scholarly journals Internationalization and CSR reporting: evidence from US companies and their Polish subsidiaries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles H. Cho ◽  
Joanna Krasodomska ◽  
Paulette Ratliff-Miller ◽  
Justyna Godawska
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Corporate Websites ◽  
The Us ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
Eastern European Countries ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose This study examines the internationalization effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting, specifically aiming to identify and compare the CSR reporting practices of large US multi-national corporations (MNCs) and their Polish subsidiaries. Design/methodology/approach Based on content analysis and using a disclosure index, the authors examined the CSR information posted on, or linked to, the corporate websites of a sample of 60 US-based MNCs and their subsidiaries operating in Poland. Findings The findings indicate that US companies, despite operating in a less regulated environment, had more extensive disclosure than their Polish subsidiaries and covered more CSR-related topics. CSR disclosures within the US subsample were analogous in volume and detail. By contrast, only about half of Polish companies provided CSR disclosures, which were more diverse in volume and in the types of activities disclosed. The authors did not find a significant positive correlation between the CSR disclosures of the two subsamples. Originality/value The study contributes to the literature on internationalization processes and sustainability practices. It provides insights into the CSR reporting of companies located in Central and Eastern European countries. The findings also have implications for policymakers in incentivizing the enhancement of the reporting disclosure practices of companies.

Board independence and corporate social responsibility reporting: mediating role of stakeholder power

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Afzalur Rashid
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Board Independence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Stakeholder Power

Purpose This study aims to examine the association between board independence and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting and the moderating role of stakeholder power on the association between board independence and CSR reporting. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 707 Bangladeshi firm-year observations, this study uses a content analysis technique to develop a 24-item of CSR reporting index. This study uses the ordinary least squares regression method to examine the relationship between board independence and CSR reporting. Findings The study finds that board independence does not influence CSR activities and relevant reporting in general. However, the non-influence of board independence and CSR reporting is offset by stakeholder power. Insider ownership, firm age, firm size, growth opportunities and market capitalisation have a positive influence on such reporting. Practical implications While this study suggests that stakeholders’ influence is an important factor in determining the firms’ incentives to disclose CSR information, this finding creates a new debate on the efficacy of independent directors and whether they are good monitors and are able to fulfil all the stakeholders’ expectations. Originality/value This study makes an important contribution to the literature on CSR practices by documenting that firms having powerful stakeholders induce the board and management to make more CSR reporting practices in the context of emerging economies.

How can companies succeed in forming CSR reputation?

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 435-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun Young Lee
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Specific Aspect ◽  
Press Releases ◽  
Primary Methods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Websites ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Facebook Pages ◽  
Existing Data

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the channels companies use to communicate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) messages and to test the effectiveness of those channels – specifically, press releases, corporate websites, CSR reports, corporate Facebook pages, and TV advertising – on forming companies’ CSR reputations. Design/methodology/approach The two primary methods used in this study were secondary analysis of existing data and content analysis. The study sample was the 101 companies in the Reputation Institute’s 2014 CSR ranking of the 100 most highly regarded companies (two companies were tied) across 15 countries. Findings Corporate websites and CSR reports were the most common channels for CSR communications, but press releases – through their impact on news articles – and general corporate Facebook pages were the only effective channels in forming CSR reputation. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence of the effectiveness of various CSR communication channels; it not only focuses on CSR reputation, a specific aspect of corporate reputation which has not been studied in this context before, but also examines several different channels simultaneously, in contrast to previous studies which have only investigated one or two channels at a time.

Quality reporting of corporate philanthropy

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 486-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Valor ◽  
Grzegorz Zasuwa
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Corporate Philanthropy ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Reporting ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Corporate Websites ◽  
Fortune 100 ◽  
Accounting Model ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to outline a framework for corporate philanthropy (CP) reporting that could help differentiate between symbolic and substantive reporting; and second, to test whether the reporting practices of large corporate donors are symbolic or substantive. Design/methodology/approach First, to construct a framework for CP reporting, the authors draw from research on corporate social responsibility communication, CP and reputational capital-building. Second, the philanthropy disclosures found in non-financial reports of the largest donors from the list of Fortune 100 corporations were examined using content analysis. Findings The theoretical framework identifies key ingredients of disclosure quality such as goals, causes, support, partners and impacts. The empirical findings show that disclosures regarding CP are more symbolic than meaningful. The largest donors provide descriptive information regarding the CP plan that primarily focuses on projects and causes. However, they fail to provide an explicit account of their decisions and the results of their philanthropic activities. Research limitations/implications The framework could also be applied with small changes to other communication outlets including social media and corporate websites. Originality/value This paper addresses an important gap in non-financial reporting research: the lack of a CP accounting model. To the authors’ knowledge, the framework developed in this paper represents the first conceptualization of the quality of CP disclosure that may enable scholars to differentiate symbolic from substantive CP and in this way advances the debate on CP communication. This framework can also help companies sincerely engaged in philanthropy to benefit from these activities.

