Emerald | Social Responsibility Journal | Table of Contents

Editorial

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (David Crowther) — Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

An Introspect into the Islamic Roots of CSR in the Middle East: The Case of Savola Group in Egypt

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Menatallah Samir Darrag, Noha El-Bassiouny) — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This paper looks into Islamic CSR, an literature domain that is rarely researched. The article has 3 goals. First, it provides an overview of the varying conceptualizations and paradigms underpinning CSR. Secondly, it presents an analogy relating commonalities and deviations between Islam and some of the basic international CSR paradigms. Third, it proposes a novel model of Islamic CSR based on the Islamic legislation (shar’iah) and applies it on a MNC with explicit application of Islamic CSR.Design/methodology/approach - A case study of an explicitly Islamic-abiding corporation had been investigated to test for the applicability of the proposal model. Semi-structured interviews had been employed to both the CSR and the HR Heads in Egypt. In addition, various corporate communications had been also utilized in this study.Findings - The research reflects upon international paradigms of CSR versus the Islamic one, highlighting its origins and providing an analogy amongst both perspectives. Also, a new model is developed and further put into action by the case study employed. Further research is needed to assess further the generalizability of the proposed model especially with companies operating in Muslim-majority countries and, hence, with potential implicit application of Islamic CSR. Research limitations/implications - Generalization of the model cannot be generated at this stage of the model development. Further large-scale empirical research is needed for further development of the proposed model. Practical implications - This research would prove useful for corporations operating in Muslim-majority countries as well as for managers of companies interested in understanding the Islamic perspective on important contemporary world issues like CSR.Originality/value - This article put forth a comprehensive Islamic CSR model based on the shari’ah whilst presenting the commonalities and differences between basic international CSR paradigms and the Islamic perspective on CSR.

Institutionalizing Corporate Social Responsibility: Effects on Corporate Reputation, Culture, and Legitimacy in Malaysia

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Zulhamri Abdullah, Yuhanis Abdul Aziz) — Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop measures of Asian corporate social responsibility (CSR) based on David’s dual process model for Malaysian government linked corporations (GLC) and publicly listed companies (PLC). Design/methodology/approach - A survey consisting was conducted and a structural equation model was used to test the relationships among constructs. An instrument to measure CSR practices focusing on CSR relational, CSR ethical/moral, and CSR discretionary is developed to evaluate impacts on corporate reputation, culture, and legitimacy. Findings - Findings suggest CSR antecedents emerge through formalization of corporate communication management in Malaysian organizations. The structural model provides evidence that CSR initiatives impact corporate reputation directly. The study acknowledges the increase in CSR initiatives in corporate communication practices in GLCs and PLCs in the quest to gain public legitimacy and corporate governance. Originality/value - The study contributes to the corporate communication literature by linking CSR to corporate reputation and culture, and developing a CSR model that explores a critical dimension in management of corporate identity in an Asian country.

Exploring Customer Loyalty at Bottom of the Pyramid in South Asia

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Fara Azmat, Ramanie Samaratunge) — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the under-researched area of social responsibility of small scale individual entrepreneurs (SIEs) and how that impacts on customer loyalty at the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) in the context of South Asia. Design/methodology/approach - Drawing from the literature, the paper expands and builds on the previous work of Azmat and Samaratunge (2009) on SIEs and develops a set of propositions that provide insights into the probable link between customer awareness, responsible business practices of SIEs and customer loyalty at the BoP level.Findings - Findings highlight the uniqueness of SIEs, BoP customers and the contextual variables in developing countries. We further contribute to knowledge by developing the concept of blind customer loyalty, where SIEs are likely to experience customer loyalty regardless of being socially responsible. Research limitations/implications - Given the limited literature on the social responsibility practices of SIEs, this paper makes a significant contribution to two different but important inter-related discourses on SIEs and their adoption of socially responsible practices, as well as to the BoP literature.Practical implications - The paper concludes by outlining the implications for SIEs, policy-makers, and practitioners, advancing the agenda of social responsibility for future research in the fields of both the BoP and SIEs.Originality/value - Given their unique characteristics and realities, SIEs in developing countries are involved with customers at the BoP on a day-to-day basis. However, there is a significant knowledge gap in the literature on their social responsibility and customer loyalty. This paper is the first of this kind to address and link this critical issue.

