scholarly journals Does mandatory CSR reporting lead to higher CSR transparency? The case of France

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Lena Kühn ◽  
Markus Stiglbauer ◽  
Janina Heel
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Public Image ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Social Dimensions ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Latent Construct ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Csr Engagement

Expedited by the financial crisis and increased stakeholder activism, the demand for reliable and accountable business practices and transparency has gained momentum in the current corporate social responsibility (CSR) debate. Consequently, companies have started to become aware of the increasing importance of conveying increased transparency and accountability to stakeholders, gaining their legitimacy and establishing a positive public image through adequate CSR reporting. Since it is obligatory to disclose information on corporate financial performance and on companies’ environmental and social impact in France, this paper addresses how transparent French listed companies of the CAC 40 communicate their CSR engagement externally. To turn the latent construct ‘transparency of CSR reporting’ into a measurable value, we conduct qualitative content analysis based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines. Assuming mandatory CSR reporting to increase companies’ CSR transparency in general, most of the companies communicate their corporate profile, strategy and management broadly. Whereas companies report the environmental dimension most frequently, they refer only marginally to the economic and social dimensions.

scholarly journals CSR reporting by Chinese and Western MNEs: patterns combining formal homogenization and substantive differences

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Ervits
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Developed Economies ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Advanced Economies ◽  
Chinese Mnes ◽  
Complex Picture ◽  
Corporate Social

AbstractIn light of the growing economic might and intensification of global activities of Chinese multinational enterprises (MNE), this paper looks into the nature of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting. CSR communications of the largest Chinese companies and their counterparts from advanced economies have been compared based on quantitative and qualitative content analysis of CSR reports. A mixed method approach has been rarely utilized in the analysis of CSR reporting. To analyze CSR reports the paper uses a two-dimensional conceptual framework based on Wood (Acad Manag Rev 16:691–717, 1991); Jamali and Mirshak (J Bus Ethics 72:243–262, 2007) and Lockett, Moon and Visser (J Manag Stud 43:115–136, 2006); Moon and Shen (J Bus Ethics 94:613–629, 2010). The findings indicate that quantitatively Chinese MNEs display patterns of CSR reporting comparable to major MNEs in developed economies. This paper argues that just like MNEs from developed economies Chinese MNEs use a global CSR reporting template as a convenient tool to align and harmonize various isomorphic pressures. However, qualitatively substantive discrepancies in content have been also identified due to national or other contextual characteristics. The analysis reveals a complex picture of national and international isomorphic forces at play. The paper addresses the lack of consensus concerning convergence/divergence of CSR reporting across the globe and, more specifically, between developed economies and emerging markets. In this respect this paper responds to the general call for research looking into various aspects of business operations, including CSR reporting, of MNEs from emerging markets.

scholarly journals Paradox and legitimacy in construction: how CSR reports restrict CSR practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg Watts ◽  
Scott Fernie ◽  
Andy Dainty
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rhetorical Device ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Public Body ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Communication Methods

PurposeCorporate social responsibility (CSR) is a prominent topic of debate, and yet remains subject to multiple interpretations. Despite this ambiguity, organisations need to communicate their CSR activity effectively in order to meet varied stakeholder demands, increase financial performance and in order to achieve legitimacy in the eyes of clients and various stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to explore how CSR is communicated, and the impact such communication methods have on CSR practice. More specifically, it examines the disconnect between the rhetoric espoused in CSR reports and the actualities of the ways in which CSR is practiced.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative content analysis of 100 CSR reports published by nine construction contractors informed the design of qualitative interviews. In total, 17 interviews were then conducted with contractors and public body clients.FindingsStrategic ambiguity explains how contractors circumvent the problem of attending to conflicting stakeholder CSR needs. However, this results in a paradox where CSR is simultaneously sustained as a corporate metric and driver, whilst being simultaneously undermined in being seen as a rhetorical device. By examining this phenomenon through the lens of legitimacy, the study reveals how both the paradox and subsequent actions of clients that this provokes, act to restrict the development of CSR practice.Originality/valueThis is the first study to use the lens of legitimacy theory to analyse the relationship between CSR reporting and CSR practice in the construction industry. In revealing the CSR paradox and its ramifications the research provides a novel explanation of the lack of common understandings and manifestations of CSR within the construction sector.

scholarly journals The Environmental Responsibility of the World’s Largest Banks

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bożena Ryszawska ◽  
Justyna Zabawa
Keyword(s):  
Comparison Method ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Reporting Standards ◽  
Professional Literature ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Environmentally Responsible ◽  
Environmental Actions ◽  
And Function ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Role And Function