scholarly journals Assurance of the leading UK food retailers' corporate social responsibility/sustainability reports

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Jones ◽  
David Hillier ◽  
Daphne Comfort
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Food Retailers ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
Assurance Process ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer an exploratory assessment of the employment of assurance in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Sustainability reports published by the UK's top ten food retailers. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with an outline of the characteristics of assurance and the empirical information for the paper is drawn from the assurance material in the CSR/Sustainability reports posted on the internet by five of the selected retailers. Findings – The findings reveal considerable variation in the nature and the scope of the assurance processes undertaken, at best the accent is on limited assurance and some concerns are expressed about the independence of the assessment process. The paper concludes that these concerns can be seen to reduce the reliability and credibility of the assurance process. Originality/value – The paper provides an accessible review of how the UK's top ten food retailers are employing external assurance statements as part of their CSR reporting and as such it will interest academics, managers within the retail industry and those professionals and consultants who work with the industry.

scholarly journals Political connections and corporate social responsibility reporting in Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 1203-1215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Teresa Bianchi ◽  
Patrícia Monteiro ◽  
Graça Azevedo ◽  
Jonas Oliveira ◽  
Rui Couto Viana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Political Connections ◽  
Legitimacy Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to examine the relation between firms’ political connections and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting in Portugal. The authors argue that in settings where the existence of political connections are viewed as damaging collective interests of stakeholders, political connected firms can deal with legitimacy issues from such connections by resorting to CSR practices and the reporting thereof. Design/methodology/approach Using archival data from a panel sample of 36 firms from Portugal between 2009 and 2012, the authors examine the relationship between political connections and CSR reporting by way of regression analysis. Findings The authors find a positive relationship between political connections and CSR reporting. Originality/value This study draws on legitimacy theory to highlight that CSR can be used to deal with stakeholder activism and vigilance pertaining to suspicion related to the existence of political connections.

Consistencies and discrepancies in corporate social responsibility reporting in the pharmaceutical industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mert Demir ◽  
Maung Min
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industry ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Pharmaceutical Companies ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose This paper aims to examine the consistencies and discrepancies in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting by analyzing the CSR reports of pharmaceutical companies. Despite the major role pharmaceutical companies play in the CSR field, our knowledge of the extent to which their disclosures provide comprehensive, material, credible and accurate information on their actual performances is limited because of a lack of sufficient literature on the CSR reporting practices of pharmaceutical companies. Design/methodology/approach The authors present a literature review that serves as the basis to develop the two key research questions: Do pharmaceutical companies publish comprehensive CSR reports? Are company reports that cover more material issues more comprehensive? Using the information on material CSR topics provided by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and CSR reporting quality scores by the CSR-Sustainability Monitor®, the authors analyzed the CSR reports of the world’s 15 leading pharmaceutical companies. A total of 11 material topics from SASB were mapped onto the corresponding contextual elements in the CSR-Sustainability Monitor. The Monitor evaluates CSR reports published by the world’s largest companies in terms of the degree of transparency and external verification of reporting. Findings The analyses revealed that while the pharmaceutical industry outperforms other industries in terms of the overall comprehensiveness of reporting, certain discrepancies exist among these companies in the content of their disclosures. Specifically, pharmaceutical companies beat the averages on multiple key CSR topics. However, while disclosures on mature areas such as environment and labor relations show some level of standardization, those focusing particularly on sensitive areas such as human rights and supply chain are far from being standardized. The authors also find that CSR reports that do not include all of SASB’s material topics are just as comprehensive as those that do. A detailed analysis of US and non-US companies separately further revealed that this result is valid for both groups of companies. Research limitations/implications Considering the voluntary nature of CSR reporting, pharmaceutical companies still resort to selective disclosure techniques to highlight their achievements in areas where they feel more confident while leaving out others that can have potential negative consequences on the company. These results underscore the evolving nature of CSR reporting in the pharmaceutical industry and call for more attention and further investigation from managers and researchers alike. Originality/value The originality and value of the research show that despite its rapid growth and wide recognition by different segments of society and business as an effective and promising concept, CSR reporting has not yet reached a point where its expected benefits are realized. Focusing on the disclosure side of the story, this paper tries to identify the extent to which the pharmaceutical industry appropriately addresses increasing societal demand for enhanced transparency on its sustainable business policies and practices.

