Showing papers in "Social Responsibility Journal in 2011"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance, taking into account firm value and financial accounting performance, in an emerging market -Brazil.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance, taking into account firm value and financial accounting performance, in an emerging market – Brazil.Design/methodology/approach – Content analysis was conducted to extract data from two different sources, one relative to CSR data and another that provided financial data. CSR indexes and financial performance measures were calculated to allow the estimation of regression analysis conducted to examine the relationship between CSR and performance.Findings – The results indicate that CSR is value destroying in Brazil since a significant negative correlation between CSR and firm value was found. Additionally, a neutral relationship characterises the mutual effect between CSR and financial accounting performance.Originality/value – The study has examined the relationship between CSR and firm performance in a country where, as in most other non‐developed markets, such a relationsh...
288 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors trace the conceptual evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and adopts a chronological structure organized on a decade-by-decade basis, showing that CSR research has changed constantly during the last 60 years.
Abstract: Purpose – The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has a long history associated with how it impacts on organizations' behavior. In order to understand CSR's impact on organization behavior, therefore, it is necessary to comprehend its progression. Subsequently, the purpose of this paper is to trace the conceptual evolution of CSR.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the literature and adopts a chronological structure organized on a decade‐by‐decade basis. The results demonstrated that CSR research has changed constantly during the last 60 years.Findings – In the 1950s the primary focus was on businesses' responsibilities to society and doing good deeds for society. In the 1960s key events, people and ideas were instrumental in characterizing the social changes ushered in during this decade. In the 1970s business managers applied the traditional management functions when dealing with CSR issues, while, in the 1980s, business and social interest came closer and firms became more resp...
183 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a questionnaire was sent out to a large sample of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Portugal to identify accurately and extensively: CSR practices at the social, economic and environmental levels; the motivations, perceived benefits, existing obstacles; and the types of support and strategies that render possible an explanation of the factors which place the greatest restrictions on SME adoption of CSR practice.
Abstract: Purpose – Given the greater recognition of the role played by small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) within the European economy, this research aims to provide an insight into SME CSR practices. Within this scope, the objective is to identify accurately and extensively: CSR practices at the social, economic and environmental levels; the motivations, perceived benefits, existing obstacles; and the types of support and strategies that render possible an explanation of the factors which place the greatest restrictions on SME adoption of CSR practices.Design/methodology/approach – This research was realized through the completion of a questionnaire type inquiry structured around table‐based analysis. The questionnaire was sent out to a large sample of SMEs in Portugal.Findings – The main results demonstrate that, while CSR takes on an informal, non‐structured character, it has been incorporated into the daily management of such companies. Furthermore, contrary to what happens at large companies, CSR at SME...
177 citations
TL;DR: A reference model for measuring corporate sustainability that can be used by organizations to integrate sustainability measures into their current performance measurement system, helping them to embed sustainability into daily activities and to forge a sustainability culture is presented in this article.
Abstract: Purpose – The primary aim of this paper is to develop a reference model for measuring corporate sustainability that can be used by organizations to integrate sustainability measures into their current performance measurement system, helping them to embed sustainability into daily activities and to forge a sustainability culture. A secondary intent is to present a critical analysis of some well‐known sustainability measurement initiatives, showing their strengths and shortcomings.Design/methodology/approach – The approach employed to develop the reference model described in this paper is a qualitative analysis of the complementarity, shortcomings and strengths of eight well‐known sustainability measurement initiatives alongside an extant corporate sustainability literature review.Findings – The research carried out has found that there is not a single initiative analyzed that tackles all sustainability issues and in fact there is no consensus around what should be measured and how. The main divergences are...