Abstract Sustainability transition is changing the role and function of banks, specially their products and services also in relation to stakeholders. Banks are one of the main actors supporting the transition to sustainable economy. The purpose of this study is to emphasise the role of world’s largest banks in that process. Banks are slowly responding to the new demand of sustainability and responsibility, and they try to align with it. The paper is based on an overview of the world’s five largest banks that employ corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting standards, together with detailed enumeration of pro-environmental activities included in the reports. The first section of this paper presents the most popular approaches to the problem at hand, as reported in professional literature. Section two presents the characteristics of the CSR actions in banks. The third section discusses the environmental actions of the biggest banks in Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting the most popular standard for reporting non-financial information. And the last part of the paper presents the conclusions resulting from the article. The research was conducted using a variety of sources, such as scientific articles, statistical data, CSR reports of the world’s largest banks, as well reporting principles and standard disclosures. The basic method used in the process of writing was a critical analysis of literature and reports concerning the CSR reporting standards, environmental responsibilities of different kinds of entities, as well as own observations based on special reports of banks. In the article, also the analysis of financial market data, induction method and comparison method have been used. The main conclusions of the analysis of the CSR reports disclosed by the world’s largest banks confirm all three of the theses presented in the article. The findings suggest that the banks under study can be regarded as environmentally responsible entities. Their reports and disclosures are produced according to the internationally recognized standards. There are also critical opinions about the standards for reporting environmental information, but the weaknesses of reporting these aspects do not undermine the benefits of using the GRI guidelines.

Sustainable Intellectual Capital

2013 ◽  
pp. 156-173
Author(s):  
Camelia Iuliana Lungu ◽  
Chirata Caraiani ◽  
Cornelia Dascalu
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Transfer Of Knowledge ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Reporting Requirements ◽  
Corporate Social

This chapter introduces and defines the concept of sustainable intellectual capital and proposes an assessment model designed on the base of the key performance indicators required by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The research results presented in this paragraph are debated in relation to companies’ practice. They refer to possible ways of including the information on Intellectual Capital (IC) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting requirements within their corporate strategy. The conclusions enhance the need for companies to be ready to support the integration of information on intellectual capital and corporate social responsibility in the transfer of knowledge in order to develop competitive advantage in the market. This research can contribute in many different ways, such as the extensive development of literatures and studies on relationships between corporate social responsibility and intellectual capital, the development of the new concept: the sustainable intellectual capital, or the projection of corporate strategy. The findings can enlighten organizations that intellectual capital can be an important asset, which is beneficial in conducting corporate social responsibility.

scholarly journals Corporate Social Responsibility Among Travel and Tour Operators in Nepal

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rojan Baniya ◽  
Brijesh Thapa ◽  
Min-Seong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Travel And Tourism ◽  
Responsible Business Practices ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Csr Engagement

Travel and tour operators (TTOs) have become increasingly and positively engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) due to increased consumer awareness and responsible business practices. However, CSR engagement has not fully permeated the travel and tourism industry in Nepal as it is still considered ambiguous. There is a need to identify baseline knowledge, and to institute programs and policies for CSR engagement. This study formulated a conceptual model to empirically test the relationship between perceptions of CSR (comparative, benefits and favorability) and its association with the importance, participation and future engagement intentions among TTOs in Nepal. Data were collected via a questionnaire among TTO (n = 138) that were registered with the National Association of Tour and Travel Agents. Based on the results, CSR was deemed to be important due to customers’ favorability toward organizations that implemented related activities. This relationship influenced CSR participation and subsequently led to future intentions to engage. Overall, it was apparent that the TTOs which were essentially small and medium enterprises were focused on CSR implementation largely due to customers’ pressure and/or demand. This study provides knowledge to devise appropriate strategies to drive CSR implementation in the tourism industry via TTO in Nepal.

scholarly journals The Role of Gender Diversity on Tax Aggressiveness and Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence from Italian Listed Companies

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Vacca ◽  
Antonio Iazzi ◽  
Demetris Vrontis ◽  
Monica Fait
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Tax Aggressiveness ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Csr Disclosure ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Relationship

