Showing papers in "Social Responsibility Journal in 2013"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce a behavioral theory for social entrepreneurship based on integrating the entrepreneurship literature with a global empirical research carried out on social entrepreneurs using grounded theory, where theoretical contributions and insights from the social entrepreneurship literature are integrated into the research.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to introduce a theory for social entrepreneurship based on integrating the entrepreneurship literature with a global empirical research carried out on social entrepreneurs using grounded theory. Theoretical contributions and insights from the social entrepreneurship literature are integrated into the research.Design/methodology/approach – This research is an exploratory inductive qualitative research based on the grounded theory methodology developed by Glaser and Strauss, and procedures developed by Strauss and Corbin with a constructivist stance.Findings – The behavioral theory of social entrepreneurship studies the contextual factors that lead to social venture creation, the underlying organization dynamics and structures, and how these typologies measure social impact, mobilize resources, and bring about sustainable social change.Research limitations/implications – The result of the research is a behavioral theory for social entrepreneurship, which introduces ...
148 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between social and environmental responsibility knowledge, attitudes, and purchasing behavior of apparel and textile goods, and found that participants indicated being more knowledgeable about apparel environmental issues as compared to apparel social issues.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between social and environmental responsibility knowledge, attitudes, and purchasing behavior.Design/methodology/approach – An online questionnaire was developed to assess knowledge of, and attitudes towards, issues of social responsibility, including social and environmental aspects related to the production and distribution of apparel and textile goods. Information regarding engagement in socially and environmentally responsible apparel‐purchasing behavior was also collected. Participants included students enrolled at a four‐year institution located in the Midwestern USA.Findings – Participants indicated being more knowledgeable about apparel environmental issues as compared to apparel social issues. Overall, participants exhibited low involvement in socially and environmentally responsible apparel‐purchasing behavior. However, both knowledge and attitudes of social and environmental issues were significant predictors of socially and en...
114 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored and identified the components of environmental attitude that can drive the specific ecological behaviour of Indian consumers, and defined environmental attitude components as moderators and investigated them as predictor of ecological behaviour.
Abstract: Purpose – To create a sustainable environment, the aim of this study is to explore and identify the components of environmental attitude that can drive the specific ecological behaviour of Indian consumers. Further, it defines environmental attitude components as moderators and investigates them as predictor of ecological behaviour.Design/methodology/approach – The constructs of environmental attitude (EA) and ecological behaviour (EB) are measured using standardized scales with modifications that represent demography of Indian consumers, then, introduced among 300 respondents. Factor analysis, correlations of the factors, and regression analysis are used to draw the results.Findings – Constructs of EA and EB are found to be multidimensional and support the literature. Many of their components are found to be significantly correlated inferring that consumers behave ecologically in specific manners depending on the formed attitude. Also, findings suggest that EA components work as predictors of EB. Further...
64 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the adoption and evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Thailand and the mechanisms that drove the direction of CSR activities to their current forms were investigated. But, the authors did not consider the impact of social and environmental issues on business' core activities.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption and evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Thailand and to scrutinize the mechanisms that drove the direction of CSR activities to their current forms.Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative data were collected through in‐depth interviews with executives of 14 companies, and open‐ended questionnaires filled out by three organizations, all of which the public perceives as highly socially responsible. Additional data were collected from two CSR seminars, official company web sites, and a database provided by the Stock Exchange of Thailand's library.Findings – The study reveals two key findings. One is the pattern of CSR development in Thailand that emphasizes social and environmental issues, which are less relevant to the business' core activities. The other is that Thai social and religious values are important antecedents of CSR strategy and implementation. Corporations communicate CSR implicitly and execute a two‐stage pu...
52 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative phenomenological study used a Van Kaam method as modified by Moustakas with in-depth, semi-structured interviews to explore the factors and priorities considered by SME executives in CSR decisions.
