Assurance reports included in the CSR reports of French firms: a longitudinal study

Purpose This paper aims to examine the practice of sustainability assurance and in particular the content of the assurance reports disseminated in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. The objective of the research is to study the evolution of the content of the assurance reports of French companies. Have the reports evolved as a result of the standardization and regulation of the audit? Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal study has been carried out on French companies publishing CSR reports and their sustainability information has been checked for several years. The sample is composed of 19 listed French companies and 135 assurance reports over a period from 2001 to 2015. Findings The results highlight a change in the content of assurance reports according to standardization and regulatory of sustainability auditing. The content evolves from a generic discourse to a normative discourse notably because of the realization of a majority of assurance missions by accounting professionals and the increasing use of ISAE 3000 as well as by the introduction of the Grenelle II Law. Practical implications This paper shows how assurance reports have evolved over time in a particular regulatory context of the introduction of a law specific to assurance, Grenelle II Law, using a sample of French companies. Originality/value Although some studies have attempted to provide a historical analysis of this practice, no research has focused on longitudinal analysis in a particular context of introduction of a law specific to the assurance mission. The lack in previous literature resides in the lack of longitudinal analysis of assurance reports in the light of the evolution of the normative and regulatory frameworks.

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Investigating the relationship between strategic quality management (SQM) and corporate social responsibility (CSR)

Strategic Direction ◽

10.1108/sd-09-2018-0178 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 34 (11) ◽

pp. 26-28

Keyword(s):

Corporate Social Responsibility ◽

Quality Management ◽

Social Responsibility ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Content Type ◽

Pertinent Information ◽

Corporate Social ◽

Strategic Quality Management ◽

The Relationship ◽

Practical Implications

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A paradigm shift in corporate social responsibility: India’s transition from mandatory regime to the COVID-19 era

Social Responsibility Journal ◽

10.1108/srj-01-2021-0020 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Aparna Bhatia ◽

Amandeep Dhawan

Keyword(s):

Corporate Social Responsibility ◽

Social Responsibility ◽

Paradigm Shift ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Gradual Increase ◽

Stock Exchange ◽

Content Type ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Corporate Social ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to examine the pattern of corporate social responsibility expenditure (CSRE) incurred by Indian companies after the inception of Companies Act 2013. It also highlights the resultant change brought in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) spends of the companies because of COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach The CSR index provided by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs under Companies (CSR Policy) Rules 2014, is adopted to measure the extent of CSRE made by top 30 Indian companies listed on Bombay Stock Exchange. To study the pattern of CSRE in various domains mentioned in the CSR index, the study is conducted over four points of time. Three alternative years since the commencement of the Companies Act 2013 i.e. 2014–2015, 2016–2017 and 2018–2019 have been taken up. Additionally, the financial year 2019–2020 is included as it marks the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings The findings show that the CSRE made by companies is increasing every year over all points of time taken in the study. In addition to this, Indian companies have voluntarily contributed a substantial amount towards COVID-19 relief over and above the required mandatory limits. Practical implications The gradual increase in CSR contributions even above the mandated amount and voluntary contribution towards COVID-19 relief by Indian companies implies that the nature of CSR in India is still philanthropic. Originality/value The study contributes to the CSR literature after the implementation of the mandatory CSR provisions in India and in the wake of the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 as so far there is no such study available in the extant literature.

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Customer perceptions of CSR authenticity

International Journal of Organizational Analysis ◽

10.1108/ijoa-08-2017-1213 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 614-629 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Saju Jose ◽

Nilesh Khare ◽

F. Robert Buchanan

Keyword(s):

Corporate Social Responsibility ◽

Social Responsibility ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Customer Perceptions ◽