157 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the tendencies of sustainability reporting by major commercial banks in Bangladesh in comparison with global sustainability reporting indicators outlined in the GRI framework together with banks' predilection toward reporting 16 GRI financial service sector (FSS) specific performance indicators.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the tendencies of sustainability reporting by major commercial banks in Bangladesh in comparison with global sustainability reporting indicators outlined in the GRI framework together with banks' predilection toward reporting 16 GRI financial service sector (FSS) specific performance indicators.Design/methodology/approach – Based on the GRI G3 guidelines, the paper investigated banks' reporting in five broad areas of sustainability, such as environment, labour practices and decent works, product responsibility, human rights and society. The 2008/2009 annual reports of 12 major commercial banks listed on Dhaka stock exchange were analysed and coded using a content‐based technique.Findings – The results show that information on society is addressed most extensively with regard to extent of reporting. This is followed by the disclosures prepared on decent works and labour practices and environmental issues. Furthermore, the disclosures of product responsibility informatio...
153 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyze whether coercive isomorphism as imposed by regulatory authorities is an effective mechanism to promote a company's CSR reputation in a developing country by considering the determinants of CSR reporting as such factors are deemed to influence the external perception of reputation.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse whether coercive isomorphism as imposed by regulatory authorities is an effective mechanism to promote a company's CSR reputation in a developing country. The study seeks to consider the determinants of CSR reporting as such factors are deemed to influence the external perception of reputation.Design/methodology/approach – The study employs institutional theory as the basis for explaining corporate responsible behaviour. In total, 117 companies in “three sensitive industries” for the year 2007 were selected. CSR reputation is analyzed based on a self‐constructed index.Findings – Based on regression analysis, the study found that regulatory efforts are significant mechanisms in promoting CSR reputation. Surprisingly, these companies in the “sensitive industry” seem to neglect the importance of environmental reputation. However, institutional owners regard CSR reporting as a means to enhance their CSR reputation, while family‐owned companies do not appear to...
149 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the level of corporate social responsibility disclosure of 44 government-linked companies (GLCs) listed on Bursa Malaysia and ascertain the relationship of certain company characteristics; namely size, age, profitability and leverage on the total CSR disclosure from the year 2005 to 2006.
Abstract: Purpose – The main aim of this study is to assess the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure of 44 government‐linked companies (GLCs) listed on Bursa Malaysia and to ascertain the relationship of certain company characteristics; namely size, age, profitability and leverage on the total CSR disclosure from the year 2005 to 2006.Design/methodology/approach – Content analysis is deployed to determine CSR disclosure. A disclosure index consisting of 16 items was developed based on four general themes: human resource, marketplace, community and environment to assess the disclosure level. The relationship between company characteristics and total disclosure was examined using multiple linear regression analysis.Findings – The major finding of this study is that the theme of disclosure has shifted from human resource to marketplace. This is followed by human resource, community and, finally, environment. Ironically, companies are not only disclosing good news, but also bad/negative news. This ...
137 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyze how drivers and barriers of CSR vary with regard to stages in the transformation process from a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) to a multinational enterprise (MNE).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze how drivers and barriers of corporate social responsibility (CSR) vary with regard to stages in the transformation process from a small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) to a multinational enterprise (MNE).Design/methodology/approach – The main method used is a literature survey. The survey covers 47 journal articles. A limited survey of managers in the Norwegian clothing business is used to validate the findings in the literature survey.Findings – Eight main drivers and barriers of CSR are identified in the literature survey and are also supported by a regression analysis based on Norwegian survey data. By relating the drivers and barriers to more general social science models, it is shown how they are affected by different business contexts and vary with regard to stages in the transformation process from a SME to a MNE.Practical implications – The paper suggests that public policies for CSR should be adapted to four main contexts, referring to stages in...
131 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the issues currently involved in social and environmental sustainability in the clothing industry and present a case study on People Tree, which sells Fair Trade clothing sourced from developing countries.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the issues currently involved in social and environmental sustainability in the clothing industry.Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts a case study approach to investigate a business that operates successfully in this challenging market.Findings – As a consequence of increasing demand for ethical clothing, it has become standard practice for UK clothing retailers to develop CSR policies which impact upon their methods of garment sourcing and partnerships with suppliers. There is also a significant trend for retailers to offer ethical clothing ranges made from organic cotton or produced by Fair Trade manufacturers. The paper includes a case study on People Tree, which sells Fair Trade clothing sourced from developing countries. People Tree is rare amongst clothing companies in that it provides customers with a transparent view of its production sources via the internet. The company provides an example of how socially responsible and environmentally...