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to examine the factors that move the decision‐makers in small businesses to expend company resources for corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative phenomenological study used a Van Kaam method as modified by Moustakas with in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews to explore the factors and priorities considered by SME executives in CSR decisions.Findings – The study revealed that small business executives are generally influenced by personal feelings, financial conditions, friends and family, and religion in making decisions on CSR activities. In addition, these decision‐makers prefer local CSR activities, are concerned with the environment, and go beyond the basic legal requirements. The sole focus on profits was not evident in these small business executives.Research limitations/implications – The results imply that small business management does not rely simply on the analytical but on the relational and emotional. Management t...
52 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a comprehensive risk disclosure index (RDI) checklist is created with key predictor variables (country, company size, managerial ownership and board independence) tested to explain the dissemination of CSR information over time.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine voluntary risk disclosures within annual reports in four key South‐East Asian countries' (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia) manufacturing listed companies over the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) 2007‐2009 financial years.Design/methodology/approach – Longitudinal and cross‐country analyses test the veracity of agency theory to predict the level of firms' risk disclosures. A comprehensive risk disclosure index (RDI) checklist is created with key predictor variables (country, company size, managerial ownership and board independence) tested to explain the dissemination of CSR information over time.Findings – The findings show that the communication of risk data stays relatively consistent (26‐29 per cent across the three GFC “crisis” years). This is arguably a low level of communication from a social responsibility corporate lens. Multiple regression analysis provides evidence that country, size and board independence are positively significantly...
51 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed measures of Asian corporate social responsibility (CSR) based on David's dual process model for Malaysian government linked corporations (GLC) and publicly listed companies (PLC).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop measures of Asian corporate social responsibility (CSR) based on David's dual process model for Malaysian government linked corporations (GLC) and publicly listed companies (PLC).Design/methodology/approach – A survey consisting was conducted and a structural equation model was used to test the relationships among constructs. An instrument to measure CSR practices focusing on CSR relational, CSR ethical/moral, and CSR discretionary is developed to evaluate impacts on corporate reputation, culture, and legitimacy.Findings – Findings suggest CSR antecedents emerge through formalization of corporate communication management in Malaysian organizations. The structural model provides evidence that CSR initiatives impact corporate reputation directly. The study acknowledges the increase in CSR initiatives in corporate communication practices in GLCs and PLCs in the quest to gain public legitimacy and corporate governance.Originality/value – The study contributes ...
50 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate perceptions of the relative importance of different stakeholders (owners, employees, customers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governmental authorities) as agents motivating managers to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate perceptions of the relative importance of different stakeholders (owners, employees, customers, non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and governmental authorities) as agents motivating managers to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) The aim is to determine which stakeholders are viewed as key motivators and which the respondents think ought to be key stakeholdersDesign/methodology/approach – This is an empirical study Three stakeholder groups – corporate leaders, MSc business students and NGOs – were consulted through a paper survey (n = 264)Findings – The findings reveal that the three stakeholder groups roughly agree that owners are the main motivators for managers to pursue CSR, followed by customers, governments, employees and NGOs, in that order The paper then turned from perceptions of how things are to opinions about how things ought to be, asking who should be the main motivator In this case, customers moved up to first place,
49 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the literature of CSR before and in the aftermath of the financial crisis in 2008, and map out the consequences upon CSR derived from the crisis and derive new principles of future CSR models.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the literature of CSR before and in the aftermath of the financial crisis in 2008. The aim of the research question is to map out the consequences upon CSR derived from the crisis and to derive new principles of future CSR models to come consistent with the consequences of the financial crisis, and to suggest new research as well as policy-making possibilities to highlight the importance and necessary survival of CSR as an instrument for sustainable and financial progress. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a literature review of CSR prior to and after the financial crisis 2008, with an emphasis on academic papers published in peer-reviewed journals. Findings – The findings of the paper reveal that post-crisis CSR-models do not articulate anything that has not been mentioned before; however, they do strengthen former values of CSR, but still lack an overall formula of how the financial sector can adopt CSR in the core of their businesses, and tr...
