CSR communication on corporate websites compared across continents

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Hetze ◽  
Herbert Winistörfer
Keyword(s):  
Banking Sector ◽  
Corporate Communications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Website ◽  
Csr Communication ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Corporate Websites ◽  
Global Banking ◽  
Comprehensive Picture ◽  
Year 2000

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how the 106 largest banks in the world use their corporate websites for corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication, identifying CSR communication patterns by continent. Design/methodology/approach – An analysis of the location of CSR information on the banks’ corporate websites, a longitudinal analysis of the publication of CSR reports by the banks from 2000 to 2012, and a content analysis of the most current CSR reports in the recent period of study were undertaken. Findings – Three-quarters of the banks communicate on CSR issues on their corporate website – either located in the section “About Us” or under a separate “CSR” heading which is directly accessible on the front homepage. Company reports published on the website are the most important vehicle for CSR communication. Their publication increased from six for the publication year 2000 to a peak of 63 reports for the year 2011. The reports’ titles are most commonly linked to the concepts of “responsibility” or “sustainability” and refer to ten main stakeholders and topics. In a comparison between continents there is a difference in the use of titles: European banks prefer the title “Sustainability Report”, while Asian and American banks in particular prefer the title “CSR Report”. Research limitations/implications – The paper focuses on corporate communications, and therefore does not address perspectives on CSR communication from other disciplines. Within CSR communication, sources of CSR-related information other than the corporate websites have not been considered. Originality/value – This paper gives the first comprehensive picture of the trend in CSR communication on corporate websites in the global banking sector.

FIFA – highlighting the links between global banking and international money laundering

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ahmad Naheem
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Due Diligence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Financial Services Sector ◽  
Global Banking ◽  
Beneficial Ownership ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper uses the recent (August 2015) FIFA arrests to provide an example of how illicit financial flows are occurring through the formal banking and financial services sector. The purpose of this paper is to explore which elements of anti-money laundering (AML) compliance need to be addressed to strengthen the banking response and reduce the impact of IFFs within the banking sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the indictment document currently prepared for the FIFA arrests and the District Court case of Chuck Blazer the FIFA Whistleblower. It uses the banking examples identified in the indictment as typologies of money laundering and wire fraud. Corresponding industry reports on AML compliance are included to determine where the major weaknesses and gaps are across the financial service.FindingsThe main findings from the analysis are that banks still have weak areas within AML compliance. Even recognised red flag areas such as off shore havens, large wire transfers and front companies are still being used. The largest gaps still appear to be due diligence and beneficial ownership information.Research limitations/implicationsThe research topic is very new and emerging topic; therefore, analysis papers and other academic writing on this topic are limited.Practical implicationsThe research paper has identified a number of implications for the banking sector, addressing AML deficiencies, especially the need to consider the source of funds and the need for further enhanced due diligence systems for politically exposed and influential people and the importance of beneficial ownership information.Social implicationsThis paper has implications for the international development and the global banking sector. It will also influence approaches to AML regulation, risk assessment and audit within the broader financial services sector.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is the link between the emerging issues associated with allegations of bribery and corruption within FIFA and the illicit financial flow implications across the banking sector.

Exploring strategic CSR communication on UAE banks' corporate websites

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 413-428
Author(s):  
Effrosyni Georgiadou ◽  
Catherine Nickerson
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Global Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Communication ◽  
Corporate Websites ◽  
Domestic Banks ◽  
Global Banks

PurposeCommunicating CSR through corporate websites is one of the most effective ways for organizations to inform and engage stakeholders, earn legitimacy and reap the intangible and tangible benefits of practicing CSR. However, in emerging economies in the Middle East, online CSR disclosure remains limited while corporate websites are not used effectively as strategic tools. This study explores online CSR communication (CSRC) by banks in the dynamic, emerging economy of the United Arab Emirates.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses an adaptation of the analytical framework used by Chaudhri and Wang (2007) to examine the prominence and extent of the CSR information on the corporate websites of domestic and global banks in the UAE. It further compares domestic and global banks' CSRC patterns as well as domestic/government-owned versus private banks and conventional versus Islamic banks.FindingsAbout 70% of the domestic banks in the UAE provide information about their CSR activities. CSR information is moderately to highly prominent for the majority of the domestic banks, but the extent of the information presented is minimal (1–2 pages). Domestic/government-owned and conventional banks communicate their CSR more prominently and extensively than private and Islamic banks. Domestic/government-owned banks tend to follow the CSRC patterns observed in global banks.Originality/valueDespite the increasingly important role of the United Arab Emirates within the Middle East as well as on the global business arena, very little is known about whether and how companies in the country approach CSR. This is the first study focusing on CSRC within the entirety of a single business sector within the United Arab Emirates.

scholarly journals Online sustainability information disclosure of mold companies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabete Correia ◽  
Susana Garrido ◽  
Helena Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Information Disclosure ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Economic Dimension ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Website ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Corporate Websites ◽  
Sustainability Disclosure