116 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used a qualitative approach to collect and analyze data from 26 American apparel consumers and found that participants engaged in a number of perceived eco-conscious apparel acquisition behaviors.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to advance understanding of the socially responsible apparel consumer by exploring apparel consumption behaviors perceived by consumers to be eco‐conscious.Design/methodology/approach – This study used a qualitative approach to collect and analyze data from 26 American apparel consumers. Data collection for the study occurred through semi‐structured interviews.Findings – Results indicate that the participants engaged in a number of perceived eco‐conscious apparel acquisition behaviors. First, they adhered to acquisition limits by acquiring apparel based on need and extending the lifetime of their apparel. Second, they acquired apparel made from fibers or having other attributes perceived as environmentally preferable. Finally, they acquired apparel through sources believed to be environmentally preferable, including second‐hand sources, eco‐conscious companies, independently owned companies, and home sewing.Research limitations/implications – The sample of 26 Amer...
109 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the impact of corporate social responsibility engagement on employee motivation, job satisfaction and organizational identification as well as employee citizenship in voluntary community activities, and find significant differences between APs and non-APs on organizational identification and motivation.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement on employee motivation, job satisfaction and organizational identification as well as employee citizenship in voluntary community activities.Design/methodology/approach – Employees (n=224) of a major airline carrier participated in the study based on a 54‐item questionnaire, containing four different sets of items related to volunteering, motivation, job satisfaction and organizational identification. The employee sample consisted of two sub‐samples drawn randomly from the company pool of employees, differentiating between active participants in the company's CSR programs (APs) and non participants (NAPs).Findings – Significant differences were found between APs and NAPs on organizational identification and motivation, but not for job satisfaction. In addition, positive significant correlations between organizational identification, volunteering, job satisfaction, and motivation were obtained. ...
TL;DR: In this article, a more efficient model of CSR is proposed, which is more relevant to and reflective of the present day business environment, based on the notion that consumer demand for corporate responsibility is both the most likely and the most effective driver for CSR in a company.
Abstract: – This paper aims to take the reader on a journey through the development of CSR since it first emerged in the 1940s, through to contemporary models of CSR., – By drawing on existing CSR literature the achievements and gaps of CSR are demonstrated. The literature review focuses on a small selection of important CSR models, referencing the most iconic from the last few decades., – Existing CSR models are critiqued as being insufficient in providing an adequate understanding of CSR. It is asserted that a more efficient model of CSR is required and a new model of CSR is proposed, which is more relevant to and reflective of the present day business environment. The model of “consumer‐driven corporate responsibility” (CDCR) is founded on the notion that consumer demand for CSR is both the most likely and the most effective driver for the implementation of CSR in a company., – As CSR is rapidly evolving, undoubtedly models will be created after this paper was written, that, for this reason, are out of the scope of this review., – This paper provides an alternative, more comprehensive and more effective model of CSR, useful as a tool for academics and business leaders alike., – As the model of CDCR focuses on the conditions under which companies are most likely to adopt CSR from both a descriptive and normative perspective, it is proposed as being a more suitable approach to CSR.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the results of a study that explains the relationship between institutional pressure and environmental management accounting (EMA) adoption in manufacturing companies in Malaysia and reveal some influence of institutional pressure on EMA adoptio...