47 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a case study of an explicitly Islamic-abiding corporation has been investigated to test for the applicability of the proposal model, where semi-structured interviews have been employed with both the CSR and the HR Heads in Egypt.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to look into Islamic CSR, a literature domain that is rarely researched. The article has three goals. First, it provides an overview of the varying conceptualizations and paradigms underpinning CSR. Second, it presents an analogy relating commonalities and deviations between Islam and some of the basic international CSR paradigms. Third, it proposes a novel model of Islamic CSR based on the Islamic legislation (shar'iah) and applies it to an MNC with explicit application of Islamic CSR.Design/methodology/approach – A case study of an explicitly Islamic‐abiding corporation has been investigated to test for the applicability of the proposal model. Semi‐structured interviews have been employed with both the CSR and the HR Heads in Egypt. In addition, various corporate communications have been also utilized in this study.Findings – The research reflects upon international paradigms of CSR versus the Islamic one, highlighting its origins and providing an analogy among both perspective...
47 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a model based on normative principles of organizational justice for justice-based diversity management processes and outcomes, and proposed that effective diversity management results from a decision-making process that meets the normative principles (i.e., interactional, procedural and distributive justice).
Abstract: Purpose – Contemporary organizations are increasingly paying attention to incorporate diversity management practices into their systems in order to promote socially responsible actions and equitable employment outcomes for minority groups. The aim of this paper is to seek to address a major oversight in diversity management literature, the integration of organizational justice principles.Design/methodology/approach – Drawing upon the existing literature on workforce diversity and organizational justice, the authors develop a model based on normative principles of organizational justice for justice‐based diversity management processes and outcomes.Findings – The paper proposes that effective diversity management results from a decision‐making process that meets the normative principles of organizational justice (i.e. interactional, procedural and distributive justice). The diversity justice management model introduced in this article provides important theoretical and practical implications for establishin...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore whether socially responsible firms recognize the potential conflicts that come with higher levels of executive compensation, and thus limit executive pay relative to what is being paid in other firms.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore whether socially responsible firms recognize the potential conflicts that come with higher levels of executive compensation, and thus limit executive pay relative to what is being paid in other firms. In the process, the relationships between executive compensation and financial performance, and corporate social performance and financial performance are examined to determine whether potential compensation and social performance links are coming at the expense of company financial performance.Design/methodology/approach – The empirical data for this research were obtained from a stratified sample of Fortune 1000 companies pulled from across more than 15 industries. Multiple regression analysis is utilized to test three hypotheses.Findings – In line with the hypotheses, results indicate that companies identified as good corporate social performers do in fact have lower levels of executive compensation and there is some support found for a positive relationsh...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the level of environmental disclosure in annual reports made by Malaysian public listed companies for the year ended 2009, and investigated whether there are any relationships between board characteristics (board size and board independence), firm characteristics (business type) and human capital characteristics (age, knowledge background and proportion of female directors).
Abstract: Purpose – The objectives of this paper are to examine the level of environmental disclosure in annual reports made by Malaysian public listed companies for the year ended 2009, and to investigate whether there are any relationships between board characteristics (board size and board independence), firm characteristics (business type) and human capital characteristics (age, knowledge background and proportion of female directors) and environmental disclosure in Malaysian public listed companies' annual reports for the year ended 2009. Design/methodology/approach – The study constructs the environmental disclosure index with 11 disclosure themes based on research by Sharifah et al. to determine the environmental disclosure level. The study uses content analysis to find the environmental disclosure items and constructs an environmental disclosure index from the companies' annual reports. Hierarchical regression analysis is used to examine the relationships between the environmental disclosure index and board...
