Internal auditing and assurance of corporate social responsibility reports and disclosures: perspectives of some internal auditors in Ghana

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 706-718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Nana Yaw Simpson ◽  
Francis Aboagye-Otchere ◽  
Ruby Lovi
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Changing Roles ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose This study aims to examine the nature and extent of internal auditors’ (IAs) involvement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) assurance. It also ascertains the capacity building requirements to legitimise the role of IAs as a credible form of providing CSR assurance. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was adopted, where data were collected through semi-structured interview of IAs of companies in Ghana that produce CSR reports. Findings Findings suggest that companies appreciate the fact that the internal audit function could provide independent assurance on CSR reports. However, there is limited information on the nature and scope of the assurance procedures. Moreover, most IAs seem to lack the requisite knowledge and skills needed to effectively carry out CSR assurance engagements. These evidences suggest a relatively low level of reliance being placed on CSR assurance services provided internally. Research limitations/implications Findings are purely based on the perceptions of IAs. Future studies may include the views of those who appoint IAs (i.e. management). Practical implications Findings engender discussions on the need for IAs and regulators of IAs (e.g. the Institute of Internal Auditors), particularly those in developing countries to begin to conscientise practitioners on the changing roles of the IA in the areas of CSR and CSR assurance. Originality/value This study is one of the very few studies on CSR assurance from the perspective of IAs and it also based on evidence from an African context. Also, the study provides evidence on the need for a deliberate effort to equip internal audit practitioners to provide at least some minimal assurance on CSR disclosures and reports.

Ethics, corporate social responsibility and the role of human resource development: the academic experts’ view

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Alizadeh ◽  
Deepu Kurian ◽  
Shaoping Qiu ◽  
Khalil M. Dirani
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Resource Development ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Academic Programs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose The purpose of this study is to get the perspectives of human resource development (HRD) scholars about connections among HRD, corporate social responsibility sand ethics. The authors also sought to discover if HRD academic programs need to have ethics-related courses for their graduate students. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the authors reviewed the literature and interviewed ten HRD scholars who substantially contributed to the field of HRD and have influential publications related to ethics or corporate social responsibility to find out the relationship between HRD, ethics and corporate social responsibility. A semi-structured interview method was adopted to collect data and purposeful sampling technique was used for analyzing data into identified themes. Findings The results from the interviews were categorized into seven different themes. While some scholars argued that ethics-related discussion needs to be integrated within every course, most scholars stated that ethics can be a required standalone course for HRD graduate programs. Originality/value Despite ongoing consideration of the ethical nature of HRD, little research has been conducted on how ethics and corporate social responsibility are represented in the field of study and practice. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first empirical paper in HRD that collected and analyzed experts’ perspectives in this topic.

Exploring the role of corporate social responsibility skepticism in ethical purchase intention

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 291-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salmi Mohd Isa ◽  
Phaik Nie Chin ◽  
Irene Liew
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Peer Influence ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Few studies exist which delve into the possible factors that prevent ethically minded consumers from translating their ethical perceptions into ethical purchase intention (EPI). Thus, this study aims to explore how consumers assess corporate social responsibility (CSR) based on several influencing factors toward EPI, with CSR skepticism (SKP) as a moderator. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study is conducted through a self-administered questionnaire and uses a positive research approach with a quantitative basis of enquiry. The partial least squares–structural equation modeling- model is used to examine the causal relationship between seven independent variables of CSR assessment (i.e. CSR awareness, knowledge of CSR position of company, cause importance, price consciousness, CSR image of company, credibility of CSR efforts and peer influence) with EPI. In addition, this study also examines the moderating effect of SKP in the relationship. Findings The findings show that CSR assessment factors are important to convert mere purchase criteria into EPI and SKP does play a significant role in weakening the relationship. Originality/value This study examines the moderating effect of CSR skepticism, the exploration of which still remains very limited in current literature.