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research paper is to report the results of a study that explains the relationship between institutional pressure and environmental management accounting (EMA) adoption. Specifically, it looks at the pressure of government and other parties in society concerning EMA adoption among manufacturing companies in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approach – Drawing from the new institutional sociology theory, the paper seeks to identify the extent to which institutional pressure influences EMA adoption level. A total of 74 accountants from manufacturing companies in Malaysia participated in the survey. Institutional pressure (coercive isomorphism, normative pressure and mimetic processes) was tested against the level of EMA adoption via multiple regression analysis. Next, semi‐structured interviews were employed with four survey participants to gain further insights into the survey results.Findings – The findings of this study reveal some influence of institutional pressure on EMA adoptio...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine how CSR, CSI and the socially responsible investment (SRI) index has been used to evaluate corporate behaviour in South Africa, as a novel way of addressing pressing development problems.
Abstract: Purpose – With globalisation pressures and increasing burdens on governments to provide comprehensive social services, there is now a need to better understand how firms play their part in sharing these burdens. Views vary from those who believe that CSR and CSI are distractions from profit maximisation to those who argue that participation in such activities contributes to positive social transformation and also benefits participating firms themselves. This paper seeks to conceptualise these debates.Design/methodology/approach – The paper largely utilises a literature review to derive the research conclusions. Specifically, it examines how CSR, CSI and the socially responsible investment (SRI) index has been used to evaluate corporate behaviour in South Africa, as a novel way of addressing pressing development problems.Findings – CSI has emerged from the specificities of South African historical development, and it has arguably been driven primarily by legislation and industry charters. It is in this con...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors measure undergraduate students' ethical and materialistic values, and the correlation of these variables with the purchase of counterfeit apparel products was found, with a significant relationship between materialism and ethics.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to measure undergraduate students' ethical and materialistic values, and the correlation of these variables with the purchase of counterfeit apparel products.Design/methodology/approach – Students (n=741) were surveyed via an online method. Instrument items from the Muncy‐Vitell consumer ethics scale and the values‐oriented materialism scale ascertained students' values of ethics and materialism. Previous purchasing behavior of counterfeit apparel goods was also assessed.Findings – A significant relationship between materialism and ethics was found. Those participants who reported to be more ethical in their decision making were those that held less materialistic values. Ethics and materialism were also significantly related to the purchase behavior of counterfeit apparel goods. Consumers holding stronger ethical values and who were less materialistic were less likely to report purchasing counterfeit apparel products.Practical implications – Findings are useful in un...
TL;DR: In this article, the aim of the study is to elicit accountants' perceptions regarding corporate social and environmental accounting and reporting practices in a developing country such as Bangladesh, and the findings show that accountants have positive attitudes toward corporate social, environmental accounting, progress is limited, with the absence of ICAB in making any noticeable effort to develop such practices.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this study is to elicit accountants' perceptions regarding corporate social and environmental accounting and reporting practices in a developing country such as Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approach – Members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) were surveyed to determine their perceptions on issues pertaining to social and environmental accounting and reporting practices in Bangladesh.Findings – Whilst the findings show that accountants have positive attitudes toward corporate social and environmental accounting, progress is limited, with the absence of ICAB in making any noticeable effort to develop such practices.Research implications – Unlike prior studies, the implications of this study suggest that without international influence, it is less likely that institutional forces in Bangladesh (ICAB and the government) would be effective in dealing with social and environmental accounting and reporting issues.Originality/value – While prior studies advocate ...
TL;DR: This article explored sustainability-related perceptions of proponents of corporate social responsibility (CSR) from 53 countries in order to shed light on contextual differences regarding the conceptualization of the role of CSR in global governance.