TL;DR: In this paper, the extent to which publicly-listed Caribbean companies provide social and environmental disclosures (SED), and the factors related to their disclosure practices were examined using multiple regression analysis.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the extent to which publicly‐listed Caribbean companies provide social and environmental disclosures (SED), and the factors related to their disclosure practices. It is motivated by the dearth of studies of SED among publicly listed Caribbean firms.Design/methodology/approach – All 55 companies with common shares listed on the main tier of one of the three major Caribbean stock exchanges in December 2010 were included in the study. The comprehensiveness of SED was measured using an unweighted 43‐item disclosure index. The research hypotheses were examined using multiple regression analysis.Findings – The level of SED in the Caribbean was relatively low (M=33.7 per cent, SD=25.3 per cent). The amount of SED was positively related to firm size, industry affiliation, foreign influence and organizational culture. Firm profitability, national culture, importance of public equity financing, gender diversity, and director independence were not statistically related to SED com...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate the quality of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting of Spanish companies listed in the IBEX-35 stock index and the main drivers of the differences among reporters.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting of Spanish companies listed in the IBEX‐35 stock index and the main drivers of the differences among reporters.Design/methodology/approach – A benchmark tool was built based on GRIv3, and the ESG information issued by Spanish companies listed in the IBEX‐35 index was analyzed.Findings – The authors conclude that GRI has resulted in some standardization of corporate social and environmental reporting, particularly in terms of format, but their approach to indicators is unlikely to produce high quality information that is relevant, comparable, complete and accessible to all stakeholders. Regulation and reputation seem to be the main drivers for improving the quality of ESG reporting. Global companies operating in industries with higher reputation risks had the highest levels of disclosure. Furthermore, reporting seems to be oriented to satisfying the demands of shareholders and investors ra...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the issues of subjectivity, transparency and uniformity of ESG ratings by exploring the methods used to assess ethics performance by an Australian rating agency.
Abstract: Purpose – There is growing recognition that numerous business drivers contribute to financial performance and investment returns but they are not included in a company’s profit and loss statements. In the investment industry, these wider sets of value drivers are known as environment-socialgovernance (ESG) factors. A small number of specialized ESG rating agencies provide information to investors about the extent to which firms’ behaviors are socially responsible. However, a major criticism of these rating agencies is the lack of transparency in their methods. This paper aims to examine the issues of subjectivity, transparency and uniformity of ESG ratings by exploring the methods used to assess ethics performance by an Australian rating agency. Design/methodology/approach – A case study was conducted on an Australian ESG rating provider, Regnan. The data for the analysis were sourced from internal Regnan documents. Findings – The paper found that a level of subjectivity is inevitable in ESG ratings and the call for uniformity may inhibit innovation, but these issues can be addressed by increased transparency of the rating methods. Research limitations/implications – Further research is required to understand what level and, combination of, uniformity and transparency is sufficient to satisfy stakeholder requirements for ESG information. Practical implications – The discussion of the factors underlying the ethics performance rating may prompt more open and transparent debate on how to assess ethical performance of companies, and increase investor confidence in ESG ratings. It may also provide more direction to companies on how to strengthen their ethical performance. Originality/value – There is growing recognition that numerous business drivers contribute to financial performance and investment returns but they are not included in a company’s profit and loss statements. These ‘‘ESG’’ factors can account for up to 66 percent of the market value of globally listed companies. In response to calls for more transparency on how ESG factors are assessed, and how ethical performance is appraised, this paper attempts to lift the veil on ESG rating methods.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore different areas of CSR covered by the companies in India and to have a comparative analysis of such practices of Indian companies and MNCs working in India.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore different areas of CSR covered by the companies in India and to have a comparative analysis of such practices of Indian companies and MNCs working in India.Design/methodology/approach – The sample for the present study consisted of 38 companies including 18 Indian companies and 20 MNCs of different countries working in India across various industries. The data thus generated was analyzed with the help of ANOVA and factor analysis.Findings – The study finds that there is a little difference in CSR practices of Indian companies and MNCs and that is in terms of importance/focused areas of CSR. Companies are adopting CSR practices of environmental marketing, sustainable development, local community support, and transparency and accountability.Originality/value – MNCs are adopting almost the same CSR practices as adopted by their counterpart Indian companies. Thus, MNCs are adhering to the prevailing business practices in host countries.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the extent, quality, nature and trend of environmental disclosures of Malaysian property development companies for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 and found that both extent and quality of environmental disclosure are very low and most companies provide mostly soft disclosures.