PurposeThe study aims to improve the understanding of the online sustainability disclosure phenomena considering the quantity and nature of the content of the information related to sustainability disclosed in the corporate website of companies, providing evidence about the website sustainability disclosure of different size companies and characterizing the website sustainability disclosure of the Portuguese mold companies.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis methodology was used to the corporate websites of 83 companies in the sample. A direct approach was followed where the researcher is asked to read and classify the text in a previously defined category, but where the possibility of identifying new categories from the collected data is not excluded.FindingsThe information on sustainability disclosed by the mold companies is limited, whether in quantity or concerning the type of information. The information disclosed about environmental and social aspects is scarcer, being the focus more on aspects related to the economic dimension of sustainability, particularly in the areas related to products and services and customers.Research limitations/implicationsThe research design can be broadened to include other sustainability dissemination tools and other research methodologies, such as case studies, to provide a deeper understanding of the concerns and initiatives/practices of sustainability of mold companies.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to the knowledge of sustainability dissemination practices in SMEs, an area of research that needs to be more explored and, in an industrial sector (molds) that have not received much attention in this area.Originality/valueBased on the premise of the importance of corporate sustainability communication, the study focuses on the Internet as an information dissemination tool. It provides indications on the theme and information type that can be used to report the company's sustainability.

scholarly journals Communicating philanthropic CSR versus ethical and legal CSR to employees: empirical evidence in Turkey

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yijing Wang ◽  
Buket Pala
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Media Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Moderation Effect ◽  
Csr Communication ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Employee Identification ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Social Media Communication

PurposeThis study investigates the mechanism through which banks employ corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment to engage in employees. The values of different types of CSR engagement (i.e. philanthropic CSR vs ethical and legal CSR) are distinguished and their influences on employee identification are analyzed. The moderation effect of CSR communication through corporate social media is examined in this context.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 254 respondents was collected through surveying the employees of one of the largest banks in Turkey.FindingsFindings suggest that ethical and legal CSR is perceived more importantly than philanthropic CSR by employees in the banking industry. In addition, the level of transparency and frequency of CSR communication through corporate social media moderates the CSR types–employee identification relationship distinctively.Practical implicationsSpecial attention should be paid to the conditions under which CSR communication takes place effectively, as skeptics toward certain types of CSR initiatives may occur along with the disclosure of information about them.Social implicationsIf organizations use social media communication in a way that would bring the CSR interests of their employees to light, it is likely that CSR initiatives will become more meaningful and have a greater societal impact.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the CSR literature through identifying the value of different types of CSR initiative and confirming the importance of transparent and proactive CSR communication on employee identification in the banking sector.

From strategic corporate social responsibility to value creation: an analysis of corporate website communication in the banking sector

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 1529-1552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Palazzo ◽  
Agostino Vollero ◽  
Alfonso Siano
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Websites ◽  
Business Goals ◽  
Corporate Social

PurposeIncreased public scrutiny and stakeholder pressure have given more importance to strategic corporate social responsibility (SCSR) and its three dimensions – orientation, process and value creation. At the same time, they provide banks the inspiration needed to pursue business goals, attain positive performances and communicate their social responsibility efforts. This paper analyses whether and how companies in the banking sector use corporate websites to communicate SCSR dimensions.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis was performed based on the corporate websites of leading banks included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index to assess the prominence of SCSR communication.FindingsThe study shows that banks give less prominence to SCSR on corporate websites differently from companies belonging to other sectors, as they are less likely to expose their orientation to SCSR and pay slightly less attention to value creation than other companies.Practical implicationsThe paper provides theoretical insights into SCSR dimensions and how they are communicated on corporate websites. From a practical standpoint, the study provides guidance for managers in the banking sector aimed at improving their communication efforts, avoiding decoupling issues and adopting a consistent value creation perspective.Originality/valueFew studies have used a value creation perspective to differentiate between the dimensions of a SCSR approach. The paper fills this gap by assessing the communication efforts adopted by banks and insurance companies in this area.

scholarly journals Banking on bullshit: indifferences towards truth in corporate social responsibility

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Herold ◽  
Timo Dietrich ◽  
Tim Breitbarth
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Corporate Communications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study aims to identify and deconstruct bullshit in banks' corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication to advance the management rhetoric research space, which has been characterised by an indifference to truth and meaning.Design/methodology/approachWe provide a typology of bullshit phenomena overview in the banking sector and follow the McCarthy et al.'s (2020) C.R.A.P. framework from to showcase how bullshit can be comprehended, recognised, acted against and prevented.FindingsThis paper puts a spotlight on written and spoken language to detect bullshit in banks' CSR statements. It provides actionable insights into how stakeholders can act against and prevent bullshit statements from occurring in the future.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research is warranted to assess the use of still imagery, events and video materials in corporate communications and non-financial reporting. Further rigorous assessment of actual CSR initiatives must be undertaken to assess claimed contributions.Practical implicationsMonitoring mechanisms and independent assurance statements prepared by authorised third parties may strengthen the motivation and ethicality of CSR activities.Originality/valueThis viewpoint is the first to follow the C.R.A.P framework and critically assess indifferences towards truth in banks' CSR communications.