Novel Approach ◽

Big Picture ◽

Corporate Social ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to look at corporate social responsibility (CSR)-related actions to see whether they relate to clients’ perception of CSR. Design/methodology/approach Ninety-nine bank customers in Brisbane, Australia were surveyed by mail in a cross-sectional field study. Findings Not all CSR-related behaviors of the organizations were influential to perceptions of social responsibility. Big picture actions for the betterment of humanity were found to be influential to the perception of the firm’s CSR. However, respondents did not relate the firms’ profit and revenue initiatives to social responsibility, other than negativity toward false and misleading practices. Research limitations/implications Results are limited to one industry in Australia. Practical implications Actions for human betterment were found to be influential to the perception of the firm’s CSR. Also the uses of dishonest marketing schemes were seen as detrimental to CSR perceptions of the firm. However, respondents did not connect the firm’s business actions affecting profitability with customers, to their perceptions of its CSR. Thus, the authors conclude that altruism from a “big picture” standpoint has value in shaping CSR perception, but the organization may not always find it necessary to deprioritize profit, or to attempt to weave CSR actions into every aspect of their business. Originality/value The inquiry takes a novel approach to CSR, capturing an unexplored aspect of how CSR is perceived and valued by stakeholders.

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Corporate investment in social responsibility versus dividends?

Social Responsibility Journal ◽

10.1108/17471111211234833 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 199-207 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Michel T.J. Rakotomavo

Keyword(s):

Corporate Social Responsibility ◽

Social Responsibility ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Corporate Investment ◽

Cash Flows ◽

Cost Of Equity ◽

Content Type ◽

Corporate Social ◽

The Cost ◽

Practical Implications

PurposeThe paper aims to examine whether corporate investment in social responsibility takes away from expected dividends.Design/methodology/approachThe article builds two hypotheses that are tested empirically through the analysis of 17,670 US firm‐year observations covering the period 1991‐2007. The tests are conducted in both univariate and multivariate settings.FindingsThe evidence supports the hypothesis that mature firms tend to invest more in corporate social responsibility (CSR). Specifically, firms investing highly in CSR tend to be larger, more profitable, and with greater earned (rather than contributed) equity. The evidence also supports the hypothesis that CSR investment does not subtract from dividends. Instead, CSR effort and dividend tend to increase together. Thus, CSR investment tends to be effected by companies who can afford it, and it does not lower value by lowering investors' expected payout.Practical implicationsThese results imply that spending resources on CSR does not lower the cash flows paid out to investors. When combined with the finding that CSR lowers the cost of equity, they also mean that CSR increases the value of a company's stock.Originality/valueThis is the first study that explicitly links CSR to the dividend flow.

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Impact of a retailer’s CSR activities on consumers’ loyalty

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management ◽

10.1108/ijrdm-12-2018-0262 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (8) ◽

pp. 793-816 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Didier Louis ◽

Cindy Lombart ◽

Fabien Durif

Keyword(s):