Abstract: – This paper aims to explore sustainability‐related perceptions of proponents of corporate social responsibility (CSR) from 53 countries in order to shed light on contextual differences regarding the conceptualization of the role of CSR in global governance., – The results of a survey of corporate UN Global Compact participants are presented, focusing on respondents' perceptions regarding 23 key issues in sustainability. Non‐parametric statistics are applied to identify regional and country‐level patterns within the overall sample., – While general perceptions regarding the urgency of key global sustainability challenges appear to be relatively homogeneous around the globe, significant differences can be identified regarding the specific roles and responsibilities respondents attribute to their own companies in countries from the global North and South, respectively., – The paper focuses on generic patterns within the overall sample; more detailed analysis is needed in future work to explore their origins and impact on corporate practice., – There is a need for an improved integration of Southern stakeholders in CSR practice and policy making in order to fully unfold the potential of CSR in global governance., – The paper uncovers generic differences between conceptualizations of the corporate role in global sustainability between the global North and South.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the pattern of CSR programs run by PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk, PT Sari Husada PT, Astra International Tbek, and PT Aneka TambangTbk.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to identify the pattern of CSR programs run by PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk, PT Sari Husada PT, Astra International Tbk, and PT Aneka Tambang Tbk.Design/methodology/approach – The research was focused on three main areas, namely: relation of CSR programs with the companies' core businesses; coverage of the programs on triple bottom line (economic, social, and environmental); and the execution of CSR programs as sustainable development and the companies' competitive advantage. It used a qualitative approach, i.e. a case study. Primary and secondary data are in the form of information about CSR programs conducted by the four companies from sustainable reports downloaded from each respective company's web site, mass media news downloaded from the internet, and other literature studies.Findings – The case study shows high commitment from the four companies to the execution of CSR programs and business ethics. They also attempt to carry out programs involving the triple bottom line. Also...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on CSR manifested regarding two points, namely CSR insincerity and authenticity from the point of view of pragmatist and care ethics principles, and evaluate critically the genuineness of the early stages in acquiring CSR practices, and advance the notion of authenticity in its mature development stage.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to focus on CSR manifested regarding two points, namely CSR insincerity and authenticity from the point of view of pragmatist and care ethics principles. Its purpose is to evaluate critically the genuineness of the early stages in acquiring CSR practices, and to advance the notion of authenticity in its mature development stage. The analyses seek to show an imbalance between the so‐called feminine and masculine principles in the professional business arena, which prevents an authentic CSR business approach taking place.Design/methodology/approach – The authors approach the topic from various concepts and criteria of moral correctness regarding CSR, and crucial change points in the transient process from insincere to authentic CSR.Findings – The paper identifies some elements of insincere CSR in every company in its early stages of acquiring CSR practices, especially in the early stages of the development of the business culture, and also during the maturing process.Research limi...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide evidence from an emerging market about the interaction between CSR and value added intellectual capital (VAIC), and thus contribute to the understanding and awareness of the significance of socially responsible investments for companies.
Abstract: Purpose – Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become one of the mainstream issues for sustainable corporate performance in recent decades. Engagement in CSR activities has proven to have certain benefits for companies, ranging from better financial performance to shareholder wealth maximisation. Companies' value creation process has been dominated by companies' hidden assets and concurrently the concept of value added intellectual capital (VAIC). The purpose of this study is to provide evidence from an emerging market about the interaction between CSR and VAIC, and thus contribute to the understanding and awareness of the significance of socially responsible investments for companies.Design/methodology/approach – The empirical analyses, which take into account VAIC and its dimensions, are conducted on a sample of manufacturing companies listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) during the period 2007‐2008. It is shown that some causality is related to the existence of a lag during the periods for ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the areas of interventions for CSR activities and examine the rationale behind the corporate social responsibility activities in Mauritius and analyse the relation between business and poverty reduction and also the successes and failures of CSR initiatives.
Abstract: Purpose – Rethinking development along the lines of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a new and exciting area of research and development practice Newly emerging forms of global governance are now relying on private actors (business, non governmental organizations (NGOs)) rather than states Therefore, CSR policy and programmes are necessary steps in securing responsible corporate behaviour in support of development The objectives of this paper are to identify the areas of interventions for CSR activities and examine the rationale behind the CSR activities in Mauritius It aims to analyse the relation between business and poverty reduction and also the successes and failures of CSR initiatives and how the programmes are delivering to the company's business objectives In short, how is CSR redefining development?Design/methodology/approach – Both primary and secondary data have been collected for this study Qualitative methods of data collection were privileged to address complex issues such as t
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a normative approach in adaptation of the ethics of care approach and stakeholder theory, which aims at presenting a point-of-view regarding the related issues.