Abstract: Purpose – The objective of the present study is to examine the extent, quality, nature and trends of environmental disclosures of Malaysian property development companies for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006.Design/methodology/approach – A content analysis was undertaken of the annual reports of a sample of public listed property development companies in Malaysia for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. The content analysis examined extent, nature and quality of disclosures, utilising number of sentences for extent and the Clarkson et al. disclosure index for nature and quality.Findings – Malaysian property development companies do not appear to respond to the increased public concern due to recent landslide incidents by increasing the extent or quality of environmental disclosures in their annual reports. Both extent and quality of environmental disclosures are very low and most companies provide mostly “soft” disclosures. They also make very few “hard” disclosures, comprising objective, verifiable data. Thus, th...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined three companies' employee skill-based volunteerism programs and the potential to generate company economic value, including the enhancement of company reputation, the reduction of costs and risk, the achievement of business strategy and the creation of learning and partnership.
Abstract: Purpose – As companies face an ever wider range of challenges, there is growing adoption of CSR initiatives to aid company success. The business case for CSR investigates the potential for economic value in socially oriented company actions. This paper aims to examine one key CSR initiative, that of employee skill‐based volunteerism.Design/methodology/approach – Researchers consider three current applications of employee skill‐based volunteerism and the potential to generate company economic value.Findings – This concept paper suggests employee skill‐based volunteerism aligns with the four components of the business case for CSR, including the enhancement of company reputation, the reduction of costs and risk, the achievement of business strategy, and the creation of learning and partnership.Research limitations/implications – This paper focuses on three companies' employee skill‐based volunteerism programs and does not reflect the comprehensiveness of a meta‐analysis. Hence conclusions are limited in gen...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the understanding of sustainable development and sustainability reporting concepts among Malaysian local authorities' personnel and found that only staff directly involved in sustainable development activity implementation understood the meaning of the sustainable development concept.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research paper is to explore the understanding of sustainable development and sustainability reporting concepts among Malaysian local authorities' personnel.Design/methodology/approach – The research involved interviews with 23 respondents from 16 selected councils in Malaysia. Interview results were analysed by using the interpretive textual analysis.Findings – The meaning of the sustainable development concept is quite broad from the local authority's perspective in Malaysia. Local authorities' personnel view sustainable development as: societalist, ecologist and individualist. Only staff directly involved in the sustainable development activity implementation understood the meaning of the sustainable development concept. The respondents indicated the importance of educating people on the awareness of sustainable development in their understanding on this concept. Consistent with the western values, 13 councils (81 per cent) agreed with the definition by GRI.Research limita...
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors reviewed the recent corporate social responsibility literature in China, which has the world's largest developing economy, and suggested future directions for CSR research in this country.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to review the recent corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature in China, which has the world's largest developing economy. Through discussions and critical review, the objective is to suggest future directions for CSR research in this country.Design/methodology/approach – The paper starts with a review of recent CSR literature in the mainland, followed by an in‐depth critique of two major Chinese CSR studies conducted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.Findings – In China, much of the CSR literature is conceptual, descriptive, or argumentative in nature. Proper research methodologies are not systematically applied in some studies, and supporting theories are lacking. Besides, self‐developed indicator systems, rather than internationally adopted systems, are used as the mainstream measurement tools in research focusing on CSR performance evaluation. In general, CSR research in China has just got started and has a long way to go.Originality/value – Recent rev...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the influence of personal attributes, organizational ethics position and other factors which are rules conformance, active participation in profession activities, ethics instructions received and understanding of the professional code of conduct on Malaysian accountants' judgment on questionable ethical scenarios.