Corporate social responsibility reporting practices in banking companies in Bangladesh

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Hafij Ullah ◽  
Mohammad Afjalur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Annual Report ◽  
Regulatory Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a deeper understanding of the nature and extent of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting in the annual report by banking companies in Bangladesh, identify the impact of regulatory change on CSR reporting and examine whether there is any relationship between the extent of CSR reporting and bank characteristics. CSR movement and CSR reporting practices by financial sector have gathered great momentum in recent years. Banking sector is in the leading position in discharging CSR reporting. Design/methodology/approach – The sample composed of all the 30 banking companies enlisted in Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), and the study used content analysis approach for systematic categorization and analysis of the contents reported in the annual report. A total of 97 CSR items classified into seven classes were selected through a relevant literature review, as the expected items and average, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, percentage and correlation, etc. were used as the tools of analysis. SPSS software version 19.0 was used to analyze the data. An ordinary least square (OLS) regression model is fitted to the data for assessing the effect of independent variables on total CSR reporting score. Findings – The study found that the extent of CSR reporting in banking companies in Bangladesh varies from 27.84 to 65.98 per cent, and on an average, they report 47.39 per cent of the expected CSR items in annual report. It is also observed that banking companies in Bangladesh emphasized on linguistic or written form than charts, graphs or pictures in reporting CSR activities to their stakeholders, and the study found no significant influence of the selected bank characteristics on the extent of CSR reporting. Moreover, the study observed significant impact of regulatory change on nature and extent of CSR reporting. Research limitations/implications – The study considered all the listed commercial banking companies in Bangladesh, and the annual report of 2011 was taken as the main source of data. Social implications – Among others, the implications of the study include the following. Banking companies are expected to get a real scenario of CSR reporting of the banking sector in Bangladesh and banking companies with poor CSR contribution expected to be motivated for contributing more in CSR activities. Government and other regulatory bodies can also get detailed information regarding CSR reporting practices for formulating guidelines in this regard. Originality/value – This empirical study on the determinants of extent of CSR reporting using a larger number of expected CSR items contributes toward a better understanding of the CSR reporting practices of the banking companies in Bangladesh. The study used a new independent variable “CSR Expenditure” in justifying its influence on CSR reporting and identified the impact of regulatory change on CSR reporting. The study expects contributing in the enactment of more regulatory requirements for bringing the CSR reporting into a certain framework and encouraging in more CSR reporting in Bangladesh.

An exploration of internal audit’s corporate social responsibility role – insights from South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 719-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry Ackers
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose In South Africa, King III requires companies to have their corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures independently assured. Within this context, the purpose of this paper is to examine internal audit’s CSR assurance role. Design/methodology/approach With reference to the International Professional Practices Framework of the Institute of Internal Auditors, the first phase of the study conceptually considers whether internal audit does qualify as an independent CSR assurance provider. Using a content analysis of integrated reports, the second phase examines the extent to which internal audit’s CSR assurance role has been disclosed. The final phase relies on survey responses to understand the emerging trends observed in the second phase. Findings The study finds that although internal audit does provide independent CSR assurance, this assurance is primarily intended for internal stakeholders to assist in improving the quality of CSR reporting practices. With one notable exception across the study period, the results suggest that any benefits accruing to external stakeholders were not deliberate, but merely incidental. The paper concludes by arguing that although internal audit will continue to incorporate material CSR issues into its mandatory risk-based auditing approach, the results will not necessarily be publicly available. The extent of reliance that external stakeholders can place on company CSR disclosures are therefore not directly influenced by internal audit’s involvement in CSR-related matters. However, by adopting a proactive CSR role, internal audit can assist reporting companies improve their CSR reporting practices. Originality/value Although CSR assurance has been extensively researched, this is one of the first studies to specifically consider the CSR assurance role of the internal audit activity. Despite its South African orientation, given the emerging nature of the CSR assurance phenomenon, the study findings have global implications.

When two worlds collide

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 12-14
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Corporate Reporting ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – In the early days of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a newly defined issue in the 1980s, one of the main barriers to achieving a satisfactory level of accountability and reporting was the inability to fully understand the inner workings of major corporations. This was gradually overcome by developments in corporate reporting and regulation that many governments put in place, but for some firms, CSR reporting was something of a hindrance and something that might be manipulated if need be. Or in some countries, simply ignored. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals The Stage of Corporate Social Responsibility in EU-CEE Countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Guia Arraiano ◽  
Camelia Daniela Hategan
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting ◽  
Eastern European Countries ◽  
Corporate Social

In the European Union, the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility reporting is increasing, because 2017 is the year in which the CSR reporting of large companies passes from the voluntary to the mandatory stage according to the requirements of the European Directive 2014/95/EU. In this context, this paper aims to examine the stage of Corporate Social Responsibility in Central and Eastern European Countries members of European Union, in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative which is consistent with globally recognised criteria worldwide, in the period 2002-2018. A critical analysis of the quality of the reporting was performed, looking at whether it has improved over the previous year and whether it respects legal requirements, and whether the communicated information is useful to the stakeholders. Base on literature review it was found that there is a gap of Corporate Social Responsibility’s reporting research to Western European countries. The results show that the evolution of reporting practices has improved over the years for the all countries and the most reports are prepared by multinationals companies. Thus, we can see how companies react to regulatory requirements and other government demands. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, reporting, Global Reporting Initiative, Central and Eastern European Countries, quality

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document