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims at presenting a normative approach in adaptation of the ethics of care approach and stakeholder theory. Therefore, it seeks to present a point‐of‐view regarding the related issues.Design/methodology/approach – The study focuses on a theory‐based integration process, since it is designed on a normative basis and the current studies dealing with “ethic of care theory” still have some problems in practical terms.Findings – It is observed that ethics of care and stakeholder theory are getting more and more interrelated due to established networks and available common points. As a subfield of feminist ethic, ethics of care can be used to clarify moral principles lying behind these relationships. From another point of view, the discussion regarding the feminization of business enterprises focuses on the idea that such discussions involving the principles lying behind feminist ethics can provide an advantage for the companies in terms of competition. In addition, ethics of care is expec...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the opportunities and barriers in CSR in these publicly owned enterprises (POEs) in Denmark and find that the opportunities lie in the closeness to and willingness of the political decision makers of the city.
Abstract: Purpose – CSR in water utilities in Denmark faces various challenges in getting to the same level as in private organisations. The water utilities are newly privatised, hybrid organisations that are both professionally and politically driven. The purpose of this paper is an examination of the opportunities and barriers in CSR in these publicly owned enterprises (POEs). The research question is: why do the opportunities of CSR in POEs seem more beneficial than for normal private businesses, while the barriers seem to slow the progression? The opportunities lie in the closeness to and willingness of the political decision‐makers of the city. The barriers to CSR in POEs stem from the legal regulatory framework, which dictates efficiencies, price and cost reductions and limits the ethical investments of the POEs.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology of the paper is a comparative study and analysis of the current legislative and organisational framework for the POEs compared to the contemporary CSR app...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the perception of corporate social responsibility held by consumers in India and America in order to draw out similarities and differences in conceptualization and response, and found that a substantial portion of US consumers are unaware of socially responsible companies compared with their Indian counterparts who failed to recognize the CSR initiatives of multinational companies.
Abstract: Purpose – The objective of this research is to examine the perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR) held by consumers in India and America in order to draw out similarities and differences in conceptualization and response.Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a web‐based questionnaire in English, given that it is most commonly used for professional communication in India. A qualitative analysis of participant responses to open‐ended questions was conducted to generate results.Findings – There is a substantial portion of US consumers who are unaware of socially responsible companies compared with their Indian counterparts who failed to recognize the CSR initiatives of multinational companies. Qualitative analysis showed that, though there was some overlap in CSR domains between the two countries, each sample also identified domains that were unique. Finally, both country samples also showed a positive level of CSR responsiveness.Research limitations/implications – The paper used a web‐b...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the role of Portuguese academics within corporate social responsibility and disclosure (CSRD) research and highlight the potential for expanding the amount of Portuguese academic research in CSRD.
Abstract: Purpose – This descriptive paper seeks to explore the role of Portuguese academics within corporate social responsibility and disclosure (CSRD most papers focus on CSR; research is overwhelmingly empirical in orientation; and most papers focus on Portugal. Hence, there is great scope for expanding the amount of...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used quantitative, correlation and regression analyses and collected primary data through a structured questionnaire on a sample of 100 firms, finding that managerial discretion and competences, learning and efficiency are significant predictors of perceived corporate financial performance, but CSR is not.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to establish the relationship between CSR, managerial discretion, competences, learning and efficiency and perceived corporate financial performance in order to establish the legitimacy and value of CSR, taking managers' perspectives in Uganda.Design/methodology/approach – The study used quantitative, correlation and regression analyses and collected primary data through a structured questionnaire on a sample of 100 firms.Findings – The results indicate that managerial discretion and competences, learning and efficiency are significant predictors of perceived corporate financial performance, but CSR is not. However, the results show serendipitously that managerial discretion's predictive potential of perceived corporate performance is moderated by CSR.Result limitations/implications – The study focuses on corporate social responsibility, a concept not very well appreciated and only understood as philanthropic and not really viewed as a means for improved financial pe...