Abstract: Purpose – The objective of this paper is to examine the influence of personal attributes, organizational ethics position and other factors which are rules conformance, active participation in profession activities, ethics instructions received and understanding of the professional code of conduct on the Malaysian accountants' judgment on questionable ethical scenarios.Design/methodology/approach – A survey questionnaire is carried out to elicit opinions of Malaysian accountants on factors influencing ethical judgments.Findings – Adopting 15 vignettes used in Emerson et al. to assess ethical judgments, the main findings revealed from the analysis are that older accountants, accountants attached to corporations with higher ethics scale and accountants who understand the professional code of conduct are expected to be stricter in judging questionable ethical situations.Practical implications – The findings imply that perhaps one way to promote and preserve ethical organizational decisions is by employing old...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the extent to which Indian insurance companies have adapted socially responsible reporting practices, HR disclosures and also to identify areas of corporate social reporting and HR disclosures, and found that the non-life insurance companies disclosed significantly less social information than life insurance companies.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which Indian insurance companies have adapted socially responsible reporting practices, HR disclosures and also to identify areas of corporate social reporting and HR disclosures.Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts longitudinal design and has analyzed qualitative data by using content analysis in 26 insurance companies in India disclosed in annual reports. The paper focuses on annual reports of Indian insurance companies starting from the financial year 2002‐2003 to 2009‐2010, which are analyzed with regard to the nature of their human resource disclosures and social reporting. Finally, a test of legitimacy theory is then conducted.Findings – The study found that the non‐life insurance companies disclosed significantly less social information than life insurance companies. The study also reveals that public life insurers disclosed significantly more social information than the other life insurance companies. On the other hand, a pa...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compare the CSR strategy, stakeholder engagement and overseas approaches of six leading companies that have large potential environmental and social impacts, influential stakeholders and notable CSR actions.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to compare the CSR strategy, stakeholder engagement and overseas approaches of six leading companies that have large potential environmental and social impacts, influential stakeholders and notable CSR actions. Design/methodology/approach – This is an exploratory survey based on interviews with senior executives from British and Brazilian companies operating in the steel, petroleum and retail sectors, that makes comparisons between and within them. Findings – The British companies interviewed are more rule-based, adopt an implicit CSR approach, react to stakeholders' demands based on moral motives, and focus on environmental issues. The Brazilian companies reviewed in this study adopt an explicit CSR approach, have relational motives to engage with stakeholders, and are more concerned with building a responsible image and narrowing social gaps. Research limitations/implications – The survey is based on the perceptions of the senior executives interviewed, which may or may not cor...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors applied William Sharpe's method of style analysis to evaluate the performance of 94 US socially responsible mutual funds and found that active management of mutual funds is an important determinant of their performance in socially responsible investing industry.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of socially responsible funds by closely examining funds' investment styles.Design/methodology/approach – The authors apply William Sharpe's method of style analysis to evaluate the performance of 94 US socially responsible mutual funds. By using the fund style as a benchmark, the authors are able to separate the performance attributed to style and selection.Findings – The authors observe that underperformance of socially responsible funds is more pronounced and common than identified in the previous literature. Proponents of socially responsible investing argue that screening process provides an opportunity to fund managers to identify best companies in terms of future financial performance. The paper finds that active management of mutual funds is an important determinant of their performance in socially responsible investing industry. This paper provides evidence supporting that active management of socially responsible funds add value....
