Implications of CSR initiatives on employee engagement

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-163
Author(s):  
Shweta Bapat ◽  
Pooja Upadhyay

Purpose This paper aims to study the implications of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employee engagement in selected Indian business giants to which CSR spending is mandatory as per the Companies Act 2013. Researcher also has an intention of preparing working model for increasing employee engagement through CSR. Design/methodology/approach Researcher has collected the primary data from HR officials, CSR officials and employees of 23 organisations belonging to 10 main industrial sectors of India. The organisations selected for the data collection belong to India’s top 100 organisations as per Bombay Stock Exchange fulfilling a particular criterion. The effect of employee participation in CSR on employee engagement is been studied by identifying four parameters of employee engagement on which the employee participation in CSR may have some effect. The data are analysed with the help of Z test for proportion. Findings The major findings of the paper of the study includes that employee participation in CSR positively effects the employee engagement, as it helps in increasing four specifically identified parameters of employee engagement. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to the specific area of the effect of employee participation in CSR on employee engagement that too with respect to selected Indian business giants. Practical implications On the basis of this study, a theoretical model of CSR and employee engagement is proposed at the end of this paper. The model is expected to work as a guideline to the organisations, which want to improve employee engagement through CSR. Originality/value This research is one of its kinds that study the effect of employee participation in CSR on employee engagement. Moreover this research study considers the selected large-scale businesses of India which is the only country having 2% mandatory CSR spending to the organisation fulfilling the specific criteria.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aparna Bhatia ◽  
Amandeep Dhawan

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.


2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 232-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Ferreira ◽  
Elizabeth Real de Oliveira

Purpose – Despite the claim that internal corporate social responsibility plays an important role, the understanding of this phenomenon has been neglected. This paper intends to contribute to fill this gap by looking into the relation between CSR and employee engagement. Design/methodology/approach – A survey research was conducted and three different groups of respondents were faced with three different CSR scenarios (general, internal, external) and respondents' employee engagement was measured. Findings – The results show that there are no statistically significant differences in levels of engagement between employees exposed to external and internal CSR practices. Nevertheless, employees exposed to internal CSR are more engaged than those exposed only to external CSR practices. Research limitations/implications – The use of scenarios, although a grounded approach, involves risks, including the difficulty of participants to put themselves in a fictional situation. Also, the scale used to measure employee engagement puts the emphasis on work rather than on the organisation. Practical implications – Although this study is not conclusive it raises the need for companies to look at their CSR strategy in a holistic approach, i.e. internal and external. Originality/value – This paper represents a contribution to understand CSR strategic status and the need to enlighten the impact that social responsible practices can have on employees' engagement.


2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 42-44

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
S.M. Ramya ◽  
Rupashree Baral

Purpose This paper aims to explore the immediate proactive corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts undertaken by select organizations in India in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the approach they have adopted toward it. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 senior managers across top Bombay Stock Exchange indexed organizations from the manufacturing and services sector in India during the national COVID-19 pandemic lockdown between March and June 2020. Manual content analysis and the Gioia method were used to arrive at the insights. Findings Results of the analysis showcase the spirited immediate CSR measures undertaken by the select organizations in the broader interests of the community at large. The study also highlights the need for a paradox approach toward CSR strategy. Research limitations/implications Given that the present study adopts an exploratory qualitative research design, the scope for generalization is rather limited. Practical implications This paper classifies COVID-19 related initiatives undertaken by selected few top organizations in India and attempts to justify the need to opt for a paradox approach toward CSR strategy. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is one of the first few studies to have attempted to put forth a dialog at the intersection of COVID-19 and CSR with rich insights gained from qualitative data collected during India’s intense lockdown period and offering a different perspective with the inclusion of paradox theory into the discussion.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 827-844
Author(s):  
Aisyah Abdul Rahman ◽  
Shifa Mohd Nor ◽  
Mohd Fadzli Salmat

Purpose This paper aims to explore the strategies used by venture capital (VC) firms in assisting entrepreneurs who have business potential but lack capital. The study also aims to investigate whether the VC strategy can be adopted by Islamic banks through musharakah financing. Design/methodology/approach Apart from content analysis, primary data were gathered from several interview sessions with the management of three VC firms and two Islamic banks. Findings Islamic banks in Malaysia have great potential to offer musharakah financing and mitigate risk by adopting the following five VC strategies: method of selection, channelling of funds, monitoring, non-capital assistance and period of investment. We propose the channelling of corporate social responsibility funds for musharakah financing as an initial step in applying VC strategy. Research limitations/implications Given the limited number of willing and eligible respondents in Malaysia, the scope of this study can be widened to a cross-country analysis where musharakah financing is widely adopted. Practical implications This study motivates regulatory bodies and Islamic banks to consider musharakah financing using the risk monitoring strategy adopted from the VC industry. Originality/value This study is the first to empirically explore the strategy adopted by VC companies and evaluate whether such a strategy is suitable for the concept of musharakah financing.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-41
Author(s):  
Shashi Lata Yadav ◽  
Babitha Vishwanath ◽  
Debasis Patnaik

