Showing papers by "Dima Jamali published in 2017"

SMEs and CSR in Developing Countries

Abstract: This article is the guest editors’ introduction to the special issue in Business & Society on “SMEs and CSR in Developing Countries.” The special issue includes four original research articles by H...

CSR Institutionalized Myths in Developing Countries: An Imminent Threat of Selective Decoupling

Abstract: This article examines joint action initiatives among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing industries in developing countries in the context of the ascendancy of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the proliferation of a variety of international accountability tools and standards. Through empirical fieldwork in the football manufacturing industry of Jalandhar in North India, the article documents how local cluster-based SMEs stay coupled with the global CSR agenda through joint CSR initiatives focusing on child labor. Probing further, however, also reveals patterns of selective decoupling in relation to core humanitarian and labor rights issues. Through in-depth interviews with a wide range of stakeholders involved in the export-oriented football manufacturing industry of Jalandhar in North India, the article highlights the dynamics of coupling and decoupling taking place, and how developing country firms can gain credit and traction by focusing on high visibility CSR issue...

Corporate Stakeholder Orientation in an Emerging Country Context: A Longitudinal Cross Industry Analysis

Abstract: This study examines corporate stakeholder orientation (CSO) across industries and over time prior to the introduction of mandatory CSR. We argue that CSO is a legitimacy signal consciously employed by firms to demonstrate their shareholder and specific non-shareholder orientations in the midst of institutional pressures emerging from country and industry contexts. Using a 7-code index of CSO on CEO–shareholder communications from India, we find that in general large firms in India exhibit a pre-dominant, significant and rising trend of pro-shareholder orientation in the six-year period immediately preceding the CSR law. Yet, we uncover significant industry differences in CSO potentially driven by four key factors: the degree of competitive dynamics, nature of products and services, extent of negative externalities and social activism, and exposure to international markets. Our findings support the view that while some minimum threshold of regulatory intervention is required to balance the interests of business with society, legislation raises questions in relation to the usefulness of a uniform one-size-fits-all CSR across all industries.

A Cross-Cultural and Feminist Perspective on CSR in Developing Countries: Uncovering Latent Power Dynamics

Abstract: In the current paper, our aim is to explore the latent power dynamics surrounding corporate social responsibility (CSR) in developing countries. To do this, we synthesize an analytic framework that borrows from both cross-cultural management literature (i.e., endogenous versus indigenous research) as well as feminist considerations of power (i.e., power over and power to). We then use the framework to examine three streams of CSR literature. Our analysis uncovers the prevalence of arguments and discussions about indigenous and power-over themes rather than more generative, endogenous, and power-to themes. The paper concludes with the suggestion for more space in the CSR literature for examining the realities and potentialities of local SME CSR expressions to counterbalance the overwhelming focus on MNCs. Such counterbalancing can better lead to the recognition that power and domination are not the only important dynamics to examine in CSR research. Just as important is the need for a more nuanced consideration of the role and contributions of different actors to the continuously unfolding CSR discourse.

Development-Oriented Corporate Social Responsibility : Volume 2: Locally Led Initiatives in Developing Economies

Abstract: This volume provides a platform for localized perspectives on CSR in developing countries across the globe. The chapters bring local context and business to the forefront and highlight the efforts spearheaded by indigenous actors from within the developing world. They present insights from developing countries through successful and less successful examples of locallyled CSR efforts. Together, these perspectives capture the complex paradoxes of CSR in developing countries and highlight common features in national institutions across the developing world, such as weak political and regulatory institutions, that shape local CSR initiatives and often limit its developmental impact.The editors argue the need to embrace partnership models that leverage the strengths of different actors to promote effective development and tackle the complex challenges facing the developing world. This important series will be the reference source for academics, practitioners, policy-makers and NGOs involved in development-oriented CSR.

Strategic approaches to corporate social responsibility : A comparative study of India and the Arab world

Abstract: This book chapter introduces a CSR typology for scrutinizing CSR interventions in developing countries. The typology considers the relatedness of CSR to core business, the target of CSR activities (society, internal operations or expanding operations) and the benefits expected (reputation, operational efficiency or enhancing economic and societal interest) as well as the approach (outside-in, inside-out or a combination of both), classifying the main types of CSR emerging from different combinations of the above into Philanthropy; CSR Integration, or CSR Innovation. Using this typology, a careful analysis of the CSR activities of large Indian and Arab companies is carried out and striking differences documented in relation to the CSR 72approaches adopted in these two developing country contexts. Based on the analysis, CSR seems to be advancing in the Indian context beyond philanthropy towards the more strategic and innovative models of CSR, while Arabic companies predominantly continue to practise pure philanthropic giving. In the context of development-oriented CSR, it is important for businesses operating in Arab contexts to gradually shift away from pure philanthropy towards more strategic and innovative forms of CSR engagement.