CSR Manager Competencies: A Case Study from Thailand

Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This study analyzes the skills and competencies required of corporate social responsibility (CSR) managers through best case practice in Thailand. It attempts to define and identify how large companies use such attributes with regard to knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills. It also examines the organizational competency framework of strategy for integrating CSR and its associated skills into mainstream business.Design/methodology/approach - As a qualitative study, the methodology used for collecting data consisted of both open-ended and focused interviews with managers, and consultations with staff who implement CSR in these large companies. Secondary data from annual reports, sustainability reports and CSR reports were also analyzed.Findings - The interviews indicated that specific skills and competencies were needed for managing CSR, but these varied, and a competency framework for Thai corporations was developed.Research limitations/implications - The interviews were limited to only the CSR managers. Thus, the generalization of the findings to other industries should be done with caution.Practical implications - A CSR competency framework for managers is provided, which can supply CSR skills and competencies model for other managers and practitioners.Originality/value - The paper has value in that it provides an analysis of the CSR skills and competencies of the leading corporations in Thailand.

Uncertainties and presumptions about corruption

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Michel Dion) — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The paper will reveal some uncertain correlations and presumptions about corruption.Design/methodology/approach - The paper defines corruption as a social phenomenon. It presents two basic components of that phenomenon : unreasonable preferential treatment and abuse of power. The paper addresses the moral issue that is implied in any phenomenon of corruption. The author will use the Corruption Perception Index and the Bribe Payers Index of Transparency International as well as the International Country Risk Guide, in order to check to what extent some correlations or presumptions about corruption could be reliable, at least as hypotheses. Findings - Uncertain correlations and presumptions about corruption actually create an effect of distorted interpretation. They could cause ideological biases that distort our perception of corruption in developing and developed countries. Research limitations/implications - The paper does not take into account the multiple expressions of gift-giving practices around the world and the way such practices could be confused with corruption. Practical implications - Being aware of our « presumptions » about corruption will help us to choose relevant strategies to combat corrupt practices. This study has implications for business corporations, governments and IFIs. It reveals how the awareness of such uncertainties and presumptions about corruption is related to the CSR discourse.Originality/value - The originality of the paper is to unveil some presumptions about corruption that have not been compared with the results obtained from the Corruption Perception Index, the Bribe Payers Index and the International Country Risk Guide.

SPANISH SAVINGS BANKS’ SOCIAL COMMITMENT: JUST PRETTY WORDS?

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Bernabe Escobar, Maria del Mar Miras) — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims to determine the impact of the economic crisis on the level of Social Commitment of the Spanish Savings Banks. Design/methodology/approach - The paper uses the information provided by Spanish Savings Banks (SSBs) for 2004-2009. In particular, it analyses the evolution of the Welfare Fund, the Financial Results, and the Ratio between the Welfare Fund and the Financial Results variables for each of the SBs, to go more thoroughly into how the Welfare Fund is distributed. Findings - The evolution of the allocations to the Welfare Fund shows a significant decline in absolute numbers, as a logical consequence of the significant decrease in the financial results. However, we can see a substantial WF/P ratio growth in 2008 - 27.81% - and, above all of 36.08% in 2009. This has allowed a certain mitigation of the decline of the allocations. In addition, a change has taken place in the distribution of the Welfare Fund, the amount for Health and Social Care being bigger than the amount spent on Culture and Leisure.Originality/value - The paper provides a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the effect of the economic crisis on the Social Commitment of the Spanish Savings Banks.