Purpose Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in India includes education, environment, healthcare and rural development. In post-liberalized India, the healthcare sector (services and facilities) has grown in leaps and bounds over last two decades. The purpose of this paper is to reveal and explain the CSR profile of select healthcare companies of India and reveal gaps and scope of healthcare activities with a special consideration towards maternal health. Design/methodology/approach Primary data are collected from seven listed companies of Goa state which were willing to participate in the study. In total, 67 companies constituting the Healthcare Sector Index of Standard & Poor of the Bombay Stock Exchange are considered as secondary source. Data of 59 companies that come within the threshold of Companies Act, 2013, are studied. CSR guidelines (with a turnover of Rs 10bn or a market capitalization of Rs 5bn or a net profit of Rs 50m) are taken as an initial frame of reference. Findings In total, 89.83 per cent of these companies have initiatives related to health care. Structured companies (contribute to the company’s overall mission and goals) with CSR policy have committee size varying from three to five directors with an independent director. During 2016–2017, they were mandated to spend Rs 4.2613bn out of which only 74.59 per cent was spent. Geographical spread of CSR initiatives is skewed, with majority of companies focussing on the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, whereas the states of Odisha and North-Eastern being neglected. The focus areas of CSR are education, healthcare and rural development. The variation of MMR in different states of India is an indicator for corporate as to which state needs more attention. The corporate sector in India needs to focus on SDG3 target of MMR and move towards a newer dimension and direction. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in the recognition of the initiative of Government of India of weaning out CSR activities outside the purview of business sense and towards instilling a social sense in company behaviour. This is a dimensional and directional change in the evolution of CSR practices in companies and countries. To this end, 59 healthcare sector companies under the threshold of Companies Act 2013 were studied and results were outlined.


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bilal Fayiz Omar ◽  
Nidal Omar Zallom

Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationship between different themes of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and companies’ market value (measured by Tobin Q) for Jordanian firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) for the period 2006-2010. Design/methodology/approach The annual reports of 26 companies on the ASE for the years 2006-2010 were selected for this study. Three industrial sectors were chosen: chemical; food and beverage; and pharmaceutical and medical (P&M). The CSR is measured by constructing an index consisting of four themes which are as follows: environmental 9 items; human resources 16 items; community 7 items; and products 7 items. The study adopts Tobin Q as the dependent variable to measure the market value of corporations. Two control variables were included in the regression analysis for their possible effects on the CSR and company’s market value relationship: size and leverage. This study performs a multiple regression analysis model to test the effect of the four CSR themes: environmental, human resources, community and products on the market value measured by Tobin Q. Findings The results revealed that environmental, community and product activities decreased market value in the food and beverage industry, while human resources activities had no effect on market value in the same industry. Moreover, the community theme was found to have a negative effect on market value in the P&M industry, while the three other themes were found to have no effect on market value in the same industry. The four themes had no effect on market value in the chemical industry. Research limitations/implications The current study has a number of limitations, which have implications for future research. First, the study focused only on three industrial sectors (chemical, food and beverage and P&M), which limited the results to only these industries. In addition, the CSR concept and its effect on profitability is an important issue for the financial and services sectors. Hence, it would be beneficial to investigate the CSR impact on profitability for the financial and services sectors. Moreover, the study focused only on one country, Jordan. An extension of this study could be a comparison of the CSR effect on financial performance between Jordan and other countries in the Middle East. Furthermore, the measurement of CSR is subject to criticism because it might generate bias according to subjective judgments about CSR items. The CSR items are equally weighted, which might not be acceptable because their nature and effect differ among industries. However, introducing qualitative measures for CSR that reflect various perspectives about CSR practices and implications is essential. Finally, the period chosen for this study includes the years of global financial crisis as well which had eroded the market value of many firms in different industries, and this may form a prominent limitation of this study. Practical implications The results of this study have given evidence of the role of CSR in Jordan. The investments in the CSR field could negatively affect or could have no effect on market value. Overall, regulators in Jordan should pay attention to the costs and benefits of CSR among companies. Companies will be encouraged to invest in CSR activities if the benefits on their financial performance exceed the costs (cost-benefit theory). Specifically, companies should select types of CSR activities that enhance their competiveness in the society. Social implications The results of this study provide practical implications to several users in the chemical, food and beverage and P&M industries. Managers, investors and other users may pay attention to the impact of CSR strategies on the company’s market value. For example, food and beverage managers may decrease their CSR investments around environmental, community and product activities because these decrease the market value and profitability of the company. However, the CSR investment in human resources does not affect the profitability in this industry. For the chemical industry, managers may not focus on CSR investments in the different activities (environmental, human resources, community and products) because these have no impact on the company’s market value. In regards to the P&M industry, managers may decrease their CSR investments around community activities because this decreases the market value. However, managers may not be concerned with CSR investments in environmental, human resources and products activities because these do not affect the company’s market value. Originality/value The relationship between CSR and a company’s financial performance has been tested broadly in the financial and management fields without any conclusive results. Some explanations for the inconclusive results are discussed. Inoue and Lee (2011, p. 791) noted three main issues that remain unresolved in the studies regarding the relationship between CSR and a company’s performance: using samples for different industries, using cross sectional observations and using aggregate CSR dimensions. The current study overcomes the main problems in the previous discussion. In particular, the study will focus on specific industries (chemical, food and beverage and P&M). In addition, the study will use multidimensional CSR measures. Moreover, financial performance will be measured by a single measure (market value) instead of using different measures of financial performance.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Otuo Serebour Agyemang ◽  
Abraham Ansong