Authentic or cosmetic: stakeholders’ attribution of firms’ corporate social responsibility claims

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudel Mombeuil ◽  
Bin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose To date, many firms tend to use corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication and marketing as a means to offset their irresponsible behaviors and unscrupulous business practices. Often time, they can easily get away with this in the context where the institutional settings are weak, and corporate social irresponsibility (CSIR) and corruption are widespread. The purpose of this study is to explore stakeholders’ attribution concerning CSR claims of four beverage manufacturing companies operating in America’s poorest country (Haiti) where CSIR and corruption remain widespread. This study also explores whether there are differences in demographic characteristics (e.g. gender, corporate affiliation and education) regarding stakeholders’ attribution of CSR claims of these companies. Design/methodology/approach Given the exploratory nature of this study, an inductive research approach (qualitative plus quantitative) and supported by an interpretive approach were used. Findings The overall results of this study show that internal (employees) and external stakeholders alike consider the CSR claims of these companies as “cosmetic,” with no significant difference in their affiliation. The results also show no significant differences in the age groups but significant differences in gender and level of education regarding stakeholders’ attribution of firms’ CSR claims. Originality/value By addressing firms’ CSR claims from the perspectives of internal and external stakeholders through means of a mixed methods approach, this study adds an important contribution to the relevant literature.

Corporate social responsibility during unprecedented crises: the role of authentic leadership and business model flexibility

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (10) ◽  
pp. 2213-2233
Author(s):  
Corey Fox ◽  
Phillip Davis ◽  
Melissa Baucus
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Leadership Development ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Authentic Leadership ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Model Flexibility ◽  
Corporate Social

PurposeThe purpose of the present research is to explore the relationships between corporate social responsibility (CSR), authentic leadership and business model flexibility during times of unprecedented crises.Design/methodology/approachThe research approach in this study is conceptual. After a brief review of the literature associated with CSR, authentic leadership and business models, the authors introduce a model describing the interaction of authentic leadership and business model flexibility on CSR heterogeneity.FindingsThis research explains how firms that are led by authentic leaders and that have flexible business models will be more engaged with their stakeholders than firms with less authentic leaders or more rigid business models during unprecedented crises.Practical implicationsPrescriptions for practitioners are suggested for improving authentic leadership as well as making adaptations to the firm's business model. Regarding authentic leadership, firms can screen potential new hires and existing employees for authentic leadership qualities. Firms can also rely upon existing interventions shown to assist in authentic leadership development for current leaders. At the business model level, firms can focus on core resources and their application in related product and service markets.Originality/valueFirms engaged in CSR activities benefit more from those activities when leaders are authentic. However, in times of unprecedented crises, business model flexibility may also dictate the extent to which firms can satisfy their stakeholders. The authors introduce a conceptual model that takes the elements of authentic leadership and business model flexibility into account to explain CSR heterogeneity.

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.

Development of corporate social responsibility projects in Angola

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-281
Author(s):  
Pedro Luiz Cortes ◽  
João Roberto Cordeiro Duarte ◽  
Sylmara Lopes Gonçalves Dias
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Indicators ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Foreign Companies ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Administrative Employees ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Stakeholder Expectation

Purpose – This paper aims to consider the development of corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects by Catoca, a diamond mining company in Angola, along with the effectiveness of these projects, and the benefits to stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – The research method used was direct observation and semi-structured interview with executives and administrative employees of the company, and collaborators of CSR projects, during 2010, 2011 and 2012. We also analyse documents about CSR projects developed by Catoca and identify the challenges faced. Findings – The management of CSR projects is hampered by the low disclosure of results and the absence of social indicators. This may generate inadequate results compared to investment. The assumption of low stakeholder expectation and the absence of social indicators may lead to neo-philanthropic or preconceived actions that ignore local peculiarities. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited to one company, and the lack of social indicators means it is difficult to evaluate the reported results. Practical implications – This paper improves understanding of the challenges involved in CSR projects in Africa and may also be useful for companies that develop CSR projects, drawing attention to issues that could compromise the proper use of resources and hamper results. Social implications – This study considers Angola, which is using its natural resources to boost economic and social development, establish partnerships with foreign companies and encourage the development of CSR programmes which often end up filling gaps left by the absence of government action. Originality/value – This study contributes to the largely under-researched area of CSR projects in Angola.

Enhancing agro-environment and socio-economic condition of rural poor: the case of Lupin corporate social responsibility

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram Nayan Yadava ◽  
Bhaskar Sinha ◽  
Bhaskar Sinha
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Government Programs ◽  
Human Welfare ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Help Groups ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of different programs (Self Help Groups, Farmers Clubs, Check Dams, and Training Programs) being implemented by Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF), Bhopal, under corporate social responsibility in enhancing the capacity of rural people to improve their socio-economic and agro-environmental conditions. Design/methodology/approach The assessment of different programs was carried out using field-based survey along with the semi-structured interview of total 123 sampled individual beneficiaries spread in 23 villages of Raisen and Vidisha districts of Madhya Pradesh. Findings This study revealed that the CSR programs impacted significantly to beneficiaries in improving their socio-economic and agro-environmental conditions. Originality/value It further emphasized that there is scope for improvement in planning and execution of CSR programs for enhancing agricultural production and creating employment by integrating with ongoing government programs related to rural development.

