A review of empirical research on corporate social responsibility in emerging economies

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of empirical research studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employed a systematic literature review using research papers published on CSR in emerging economies from 2010 to 2019.FindingsThe findings of this paper show that the principal themes of published research articles on CSR in emerging economies are (1) effects of CSR, (2) drivers of CSR and (3) challenges of CSR. Additionally, publications on CSR in emerging economies have been dominated by studies that used quantitative approach and cross-sectional design. A significant number of studies also employed secondary data sources with most of these studies not being sensitive to sectoral influencesResearch limitations/implicationsThe research is non-empirical.Practical implicationsCSR is an area that can mitigate some of the developmental challenges of emerging economies and also stimulate the economic growth of firms. Thus, governments and organisations must partner to provide suitable conditions that would influence organisations to incorporate CSR in their business plans.Originality/valueThis review is the first of its kind that identifies the principal thematic domains of research on CSR in emerging economies. This review also provides proof of the areas of research that need attention and also provides recommendation on future areas of study on CSR in emerging economies.

Institutional Drivers for Corporate Social Responsibility of Ghanaian Firms

The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has dominated the academic space with a significant number of studies focusing on attempting to establish the relationship between corporate responsibility and firm performance. Minimal empirical attention is, however, accorded to attempting to establish what drives corporate responsibility among firms. This study sought to examine the institutional drivers for CSR practices of firms in Ghana using a mixed-method approach. An interview was conducted with personnel in charge of executing their respective firm’s corporate responsibility initiatives to obtain a firsthand insight into the level of appreciation for CSR among Ghanaian firms as well as to identify the drivers for CSR. The drivers for CSR were classified into internal and external institutional drivers. The study sourced for data for its analysis by administering questionnaires to 100 respondents. Responses were quantitatively analyzed using a regression technique. Among the internal drivers for CSR, it was found that only board commitment to CSR was a significant and positive driver of corporate responsibility. International trade relations, the media, and the local community were similarly found to be significant and positive drivers of CSR among the external drivers. Regulations was found to be a significant driver for CSR but impacted on corporate responsibility negatively. It is recommended that incentives by the government, award schemes, and enforcement of CSR reporting be implemented to drive a broad adoption of CSR among firms in developing nations.

The Relationship Between CSR, Corporate Governance, and Firm Performance

Research has been conducted to extend our understanding of CSR by revealing CG mechanism antecedent effects on firm social engagements. In spite of this, few studies aimed to understand the impact of the performance of those mechanisms on CSR. To our knowledge, our study is the first to measure CG performance and its role in the expansion of CSR in an emerging country. We also analyze some component of firm performance that could potentially affect a firm's social commitment. Using a data survey questionnaire consisting of 37 items assessing CSR engagement measured by a self- constructed index and firm level data of 76 listed Moroccan firms, empirical results underline the impact of corporate governance performance and firm's performance on CSR. These results suggest that governance mechanism performance and firm performance are principal drivers of CSR particularly for big business. Debts have shown a reducing effect. Thus, our study of CSR commitment index allows for a clearer and more robust assessment of CG on Moroccan firm CSR activities.

Corporate Social Responsibility and SMEs in Vietnam: A Study in the Textile and Garment Industry

This study explored the influence of factors on the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in companies. The study used a quantitative approach in which a survey was conducted. The final 250 among various respondents in the textile and garment industry were used. The final respondents were top-, middle-, and low-level managers in 250 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. The results indicate that competitive context, social influences, the understanding of managers about CSR, and the internal environment of companies are the four drivers of CSR. In the four drivers, competitive context has the strongest impact on adopting CSR. The finding implies that stakeholders’ pressure influences SMEs in this industry because of the high expectations from international stakeholders.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development in China: Current Status and Future Perspectives

With a long history, large population, rapid economic growth, and major social transformation in recent years and the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative, China has increasingly become an important global player. However, the negative social and environmental consequences of such a fast and extensive economic expansion are becoming significant. A series of measures have been taken to tackle the current problems faced by the country, including the issuing of new laws and regulations, and the most recent is China’s ban on plastic waste imports. However, there is a significant gap between Chinese laws and their implementation. Therefore, more people are putting their hope in a combination of legislation and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to help address the current social and environmental problems faced by the country. This paper discusses the drivers of CSR in China and compares them to the drivers of CSR in the West. The paper also explores the extent to which CSR can make a contribution to solving the sustainable development challenges faced by China and discusses possible solutions if the current CSR pattern fails. Finally, the paper makes suggestions for future research on CSR in China.

CSR orientation of future top managers in India

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how future top managers in India develop their corporate social responsibility (CSR) orientation. Based on socialization theory, this paper investigates how individual determinants influence CSR orientation by focusing on the two main drivers of CSR in India – the philanthropic and strategic imperatives.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 204 students currently enrolled in a post-graduation program at an Indian Institute of Management was conducted via an online questionnaire. By applying a logistic regression analysis, determinants of CSR orientation are revealed.FindingsThe results of the study indicate the influence of different factors of primary and secondary socialization on an individual’s CSR orientation. The study finds that women and younger individuals have a tendency toward a strategic CSR orientation. Alternatively, religiousness and emotional stability predict a philanthropic CSR orientation. Furthermore, business school education leads to a strategic CSR orientation.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on a number of determinants that were evaluated to be important. Future research should broaden the scope and include additional, and more sensitive, factors.Practical implicationsThe study provides insights that organizations can incorporate in their recruiting processes to strengthen their CSRO development.Originality/valueThe study addresses the gap that exists in current literature on CSRO in India by not just describing but diving deeper and investigating the demographic and psychographic determinants of individuals’ CSRO. A step further is taken to identify individuals’ inclinations toward either a strategic or a philanthropic approach to CSR.