Purpose This paper aims to examine the influence of corporate social responsibility on financial performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana by using access to capital and firm reputation as mediating variables. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected primary data from 423 SMEs within the Accra Metropolis. Partial least squares estimation technique was used to analyze the data. Findings The authors documented evidence for a mechanism through which corporate social responsibility results in financial performance of firms: SMEs with improved corporate social responsibility practices are better positioned to achieve enhanced reputation, which translates into improved financial performance. Even though this study did not document a significant relationship between corporate social responsibility and access to finance by Ghanaian SMEs, the authors contend that looking at the positive relationship between them, SMEs can minimize their capital constraints by embarking on CSR practices, which can eventually translate into financial performance. Practical implications The authors recommend that for SMEs to enhance their reputation and increase their access to capital, which will eventually result in enhanced financial performance, corporate social responsibility practices should be a major part of their operations. Originality/value It contributes to our knowledge on how CSR practices lead to financial performance of SMEs in developing countries. In addition, this is the first of its kind to establish the relationship between CSR practices and financial performance of SMEs in Ghana by using access to capital and firm reputation as mediating factors.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 1111-1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
AbdulLateef Olanrewaju

Purpose – The opportunities that the emerging markets present to the players in the construction industry means that the players need to expand on the scope and size of their responsibilities and duties to the stakeholders. Each of the professionals now demands more specialised and sophisticated services from one another. The other players in the construction industry now require more emerging responsibilities and duties from the quantity surveyors. The purpose of this paper is to examine the roles that “modern” quantity surveyors play by measuring the gaps that exist in the services that the quantity surveyors provide. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data are collected through survey questionnaires. In total, 23 roles played by modern quantity surveyors are identified and addressed to the respondents to rank the rate at which quantity surveyors provide these “emerging” services. The collected data were analysed statistically. Findings – The results of the findings led to the conclusion that the quantity surveyors were not meeting the expectations of other players. Therefore, for competitiveness, quantity surveyors need to better meet demand expectations. Research limitations/implications – This findings of this research are constrained to the services or functions that the quantity provide in the construction industry. Practical implications – This knowledge is valuable to academic institutions that offer quantity surveying programmes, to practicing quantity surveyors, governments, and other players in the construction industry. It will allow quantity surveyors to reconcile supply and demand expectations. Originality/value – There is no known conclusive empirical study on services offered by quantity surveyors in any emerging markets. Therefore, the findings offer a fresh understanding on the services of quantity surveyors not only in Nigeria but elsewhere. While some of the services are common, others are peculiar to emerging markets.


Author(s):  
Catalin Ratiu ◽  
Beverlee B. Anderson

Purpose – There are many different conceptualizations to sustainable development and these different approaches may have led to confusion amongst the public. The purpose of this paper is to explore the identities of the term and how the confused identity may be leading to problems for sustainable development efforts. Design/methodology/approach – The design is exploratory, using both secondary and primary data to understand the different sustainable development concepts. Findings – There is no consistent understanding or use of the term “sustainable development” among various groups. Research limitations/implications – Future research should include a larger sample that is more representative of people from different backgrounds and geographical areas. Practical implications – The public is generally willing to support only projects that it understands. Without a clear understanding of sustainable development, the public will be less inclined to support these efforts. Originality/value – This study examines the perceptions and understandings of the term by the general public representing different generations.


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