Multinational enterprises perceptions of the national corporate social responsibility priority issues in South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 828-842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anoosha Makka ◽  
Cecile Nieuwenhuizen
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose This paper aims to explore the perceptions of multinational enterprises (MNEs) representing four key economic sectors in South Africa regarding what the most important national corporate social responsibility (CSR) priority issues are for the country. This paper also investigates whether MNEs in South Africa are overwhelmed by the number of CSR issues in the country. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was used. Thirty eight semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with CSR practitioners at MNEs in the banking and finance, manufacturing, mining and services sectors. Data were analysed by means of qualitative content analysis. Findings The majority of participants in this study indicated that the top three CSR priorities for South Africa in order of importance are education, training and skills development; building and developing local communities and health care and wellness. Another significant finding was that MNEs indicated that there are too many CSR issues in South Africa. Research limitations/implications The results of this study highlight the need for South Africa to develop a national CSR index which clearly articulates the top CSR priorities of the country. This study explored the views of MNEs from four economic sectors of the South African economy. This study can be expanded to incorporate other sectors. Practical implications The findings of this study provide guidelines to MNEs and firms about the key CSR priorities for the country. Originality/value As far as can be ascertained, this is the first study that seeks to identify the key national CSR priority issues for South Africa from the perspective of MNEs operating in the country. This study determines whether MNEs in South Africa are overwhelmed by the number of CSR issues that they are confronted with.

Barriers to corporate social responsibility: an Indian SME perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sushil Kumar Dixit ◽  
Samant Shant Priya
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Csr Engagement

PurposeSmall and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the world are generally found to have a limited interest in wider social issues. SMEs face many barriers in operating in a socially responsible and sustainable manner despite it making a good business sense. This paper explores the barriers and challenges faced by Indian SMEs for engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses interpretive structural modelling (ISM) to explore the structural relationship among barriers faced by Indian SMEs in their CSR engagement which were identified from the past literature and validated by the experts.FindingsThe study identified thirteen variables as important barriers resulting in a lower CSR engagement by Indian SMEs. The ISM model indicates that Indian SMEs focus on tactical rather on strategic needs along with their limited information and knowledge about CSR are the main driving forces which keep them away from an active and meaningful CSR engagement. Their limited CSR engagement capabilities, limited need to engage with their workforce and lower CSR perceived benefits also constrain their CSR engagement. The Indian SMEs also do not see a need for CSR engagement because of lower community and governmental pressure.Originality/valueThe study provides a comprehensive listing of CSR engagement barriers faced by Indian SMEs along with the structural relationships among them. The model developed provides CSR professionals and policymakers an understanding of the important impediments in CSR engagement of Indian SMEs based on their driving power and dependence. This insight will help them in designing initiatives to influence identified barriers to promote CSR engagement by Indian SMEs.

Corporate social responsibility and earnings management in the EU: a panel data analysis approach

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis E. Dimitropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Earnings Management ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Eu

Purpose Over the past decades, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been considered as a significant corporate strategy and also has been documented as a main information dissemination mechanism of corporations to shareholders, creditors and other external stakeholders. This fact makes the CSR activities and CSR performance interconnected with the quality of firms’ financial reporting. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of CSR performance on the earnings management (EM) behaviour using a sample from 24 European Union (EU) countries summing up to 121,154 firm-year observations over the period 2003–2018. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a multi-country data set with various dimensions of CSR performance including indexes regarding workforce, community relations, product responsibility and human rights protection. The empirical analysis is conducted with panel data regressions. Findings Evidence supports the negative association between CSR and EM indicating that high CSR performing firms are associated with less income smoothing and discretionary accruals, thus with higher financial reporting quality. Practical implications Regulatory agencies in the EU could use the findings of the study for the improvement of the accounting framework via enhancing the use and publications of social and environmental responsibility information and reports. Social implications Also, the current paper could be of interest not only to academic researchers but also to potential and existing investors in European corporations. The negative association between CSR performance and EM could be used by investors in assessing the risk of firms and the quality and reliability of their financial information. Originality/value This is the first study within the EU, which considers the multi-facet characteristics of CSR on the quality of accounting earnings and offers useful policy implications for regulators and investors.

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