TL;DR: Among the factors correlated with students' ethical decision making are gender, level of education, work experience, and familiarity with the Iranian Association of Certified Public Accountants' Code of Ethics.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the extent to which Iranian accountants think ethically. Furthermore, the paper aims to elaborate on the factors influencing the level of Iranian accountants' ethical decisions.Design/methodology/approach – The method used is a quantitative design. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire from a sample of students from four universities in Iran.Findings – Among the factors correlated with students' ethical decision making are gender, level of education, work experience, and familiarity with the Iranian Association of Certified Public Accountants' Code of Ethics.Originality/value – As no study has previously been conducted on Iranian accountants' ethical decision making, this study was initiated in order to gain an insight into it.
TL;DR: In this paper, the relevance of CSR by testing the relations among consumers' attitudes toward firms' advertising disclosures, attitudes toward CSR practices, perceived trust toward firms, attitudes towards firms, and behavioral intentions was investigated.
Abstract: Purpose – This research aims to probe the relevance of CSR by testing the relations among consumers' attitudes toward firms' advertising disclosures, attitudes toward CSR practices, perceived trust toward firms, attitudes toward firms, and behavioral intentions.Design/methodology/approach – This study uses an online survey with a convenient sampling consisting of college students. In particular, this study uses mobile phone companies' advertising disclosures in general as the focus of its survey questions.Findings – The results reveal that consumers' positive attitudes toward firms' advertising disclosures enhance their attitudes toward firms' CSR practices and perceived trust toward firms, whereas consumers' attitudes toward CSR practices mediate the effect of their attitudes toward advertising disclosures on enhancing their perceived trust toward firms. Moreover, consumers' attitudes toward firms mediate the effect of their perceived trust toward firms on enhancing their behavioral intentions.Practical ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the legitimacy problems faced by the Finnish forest industry in the Brazilian context, specifically from the perspective of the region's indigenous communities: the Tupinikim, the Guarani and the Pataxo.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to focus on the legitimacy problems faced by the Finnish forest industry in the Brazilian context, specifically from the perspective of the region's indigenous communities: the Tupinikim, the Guarani and the Pataxo.Design/methodology/approach – The method used is qualitative research with a case study approach. The empirical data are based on the fieldwork in the states of Espirito Santo and Bahia. The aim was to scrutinize the corporate tactics in gaining societal legitimacy, both in Brazil and in Finland; these were categorized into thematic groups.Findings – The legitimacy of the Finnish companies becomes questionable due to the unethical tactics of their Brazilian business partner, Aracruz Celulose SA. When the company takes its “marginal” stakeholders' demands seriously and commits itself to them in diverse ways (economically, ecologically etc.), corporate social responsibility becomes a reality. The search for legitimacy also requires the company to change its corp...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarise corporate social responsibility (CSR) development issues by organizing critical CSR promoting and hindering factors, and to evaluate CSR development problems in Lithuania according to organized factors, legal context and previously implemented empirical investigations in new EU member states and Lithuania.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to summarise corporate social responsibility (CSR) development issues by organising critical CSR promoting and hindering factors, and to evaluate CSR development problems in Lithuania according to organised factors, legal context and previously implemented empirical investigations in new EU member states and Lithuania.Design/methodology/approach – Analysis and generalisation of various literature sources were applied to organise critical CSR promoting and hindering factors. In order to evaluate the CSR development problems in Lithuania, legal documents and collateral analysis of empirical CSR research in new EU member states and Lithuania methods were applied.Findings – The antithesis between economic and social firms' objectives has existed for a long time, but the current modern world's construct refuted this concept in economic terms and has highlighted social, ethical and environmental values, taking into account definite quality options for everyone – the public...