Endemic corporate responsibility dimensions in the developing economy: An exploratory study

The current understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its associated dimensions have majorly been developed by western researchers (Xu & Yang, 2010). An exhaustive study of CSR as a concept based in the specific socio-cultural settings of India is imminent (Mohan, 2001). Hence, this research is predominantly intended to identify the endemic CSR dimensions as well as the actions that constitute these dimensions for organisations based in India. The official company website is the common communication medium for publishing information about CSR. Therefore, inductive research was conducted for twenty-seven corporate websites of companies in India using qualitative content analysis. Nine dimensions of CSR along with the actions that constitute these dimensions were identified. The dimensions are economic dimension, environment protection, ethical consideration, employee, consumerism, community development, legal, stakeholder expectation and philanthropy. Thus, this study helps develop knowledge and understanding about CSR within a specific context, i.e., India. This research will lend a holistic perspective for creating a CSR strategy for an organisation

Effectiveness of corporate governance and measurement challenges

Growth and profits are key performance indicators for sustainable Corporations. As a result of this, competition between corporations has become intense with everyone trying to outperform the other. In this process there are performers, losers, winning situations and crisis situations. These outcomes are a result of how effectively the corporations/organizations are managed/governed. The Business World in the last few years has witnessed a financial crisis due to several reasons. One of the key reasons for the crisis has been attributed to lack of good and effective Corporate Governance. In light of the Global Financial Crisis that began in 2007, this paper tries to establish the importance of effective corporate governance. The paper has traced these failures stemming from the perspective of corporate governance by looking at different reports. It goes on to define a Corporation from the perspective of the stakeholder expectation, and the importance of Governance, it brings out the systemic gaps against this background. It further goes to identify the factors contributing to effective corporate governance, how it could be measured and the challenges involved in the process. Based on this understanding it proposes an approach which can be used to define a framework to measure the effectiveness for Corporate Governance.

Development of corporate social responsibility projects in Angola

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.