuenca. El tipo de investigación fue no experimental, tuvo una orientación cualitativa y cuantitativa y el alcance de estudio fue descriptivo-explicativo. Los métodos utilizados fueron el histórico-lógico, analítico-sintético, deductivo-inductivo y el método sistémico. Los resultados demostraron lo elemental que es tener responsabilidad social en las empresas y no solo eso, también diseñar un plan y socializar a las personas, las mismas que entienden ampliamente el concepto de sostenibilidad y apoyan e idealizan esto en las grandes empresas, sobre todo en las inmobiliarias al ser intermediarias para satisfacer una necesidad primordial.

Business case of corporate social responsibility: A case study on Columbia Garments Limited in Bangladesh

AbstractThis paper provides insight into the business case of corporate social responsibility (CSR) at Columbia Garments Limited in Bangladesh. Therefore, the study analyses how CSR practices have resulted in an increased financial and nonfinancial performance of this factory. Qualitative data were collected from primary sources through observation and in‐depth interview with the key person who is directly involved with CSR planning and implementation in the company. Secondary data were collected from annual reports, books, articles, periodicals of different domestic, and international agencies. Based on these considerations, a questionnaire and an interview were used as data collection methods. The result showed that the overall cost of the organization increased because of CSR implementation, but the company benefited financially in the long run through reduced labor turnover rate, increased workers' efficiency, increased audit quality, enhanced productivity, and motivated employees.

Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism: International Practices

The global trends demonstrate that the environmental and social issues need serious concerns of business and investment societies. This article focuses on the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the hospitality and tourism industry in Russia. Over the recent several decades, this industry has observed significant changes in business environment that have stressed the role of corporate social responsibility. Recent researches have shown that CSR may determine a company's long-term success and profitability. There are different approaches to explain the nature of CSR influence on the internal and external processes of hospitality and tourism. The article examines the issues related to the best practices of socially responsible corporate behavior of international companies in the Russian tourism sector. These companies have contributed many efforts and resources in solving the environmental and social issues through their CSR policies and make their brand well known. Their best practices can be very useful for the Russian companies in hospitality and tourism to implicate different CSR policies, plans and strategies and having positive results.

Corporation Social Responsibility: Comparison and Contrast

One of the greatest highlights in the business world nowadays is the participation in corporate social responsibility. With certain purposes, corporate social responsibility plans are run by almost all companies, within service sector as well as manufacturing sector, in developing and advanced based country. One important question is raised at hand is that whether the corporate social responsibility initiatives in all corporations are the same? The answer is “No”. In this paper, the author will use three cases of Nokia, Lenovo and Banco do Brasil to illustrate the distinction amongst corporate social responsibility activities in different industries and economic-based enterprises.

Linking corporate social responsibility attributions and creativity: Modeling work engagement as a mediator

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine whether employees attribute different motives to corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices of the organization and if these motives predict employee creativity. In addition, the study aims to explore the underlying psychological mechanism by proposing work engagement as a mediator of the relationship between CSR attributions and creativity. Sample for the study consisted of 219 employees from various IT organizations in India known for their CSR engagement. Exploratory factor analysis, CFA and SEM bootstrapping procedures were used to test the study hypotheses with the help of SPSS AMOS 24. Results indicate that employees differentiate the motives behind organizational CSR engagement as intrinsic and extrinsic. These motives were found to differentially impact work engagement and creativity. Intrinsic CSR attributions related positively and significantly with creativity, and work engagement fully mediated the relationship. However, extrinsic CSR attributions failed to show any significant relationship with both work engagement and creativity. By highlighting the role of the attributions in the context of CSR, this research provides important information on why organizational CSR involvement may not always yield positive results for the organization. The study identifies managing employees’ skepticism as a critical success factor in the implementation of CSR to optimize the returns on CSR investments. The findings also carry significant implications for managers and policy makers of Indian IT industry in terms of how they devise, implement and communicate CSR plans and strategy.

Reducing agrochemical use for nature conservation by Italian olive farmers: an evaluation of public and private governance strategies

ABSTRACTA variety of public policies and private strategies have been implemented to stimulate farmers to implement nature conservation measures. Examples include publicly funded agri-environment schemes (AES) but also eco-labels and Alternative Food Networks; strategies that have been implemented in response to the continuous decline in species abundance and diversity due to agricultural intensification and scale enlargement. Whereas AES as a distinct governance strategy has been evaluated in detail, less is known about other strategies. In this paper, we assess the relative importance of the variety of public and private strategies aimed at enhancing species abundance and diversity in Italian olive farming through a reduction in agrochemical use. In a survey of olive farmers in the region of Tuscany, we found that although farmers are exposed to a variety of public and private strategies, personal motives to reduce agrochemical use are most important. Moreover, having a Corporate Social Responsibility plan or engaging in direct sales to consumers are the only strategies that are related to a reduction in agrochemical use. These findings suggest self-governance is a powerful strategy for enhancing species diversity and abundance in agricultural landscapes. Yet it also means contributing to nature conservation and restoration is a voluntary act. Olive farmers who do not voluntarily contribute to nature conservation by reducing agrochemicals need to be incentivized by show-casing farmers who did reduce their agrochemical use, by critical consumers or by stricter rules in AES or in generic agri-environmental legislation.

Analyzing Consumers’ Awareness towards CSR, Focusing on Environmental Management

The deployment of environmental friendly business practices is strongly related to the principles of the sustainable development. The customers are an important stakeholder group that appears to be sensitive to the corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions of a company. The environmental dimension is increasingly being included as a pillar of a company’s CSR plan. The aim of this study is to examine the determinants that affect consumers’ awareness of the environmental dimension of a company’s CSR plan, called hereafter corporate environmental responsible (CER) activities. Results suggest that consumers’ awareness towards CER practices is differentiated regarding their demographic profile. Highly educated and middle aged consumers are more sensitive to corporate environmental responsible practices. The income of a consumer is not a statistically significant factor though regarding their awareness of environmentally responsible firms.