scholarly journals Carbon Tax Implications On Corporate Social Investment In The South African Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Industry

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1605
Author(s):  
Suren Pillay ◽  
Pieter W. Buys

Carbon excise tax was implemented on all passenger motor vehicles in South Africa as of 1 September 2010. Since its implementation, the impact of carbon tax on the corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives and expenditure of South African motor vehicle manufacturers has not been assessed. Given that the carbon tax price should ideally compensate for the damage caused by carbon emissions on the environment and people, the key knowledge gap this article aims to consider is whether the implementation of such a carbon tax is likely to affect the CSI decision-making process in respect of motor vehicle manufacturers in South Africa. The research methodology applied in this study is in the form of both a literature review and empirical research. A literature review was performed on the history, emergence and significance of CSI expenditure within the South African context. The empirical research includes an exploratory case study into the impact of the tax in the decision-making processes with regard to CSI expenditure, as well as the impact of carbon tax on CSI spending by motor vehicle manufacturers in South Africa. It was found that although the advent of carbon tax in the industry would place added pressure on the financial performance of the companies, it is unlikely that it would adversely affect the industrys commitment to the CSI initiatives.

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 823
Author(s):  
Suren Pillay ◽  
Pieter Buys

Sustainability reporting in South Africa has emerged strongly in the last decade with evidence suggesting that corporate social responsibility assurance prevalence is growing among the top 100 publicly-listed companies. Multinational motor vehicle manufacturers will have to comply with all sustainable reporting requirements that incorporate South African motor vehicle subsidiary company results. Carbon excise tax was implemented on all passenger motor vehicles on 1 September, 2010 in South Africa. From an accounting perspective, the adequacy of carbon tax recognition and disclosures has not been assessed in South Africa. This paper examines the adequacy of carbon tax accounting disclosures by local motor vehicle manufacturers that are subject to such a tax as well as the compliance level of the related multinational motor vehicle holding companies in terms of sustainable reporting.


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satish Kumar ◽  
Nisha Goyal

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the literature published in past 33 years on behavioural biases in investment decision-making. The paper highlights the major gaps in the existing studies on behavioural biases. It also aims to raise specific questions for future research. Design/methodology/approach – We employ systematic literature review (SLR) method in the present study. The prominence of research is assessed by studying the year of publication, journal of publication, country of study, types of statistical method, citation analysis and content analysis on the literature on behavioural biases. The present study is based on 117 selected articles published in peer- review journals between 1980 and 2013. Findings – Much of the existing literature on behavioural biases indicates the limited research in emerging economies in this area, the dominance of secondary data-based empirical research, the lack of empirical research on individuals who exhibit herd behaviour, the focus on equity in home bias, and indecisive empirical findings on herding bias. Research limitations/implications – This study focuses on individuals’ behavioural biases in investment decision-making. Our aim is to analyse the impact of cognitive biases on trading behaviour, volatility, market returns and portfolio selection. Originality/value – The paper covers a considerable period of time (1980-2013). To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is the first using systematic literature review method in the area of behavioural finance and also the first to examine a combination of four different biases involved in investment decision-making. This paper will be useful to researchers, academicians and those working in the area of behavioural finance in understanding the impact of behavioural biases on investment decision-making.


2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 130-135
Author(s):  
Paul-Francois Muzindutsi ◽  
Tshediso Joseph Sekhampu

One of the goals of corporate social investment (CSI) is to ensure that a company becomes a responsible entity which acts as a conscientious citizen within a society. CSI plays an important role in enhancing how a company is perceived within the community it operates in. This paper used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research designs to investigate the effect of a specific CSI initiative on a company’s image within a low income community in South Africa. Semi-structured interviews and survey questionnaire were used to collect data from community members in the township of Bophelong, South Africa. Results show that, if adequately managed, CSI initiatives tend to enhance company’s image as well as its relations with the community it operates in. However, if not adequately managed CSI can created unreachable expectations that can negatively affect a company’s image. Thus, companies better manage their CSI initiatives have an increased opportunity to enhance their reputation within the community they operate in.


2003 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 785-801
Author(s):  
D De Kock ◽  
S Lubbe ◽  
W Kritzinger

Software piracy is a significant issue for managers of organisations, especially in  developing countries. There are several factors which contribute to software  piracy, and which are investigated in this study. This study consists of a  literature review, and reports on empirical research, which was conducted using  a survey instrument to determine if software piracy is prevalent in South Africa.  The findings confirm the results of previous studies. The conclusion is made  that software piracy will always exist and that stricter measures are needed to  prevent its occurrence.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-134
Author(s):  
Suren Pillay ◽  
Pieter Buys

Socially responsible corporate governance is an essential aspect of the contemporary corporate environment, and then especially in ensuring continuous sustainable development within a South African context. As such, it also encompasses broad environmentally focused aspects. The motor vehicle manufacturing industry in South Africa was among the first to be faced with the implementation of carbon taxes. This paper explores the policy decision to implement the carbon tax within the context of socially responsible governance in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry. The research methodology applied incorporates both review of supporting literature and an exploratory empirical case study. The research suggests that the industry is cognizant of the importance of environmental damage costs and their responsibility therein, while also indicating that corporate social investment in this industry was non-responsive to the implementation to carbon tax. The results also suggest that the current carbon tax rate may be adequately priced and is an effective instrument in lowering greenhouse gas emissions