The paper aims to examine the moderating role of gender diversity within a corporate board on the relationship between tax aggressiveness and a firm’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. This analysis was conducted using a set of indicators of financial statements of 168 Italian listed firms between 2011 and 2018. In addition, the sustainability reports of the same companies were observed. To perform the analysis a logit regression model is used. This paper shows different empirical results. First, this study notes that there is not a direct relationship between tax aggressiveness and CSR reporting. Second, gender diversity in a board of directors increases the orientation of companies to CSR disclosure, but does not have an impact on the relationship between tax aggressiveness and CSR disclosure. Instead, CEO gender has a positive influence on the relationship between corporate tax planning and CSR reporting in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. This study emphasizes the key role of gender diversity in the growth of the CSR approach and the reputation of companies. Therefore, governments and policymakers of major countries should promote gender diversity in corporate decision-making bodies, which contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

scholarly journals CSR reporting in China’s private and state-owned enterprises: A mixed methods comparative analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Ervits
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Emerging Industries ◽  
The Social ◽  
Responsive Behavior ◽  
Socially Responsive ◽  
Corporate Social

AbstractThe paper pursues a mixed methods approach of conducting both quantitative and qualitative content analysis of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports in two types of Chinese companies: State-owned (SOE) and non-state-owned (non-SOE) enterprises. Quantitative content analysis revealed overall homogeneity in CSR reporting among SOEs and non-SOEs in China, which can be explained by coercive isomorphism on a national scale. The Chinese government has created an intricate system of incentives encouraging both SOEs and non-SOEs to engage in socially responsive behavior and disclosure. As a result of qualitative analysis, a recurring theme of “strategic emerging industries” (SEI) was identified in the CSR reports of predominantly state-owned banks. This finding provides empirical evidence of the link between the social and economic objectives of the Chinese government, and it shows how state-owned banks mediate between the state and business (SOEs and non-SOEs) as part of a coercive isomorphism apparatus.

scholarly journals Application of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Principles for Measuring Quality of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Disclosure: Evidence from Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 11409
Author(s):  
Hina Ismail ◽  
Muhammad A. Saleem ◽  
Sadaf Zahra ◽  
Muhammad S. Tufail ◽  
Rao Akmal Ali
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Development Agenda ◽  
Csr Disclosure ◽  
Corporate Social

CSR Reporting is an essential mechanism for ensuring the transparency and accountability of companies towards sustainability performance. To further promote that sustainable development agenda, CSR-related regulations and policies have emerged worldwide, including in Pakistan. Therefore this study assesses the quality of corporate social responsibility in annual reports issued by firms listed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange. This study has operationalized the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) principles for examining the quality of CSR disclosures. The paper sample comprised 540 annual reports of 90 financial or non-financial companies from the years 2012 to 2017. Content analysis is performed to look for six quality principles and measures, i.e., balance, comparability, accuracy, clarity, reliability, and timeliness. Results suggested that most Pakistani firms provide precise and on-time information and put less emphasis on the balance of information and comparable information. Moreover, this study also highlighted that organizations should implement the GRI principle for disclosing qualitative CSR report.

Relevance of voluntary environmental and social reporting in the French context: Does CSR assurance matter?

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-64
Author(s):  
Amira Lajmi ◽  
Gilles Paché
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Economics ◽  
Market Value ◽  
Social Reporting ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Market Values ◽  
Social Actions ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Relationship

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting is of high importance for firms that wish to communicate their environmental and social actions to stakeholders and society at large. Of course, the credibility of CSR reporting affects considerably the market reaction to the information provided. Although research on environmental and social reporting is important, empirical evidence regarding the relevance of environmental and social disclosure to firms’ market values is scarce. This paper specifically analyzes the moderating role of external CSR assurance on the relationship between voluntary environmental and social reporting and firm market value. A content analysis index is then developed based on disclosure items specified in the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines. Using hand-collected data on a sample of French companies, the authors find that CSR assurance has a negative moderating effect on the relationship between high environmental and social reporting and firms’ market value, raising questions about the role of external assurance in assessing CSR reporting credibility. AcknowledgmentThe authors sincerely thank three anonymous reviewers of Environmental Economics for their insightful comments on a previous version of the paper.

Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting in India: A Study of SENSEX Companies

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shafat Maqbool ◽  
M. Nasir Zamir
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting ◽  
Csr Disclosure ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Environmental Activities

This study examines the corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure of Indian firms in the wake of the Companies Act, 2013. The annual reports of SENSEX companies for 2016–2017 were scanned to observe the dominant field of CSR reporting related to ‘community development’, ‘environmental activities’, ‘human resources’, ‘products & customer relations’ and ‘fair business practices’. Analysis of annual reports reveals that ‘fair business practices’ received most attention followed by ‘community development’ and ‘environmental activities’. Likewise, the most reported items have been ‘education’, ‘health’ and ‘energy conservation’. The results show that the CSR disclosure is pronouncedly communicated by ‘mining and mineral’ companies followed by ‘power sector’ companies.

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