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide insights into the under-researched area of social responsibility of small scale individual entrepreneurs (SIEs) and how that impacts on customer loyalty at the bottom of the pyramid (BoP) in the context of South Asia.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the under‐researched area of social responsibility of small scale individual entrepreneurs (SIEs) and how that impacts on customer loyalty at the bottom of the pyramid (BoP) in the context of South Asia.Design/methodology/approach – Drawing from the literature, the paper expands and builds on the previous work of Azmat and Samaratunge on SIEs and develops a set of propositions that provide insights into the probable link between customer awareness, responsible business practices of SIEs and customer loyalty at the BoP level.Findings – Findings highlight the uniqueness of SIEs, BoP customers and the contextual variables in developing countries. The authors further contribute to knowledge by developing the concept of blind customer loyalty, where SIEs are likely to experience customer loyalty regardless of being socially responsible.Research limitations/implications – Given the limited literature on the social responsibility practices of SIEs, ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe and discuss how the biotech company Novozymes integrates stakeholder thinking into everyday sustainability practices, and provide a detailed analysis of how various stakeholder relations management methods can be used in practice to integrate sustainability in an organisation.
Abstract: Purpose – The objective of the paper is to describe and discuss how the biotech company Novozymes integrates stakeholder thinking into everyday sustainability practices. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on first-hand experiences as well as secondary information from Novozymes' stakeholder-oriented sustainability activities. Findings – The paper illustrates how a company is striving to transform the general stakeholder principles into concrete, manageable actions. Moreover, the paper describes some of the needs, challenges, and paradoxes experienced by an organisation that is trying to make sense of stakeholder thinking. Originality/value – The contribution of this paper is to provide a detailed analysis of how various stakeholder relations management methods can be used in practice to integrate sustainability in an organisation.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore social expectations and practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Oman and find that society in Oman seems to expect corporations to provide safe and reliable products/services, appropriately treat employees, behave ethically, and be committed to social responsibility.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explore social expectations and practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Oman.Design/methodology/approach – In total, 153 respondents (45 per cent Omanis and 55 per cent expatriates) shared their expectations which were compared with documentary evidence from core large and medium‐sized enterprises' CSR practice in Oman.Findings – On average, CSR mean scores exhibited similarity for most respondent groups except for Omanis, young people, and those with high school or lower education who scored less, indicating a general lack of awareness of CSR. Society in Oman seems to expect corporations to provide “safe and reliable products/services”, “appropriately treat employees”, “behave ethically”, and be “committed to social responsibility”.Research limitations/implications – While there is limited generalizability of the findings of this exploratory study per se due to sample size limitations, a clear pattern emerges to facilitate more in‐depth studies on CSR in Oman, an...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyze the skills and competencies required of corporate social responsibility (CSR) managers through best case practice in Thailand and examine the organizational competency framework of strategy for integrating CSR and its associated skills into mainstream business.
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to analyze the skills and competencies required of corporate social responsibility (CSR) managers through best case practice in Thailand. It attempts to define and identify how large companies use such attributes with regard to knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills. It also examines the organizational competency framework of strategy for integrating CSR and its associated skills into mainstream business.Design/methodology/approach – As a qualitative study, the methodology used for collecting data consisted of both open‐ended and focused interviews with managers, and consultations with staff who implement CSR in these large companies. Secondary data from annual reports, sustainability reports and CSR reports were also analyzed.Findings – The interviews indicated that specific skills and competencies were needed for managing CSR, but these varied, and a competency framework for Thai corporations was developed.Research limitations/implications – The interviews were limited to o...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the constraining role of accounting in higher education pursuit of sustainability goals and provide recommendations to transform accounting in ways that create incentives for sustainability and a dialogic reporting culture.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this interdisciplinary paper is to explore the constraining role of accounting in the higher education pursuit of sustainability goals and to provide recommendations to transform accounting in ways that create incentives for sustainability and a dialogic reporting culture in higher education accounting.Design/methodology/approach – Critical social theory and “strong” sustainability provide the theoretical framework for this interdisciplinary analysis. A literature review and collection of anecdotal evidence supports conceptual development of accounting technologies that provide incentives for sustainability practices in higher education.Findings – Conventional accounting practices are founded on positivism, managerialism, and neo‐classical economics, creating a psychic prison for the accounting discipline that fails to recognize the socially constructed nature of accounting reports and their explicit valuation role. University rewards structures, reporting mechanisms, and curricul...