2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suren Pillay ◽  
Pieter W. Buys

<p>Since the implementation of carbon tax on motor vehicles in South Africa during 2010, the pricing of the tax has never been challenged or assessed. The purpose of this study is to gauge the reasonability of the carbon tax price in South Africa as applicable to the motor vehicle manufacturing industry. A detailed review is performed to determine the adequacy of the carbon tax price by comparing the social cost of carbon from motor vehicle emissions against the revenue raised from carbon tax levied on motor vehicles in the same period. Empirical research includes an exploratory questionnaire into the adequacy of the carbon tax price in South Africa with input data from multinational motor vehicle manufacturers operating in South Africa. The findings from the literature review confirm that although the respondents do not consider the level of carbon tax price as adequate to be relevant for the social cost of carbon, the revenue raised from this tax exceeds the social cost of carbon leading to the conclusion that the tax is adequately priced.</p>


Author(s):  
Jerry Mmanoko Mathekga

This paper analyses the contemporary non-standard employment and labour unrest in South Africa, with special emphasis on the South African Post Office (SAPO) and universities across South Africa. The paper argues that attempts by SAPO and the universities to cut labour costs and to be more flexible and competitive through the use of non-standard employment have not reduced exploitation. Marginalisation, inequality, poor working conditions, lower wages and lack of protection and representation still prevail in most workplaces across the country, with companies and institutions still benefiting extensively. The paper relies on both primary and secondary sources. No empirical research has been done. It aims to advance knowledge of non-standard employment through discussion of this practice and of the entities in which it takes place. The impact of non-standard employment on workers is discussed. The paper also provides a critical view on non-standard employment.


2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 515-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry Ackers ◽  
Neil Stuart Eccles

Purpose – Despite its voluntary nature, the Johannesburg stock exchange (JSE) requires all listed companies to apply the King III principles, including providing independent CSR assurance. King III has accordingly made independent CSR assurance a de facto mandatory requirement, albeit on an “apply or explain” basis. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) assurance practices in South Africa, within a King III context. Design/methodology/approach – To understand the impact of King III on South African CSR assurance practices, a longitudinal study covering reporting periods both before and after King III implementation. The first stage reviewed the annual reports of the 200 largest JSE-listed companies to establish the frequency of CSR assurance provision. The second stage involved performing a content analysis on the CSR assurance reports. Findings – King III is driving the institutionalisation of CSR assurance practices in South Africa, as evidenced by the growth in CSR assurance since the implementation of King III. The study also found that the audit profession’s dominance was being eroded by specialist CSR assurors providing higher levels of assurance, despite concerns about the rigour of their assurance methodologies. Voluntary CSR assurance practices have resulted in the inconsistent application of CSR assurance practices, impairing the ability of stakeholders to understand the nature and scope of CSR assurance engagements. It is argued that this deficiency may be overcome through the imposition of a mandatory CSR assurance regime. Originality/value – The pervasive impact of the King Code of Governance on South African organisations makes it appropriate to examine its impact on South African CSR assurance practices. As such, this paper represents one of the first studies to specifically consider the impact of a mandatory regulatory requirement for independent CSR assurance and suggests a future direction for global CSR assurance practices.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Malcolm Mersham ◽  
Chris Skinner

Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the current practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in South Africa, its linkage to corporate social investment (CSI), the impact of new Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) legislation and the contribution that South African public relations practice can have on the development challenges facing the continent of Africa. Design/methodology/approach Empirical data and reports drawn from various industry and evaluative sources is interpreted in the context of key contemporary elements of practice. The last part of the article provides a theoretical discussion of the public relations role as a “change” agent in South Africa and for the continent of Africa as a whole. Findings The South African Government’s prescriptive stance on transformation and BEE has thrust the reconsideration of CSR onto every corporate agenda in South Africa. With set targets and expenditure requirements, CSI has become a performance-driven pursuit among businesses seeking to improve their overall BEE scores. At the Pan-African level, a generic model of African public relations with a strong developmental focus is required for the education and training of public relations professionals. Research limitations/implications African public relations practice challenges accepted normative approaches in the conceptualisation of a sustainable new global model of the profession. More research will be needed to show how the African humanist approach might impact on the debate about the political, social and economic relevance of the profession in society and the reputation of the profession worldwide. Originality/value This study provides historical context for recent developments in public relations in South Africa, providing insights into the direction of the development of public relations practice in Africa.


2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Hill ◽  
Sylvia Poss

The paper addresses the question of reparation in post-apartheid South Africa. The central hypothesis of the paper is that in South Africa current traumas or losses, such as the 2008 xenophobic attacks, may activate a ‘shared unconscious phantasy’ of irreparable damage inflicted by apartheid on the collective psyche of the South African nation which could block constructive engagement and healing. A brief couple therapy intervention by a white therapist with a black couple is used as a ‘microcosm’ to explore this question. The impact of an extreme current loss, when earlier losses have been sustained, is explored. Additionally, the impact of racial difference on the transference and countertransference between the therapist and the couple is explored to illustrate factors complicating the productive grieving and working through of the depressive position towards reparation.


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