Marketing strategies in communicating CSR in the Muslim market of the United Arab Emirates: insights from the banking sector

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Effrosyni Georgiadou ◽  
Catherine Nickerson
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Websites ◽  
Growing Economy ◽  
Conventional Banks ◽  
Responsible Business Practices

Purpose This paper aims to explore the online corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication by domestic and global banks operating in the United Arab Emirates. Design/methodology/approach Through a qualitative content analysis, the study examines the strategies banks use to market their CSR initiatives on their corporate websites. CSR marketing strategies are classified with reference to Kotler and Lee’s (2005) categorization. Findings The analysis indicates that overall, all CSR marketing strategies, as proposed by Kotler and Lee (2005), are used by the domestic UAE banks with the most frequently used being cause-promotion, philanthropy and socially responsible business practices. Government owned and conventional banks display patterns congruent to the communications observed in the global sample. Islamic banks have a less diversified approach relying mostly on philanthropy with only one Islamic bank using four of the six strategies. Originality/value The present study provides insight into how CSR is communicated within one of the largest industries in the fast-growing economy of the UAE. The observations reported here could help corporate communication practitioners and managers in domestic corporations that contribute to the Islamic economy to understand how to benchmark better and to communicate more effectively about their CSR.

Online corporate communications: website usability and content

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
María García García ◽  
M. Victoria Carrillo-Durán ◽  
Juan Luis Tato Jimenez
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Discriminant Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Corporate Communications ◽  
Strategic Communications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Website Usability ◽  
Corporate Websites

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish a categorization of corporate websites as tools of online communication, in accordance with how they apply usability to the content they present, and to determine the indicators of the content and usability variables which mark the differences between each group of websites. Design/methodology/approach The present study analyses how 754 firms manage the usability of the content they provide through the channels of their corporate websites. To this end, a cluster analysis was applied to distinguish the types of firms according to the usability and content of their websites, followed by a discriminant analysis to determine which variables differentiate the groups. Findings The work has presented a list of the indicators that the literature has considered to be determinant aspects of firms’ use of their websites for corporate strategic communications. These indicators can be applied in forming an instrument to measure the quality of company websites in this area. Originality/value The present paper has attempted to clarify the panorama of corporate online communication via websites, understanding the issue as being not just a mere technicality but addressing it from the perspective of the emitter of the communication as a strategic instrument.

Risk of money laundering in the US: HSBC case study

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ahmad Naheem
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Corporate Culture ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Banking

Purpose This paper uses a case study approach using the Permanent Sub Committee on Investigations (PSI) report on HBUS to determine where gaps in anti-money laundering (AML) regulation and compliance are within the banking sector. Design/methodology/approach The PSI highlighted five areas of serious weakness and fundamental flaws in the HBUS AML risk assessment. This paper examines the governance response that led to these weaknesses and applies a rationale decision-making theoretical framework to explain it. Findings The report found that corporate culture and attitude at the governance level were key factors in the difficulties that HBUS faced. Research limitations/implications This paper focuses on one case, albeit one of the largest banks in the global banking sector. Although generalisations are limited, the report does highlight areas to consider with all banks. Practical implications The implications that are identified are aimed at banks and auditing firms that have to work alongside governance structure within banks. The role of internal audit is raised and has future implications for how risk assessment is undertaken and how AML compliance frameworks are devised and reported on. Social implications A stronger social corporate responsibility attitude is suggested that considers the wider social impacts of supporting criminal transactions, even inadvertently, by inappropriate and under-resourced AML risk-assessment frameworks. Originality/value The detailed analysis of one case that considers the governance response to AML regulation is new in this paper, and the detailed recommendations for improving and developing stronger AML risk-assessment frameworks apply to the banking, financial services and auditing professions.

scholarly journals Introducing public procurement tenders as part of corporate communications: a typological analysis based on CSR reporting indicators

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Knebel ◽  
Peter Seele
Keyword(s):  
Public Procurement ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Government Procurement ◽  
Sustainability Indicators ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Corporate Communications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Communication ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Sustainable Procurement

PurposeCorporations have to increasingly include corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication by responding to public procurement tenders because of the recently revised Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) concluded by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The authors argue that procurement tenders are to be seen as part of corporate communications, particularly when aligned with CSR reporting and performance indicators as proposed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The recently published ISO 20400 on sustainable procurement lacks a clear usage indication of sustainability indicators (SIs). This paper aims to close this gap.Design/methodology/approachThe paper performs a typological analysis of sustainability indicators in a sample of 665 currently used SIs. Furthermore, the paper conceptualizes a SIs selector for Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) which is based on the typological analysis and acknowledges recent developments in the evolution of SIs.FindingsThe SIs typology results in three indicator types. The typology leads to the conceptualization of SI’s selector for sustainable public procurement. It enables professionals to build indicators for SPP considering the context of sustainability with impact valuations and allows scholars to advance research on measurement and decision-making.Originality/valueTo the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first introduction of procurement tender processes as part of corporate communications. Furthermore, the derived typology contributes an overview of existing SIs used in CSR communication. The paper contributes a self-responsible and pragmatic approach to CSR theory as private business self-regulation and a definition of SIs for corporate communications.

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