Understanding the sustainable development concept in Malaysia

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Corina Joseph) — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this research paper is to explore the understanding of sustainable development and sustainability reporting concepts among Malaysian local authority’s personnel.Design/methodology/approach - The research involved interviews with 23 respondents from 16 selected councils in Malaysia. Interview results were analysed by using the interpretive textual analysis.Findings - Findings – The meaning of the sustainable development concept is quite broad from the local authority's perspective in Malaysia. Local authority’s personnel views sustainable development as: societalist, ecologist and individualist. Only staff directly involved in the sustainable development activity implementation understood the meaning of sustainable development concept. The respondents indicated the importance of educating people on the awareness of sustainable development in their understanding on this concept. Consistent with the western values, tthirteen councils (81%) agreed with the definition by GRI.Research limitations/implications - The research is restricted to Malaysian local authorities and is descriptive in nature. The findings are limited to iterviews in several states, thus generalizing the results is not possible at this stage. Practical implications - There is a deeper appreciation of where local authority personnel gain their understanding of sustainable development issues, and how they participate in the discourse around sustainable development.Originality/value - Very little research has been undertaken into how local authority personnel gain their knowledge neither about sustainable development and sustainability reporting nor about their views on the subject. The research attempts to fill this gap and the way for similar work to be undertaken overseas. Accordingly, this paper calls for further discussion on local authorities’ role in achieving sustainable development and on the public sector interpretation of sustainable development in general.

Are Business Students at Jesuit Universities More Socially Responsible?

Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of different types of collegiate education by examining collegiate business students’ sentiment toward marketing. Design/methodology/approach - Students attending marketing classes at two universities (a Jesuit university and a state university) in the same region in the U.S. were sampled. The questionnaires included the Index of Consumer Sentiment toward Marketing (ICSM). Findings - For overall sentiment toward marketing and for each of the aspects of marketing, significant (at the .05 level) differences are noted. In each instance, students attending the state university report more positive sentiment toward marketing than students attending the Jesuit university. Research limitations/implications - The sample is comprised of students attending only two universities located in the same region. Practical implications - The findings suggest that students attending Jesuit universities may possess more negative sentiment toward marketing than students attending the state university. The increased emphasis on social justice and social responsibility at the Jesuit university may increase the standards with which their students evaluate marketers. Business students from Jesuit universities may be more likely to be act socially responsibly than business students from state universities in their subsequent employment. Originality/value - Jesuit colleges of business purport to produce students who are more socially responsible than students attending colleges of business at state universities, but these claims have not been examined empirically

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PRACTICES IN INDIA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MNCs AND INDIAN COMPANIES

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Mahabir Narwal, Rajinder Singh) — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to explore different areas of CSR covered by the companies in India and to have a comparative analysis of such practices of Indian companies and MNCs working in India.Design/methodology/approach - The sample for the present study consisted of 38 companies including 18 Indian companies and 20 MNCs of different countries working in India across various industries. The data, thus, generated was analyzed with the help of ANOVA and Factor Analysis.Findings - The study finds that there is a little difference in CSR practices of Indian companies and MNCs and that is in terms of importance/focused areas of CSR. Companies are adopting CSR practices of Environmental Marketing, Sustainable Development, Local Community Support, and Transparency and Accountability.Originality/value - MNCs are adopting almost the same CSR practices as adopted by their counterparts Indian companies, thus, MNCs are adhering to the prevailing business practices in host countries.

CSR: A case for employee skill-based volunteering

Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - As companies face an ever wider range of challenges there is growing adoption of CRS initiatives to aid company success. The business-case for CSR investigates the potential for economic value in socially oriented company actions. This paper examines one key CSR initiative, that of employee skill-based volunteerism.Design/methodology/approach - Researchersconsider three current applications of employee skill-based volunteerism and the potential to generate company economic value.Findings - This concept paper suggests employee skill-based volunteerism aligns with the four components of the business-case for CSR including the enhancement of company reputation, the reduction of costs and risk, the achievement of business strategy, and the creation of learning and partnership.Research limitations/implications - This paper focuses on three company’s employee skill-based volunteerism programs and does not reflect the comprehensiveness of a meta-analysis. Hence conclusions are limited in generalization. Further investigation of company CSR program initiatives and their impact both short term and long term is suggested.Practical implications - This paper seeks to highlight the potential for economic value within CSR initiatives. By considering the role of employee skill-based volunteerism this paper considers this specific CSR initiative and its potential for generating economic benefits for a company. Originality/value - We suggest that employee skill-based volunteerism can serve as a unique differentiating strategy employing the knowledge, skills and abilities of employees that are specific to any given company. As CSR initiatives continue to be adopted there remains a need to learn which initiatives may serve as significant sources of economic value for a company as well as how best these initiatives can be implemented.