Corporate Social Responsibility ◽

Brand Equity ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Content Type ◽

Multidimensional Construct ◽

Corporate Social ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of the main dimensions of a retailer’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities (philanthropic activities, respect for the environment, respect for the consumers and respect for the workers) (e.g. Maignan, 2001; Brunk, 2010a; Öberseder et al., 2014) on consumers’ loyalty towards this retailer. Mediation (through consumers’ trust in this retailer and/or retailer’s perceived brand equity) and moderation effects (depending on the groups of consumers considered) are also studied. Design/methodology/approach This research was conducted on 547 consumers, representative of the Quebec population. These consumers were asked to select a retailer of their choice that they were familiar with (notably with its CSR activities) and to complete a questionnaire with regard to that retailer. Findings This research highlights that: the impact of a retailer’s CSR activities on consumers’ loyalty differs according to the dimensions considered (philanthropic activities, respect for the environment, the consumers and the workers), is fully or partially mediates by consumers’ trust in this retailer and/or retailer’s perceived brand equity and depends on the groups of consumers considered (the very responsible consumers, the local sceptical recyclers and the least responsible consumers). Research limitations/implications This research indicates that when CSR is considered not as an aggregate construct, but in terms of its dimensions, their impacts on consumers’ loyalty towards the retailer may differ or appear under certain conditions. Moreover, this research points out that consumers’ trust in the retailer is a partial mediator (for the philanthropic activities dimension of a retailer’s CSR activities for the very responsible consumers and the local sceptical recyclers) of the relationship between the dimension of a retailer’s CSR activities considered and consumers’ loyalty towards this retailer. Consumers’ trust in the retailer is also a full mediator (for the respect for environment dimension of a retailer’s CSR activities for the very responsible consumers) of the relationship between the dimension of a retailer’s CSR activities considered and consumers’ loyalty towards this retailer. Lastly, retailer’s perceived brand equity is a full mediator (for the respect for environment dimension of a retailer’s CSR activities for the three groups of consumers considered) of the relationship between the dimension of a retailer’s CSR activities considered and consumers’ loyalty towards this retailer. Practical implications This paper indicates to retailers that the dimensions respect for the consumers and the workers of their CSR activities do not have an impact on consumers’ loyalty. By contrast, for a retailer to be perceived by consumers as engaged in philanthropic activities or being environmentally friendly has a positive impact on consumers’ loyalty. Originality/value In this research, CSR is conceptualised as a multidimensional construct and the impacts of its main dimensions (philanthropic activities, respect for the environment, respect for consumers and respect for workers) on an important and strategic variables for retailers, loyalty, are highlighted. Moreover, this research also indicates that the impacts of a retailer’s CRS dimensions on consumers’ loyalty depend on individuals and may follow different paths (through consumers’ trust in the retailer and/or retailer’s perceived brand equity).

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Exploring new worlds with corporate social responsibility

Strategic Direction ◽

10.1108/sd-09-2015-0133 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 31 (11) ◽

pp. 30-32

Keyword(s):

Corporate Social Responsibility ◽

Social Responsibility ◽

Competitive Advantage ◽

Knowledge Creation ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Reading Time ◽

Content Type ◽

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 – Considers ways in which corporate social responsibility can affect a firm’s value and therefore contribute to creating competitive advantage. More specifically, it includes an examination of the way an organization’s international presence can help with both reputation and knowledge creation. The researchers examined numerous Spanish companies who reflect these issues, including FC Barcelona. The story behind the soccer club’s acquisition of its biggest asset, Lionel Messi, is intriguing. 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.

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Banking on bullshit: indifferences towards truth in corporate social responsibility

International Journal of Bank Marketing ◽

10.1108/ijbm-04-2020-0207 ◽

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.

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How to increase employee engagement

Human Resource Management International Digest ◽

10.1108/hrmid-06-2017-0114 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (6) ◽

pp. 42-44

Keyword(s):

Corporate Social Responsibility ◽

Employee Engagement ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Reading Time ◽

Content Type ◽

Pertinent Information ◽

Different Dimensions ◽

Corporate Social ◽

The Relationship ◽

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 How employees perceive their firm’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities can significantly impact on the level of employee engagement. Different dimensions of CSR are subject to vary in their influence on engagement. It remains inconclusive as to the significance of gender in the relationship between CSR perceptions and engagement. Based on this evidence, organizations can utilize CSR as a means of managing talent more effectively. 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.

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How does corporate social responsibility avoid the incidence of corruption in international expansion?

European Business Review ◽

10.1108/ebr-01-2015-0002 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 334-342 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Morteza Khojastehpour

Keyword(s):

Corporate Social Responsibility ◽

Social Responsibility ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Extensive Literature ◽

International Expansion ◽

Cultural Economic ◽

International Context ◽

Content Type ◽

Corporate Social ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify factors in avoidance of corruption in international expansion. Design/methodology/approach – Building on extensive literature, the paper includes three complexities, namely cultural, economic and regulation associated with corruption in an international context. Findings – The paper highlights that corruption can be addressed by three types of complexities. Practical implications – The findings of this study highlights the importance of corporate social responsibility for firms intend to expand internationally. Originality/value – The paper is one of the first to highlight the effect of corporate social responsibility on corruption in an international context.

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When two worlds collide

Strategic Direction ◽

10.1108/sd-07-2015-0103 ◽

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.

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