Corporate social responsibility- Journal Review

Executive summary

This report was carried out to review journals on cooperate social responsibilities and making a summary of the research methods , aims ,usefulness ,results ,findings ,limitation also the  challenges ,critiques and research reflections.

The report include analysis of Four journal articles which are CSR of listed companies in china, CSR in India financial institution ,CSR matters in Mauritius development and CSR in SMEs in Portugal. The research for CSR of listed companies in china was carried out by collecting data  of listed companies from Shanghai security exchange and Shenzhen security exchange.  The result showed that most listed companies address social issues which include pollution ,energy saving and sustainability development.  CSR in India banking sector  shows what financial institution are doing with regards to CSR ,the report was conducted interviewing top executives of financial institution which shows that they are mostly engaged in philanthropy activities ,social engagement and other CSR initiatives which have positive impact to environment development.

The research paper on CSR matters in Mauritius development showed that companies are required to spend 2% of their profits on CSR ,The research use qualitative approach to gather information from companies and the initiatives used by Mauritian companies to contribute to better society and fighting poverty was discussed .  Finally the report draws attention of CSR in  Portugal SMEs ,it shows the practices at social ,economic ,and environmental levels explaining the factors which places great restriction of SME adoption of CSR practices .Majority of Portugal SMEs are internally focused on CSR adoption and place importance on employee motivation ,cost reduction and improved client relationship.

The Journal Articles help to understand CSR implementation and initiatives with focus on how CSR helps to increase development and change organization response to their  community by contributing to the social ,economic and environmental growth.

1.0  Research Paper I "CSR in emerging country: a content analysis of CSR reports of listed companies"

1.1  Citation

"Yongqiang Gao, (2011),"CSR in an emerging country: a content analysis of CSR reports of listed companies", Baltic Journal of Management, Vol. 6 Iss 2 pp. 263 - 291"

1.2 Introduction

CSR in both cooperate and state level awareness in Asia is low compared to the increased attention to CSR in developed economies. China is a good example as an Asia country with different political and culture economy from the west .

The research paper provides social responsibilities profile of listed companies located in china, discussing how the companies form their reports and the social issues reflected in their report.

1.3 Aims & Research Methodology

The main aim of the study is to evaluate critically the social performance of companies listed in the Chinese Stock Exchange. In order to successfully carry out the research a content analysis was conducted in relation to the CSR reports issued by the companies from the period of  January 1 ,2008 to October 28, 2008. 844 listed companies from Shanghai security exchange  and 761 listed companies from Shenzhen security exchange where collected. Search engine which include  www.cninfo.cn ,www.google.com ,www.baidu.com where used  to ensure retrieval of any CSR reports issued recently by the listed companies including the use of the company official website .  Following this approach  81 CSR reports were finally collected and used as sample in analyzing CSR performance .

1.4 Scope -Analysis ,findings and Results

The scope for this paper include examining the CSR reports of listed companies in china discussing how the listed companies form their social responsibility report including stakeholders reflected in the report, also  the type of  attitude they hold towards assuming social responsibilities. The findings shows that only 5.05 % among the listed companies published their report in China while 4.42 % issued separate report and 79% of the companies have positive attitude to social responsibilities while no company have negative attitude. State owned enterprises addresses most of social issues which show that they are more politically sensitive while non state owned enterprises perform better in addressing stakeholders interest.

1.5 Usefulness
 

The paper  gives a clearer view of social responsibilities of Chinese listed companies it also shows the social issues which are frequently address by Chinese companies. The literature review helps in the understanding of CSR in china where the researcher showed the significant increase from one CSR report openly published in 2003  to 82 in 2007 .

1.6 Limitation

The limitation of the research is the sample size which is only 81 CSR reports used . The results cannot be generalized to all Chinese companies, also listed companies used may overstate their social responsibilities performance due to many companies in china CSR reports are not verified by external party.

1.7 Critiques and challenges

The research provides excellent literature review on CSR and reporting also discussing  indebt on CSR in china showing with tables and fact the trend and growth of CSR  in china ,However the sample size used cannot fully justify if majority of the listed companies in China have good CSR making it difficult to know the stand of Chinese companies with regards to CSR.

1.8 Conclusion

This paper is  useful in understanding Chinese listed companies CSR reporting. it showed that  Chinese companies do not adopt international guidelines in issuing CSR reports and prefers to follow their own guidelines. the most social issues frequently addressed by Chinese companies include energy saving and pollution ,scientific development view ,sustainability development of society and economy .However this paper may not be useful in understanding the CSR reporting for other Asia countries as the author focus on only china for the research work.

1.9  Reflection

The paper helps people especially foreigners to understand  CSR in China which will further help in broadening knowledge about the economic ,social and cultural conditions of CSR reporting in china .

                                                                                      

2.0 Research Paper II "CSR in India : Reflections from the banking sector"

2.1  Citation

" Sophie Hadfield-Hill , (2014),"CSR in India: reflections from the banking sector", Social Responsibility Journal, Vol. 10 Iss 1 pp. 21 - 37"

2.2 Introduction

India financial sector plays important role in driving forward development and growth. The research paper provides contribution to the literature of CSR operation in the banking sector  exploring the CSR within the India context and looking into the trends and emerging practices .The banking sector is of interest because of its role in driving forward the nation economy and growth and due to focus of global interest on financial responsibilities.

2.3 Aims & Research Methods

The main aim of the journal is investigating the modes of CSR engagement amongst financial institutions in India which further help to understand the responsibilities carried out by the sector. The research method include conducting semi-structured interviews with CEO's ,managing directors and senior managers of financial institutions in India. Out of the 52 interviews conducted 60 % were corporate elites .Interviewing the elites helps to provide an insight in the motivations and social strategies ,and future engagement of key players of India financial institution.

2.4 Scope -Analysis ,findings and Results

The scope of this journal include examining the CSR of financial institution in India and the responsibilities carried out by this institutions. 4 categories of responsibilities which was collected from the interviews with top  management are pure philanthropy, profit maximization ,corporate community engagement and corporate social engagement. Financial institutions decisions to fund major development projects have positive impact on the environment and communities. The findings suggest that western CSR initiatives have influence on executives in India allowing them to be proactive in contributing positively to social responsibilities .

2.5 Usefulness

The paper gives a clearer understanding of India financial institution responsibilities. conducting the research using interview helps to explore the cooperate motivation and practices showing that companies making positive impact the most are the once actively engaged with local communities . The research also highlight some commitment and motivation which are overlooked in CSR reporting methods.

2.6 Limitation

The limitation of the research is the focus on only financial institutions in India and this research cannot be used to explain CSR in the entire country ,The interview where also granted to only the executives of the institution which may not give proper result on the actual fact on CSR activities of the institution as most executives tends to overstate their company social responsibilities performance.

2.7 Critiques and challenges

The researcher conduct a good number of interviews with  financial sector executives which is one of the great success of the research work however the research contains little literature review of the context of CSR in India and the sector used which is only the financial sector is a weakness due to the research cannot be generalized or used as a basis of CSR in India.

2.8 Conclusion

This paper helps significantly in understanding the literature of CSR operations across financial institutions in India and the influence on development and emerging market. The paper presents 4 categories of CSR engagement which shows a good commitment of the financial sector in promoting social responsibilities and development .However this paper may not be useful in comprehending CSR in sectors aside financial institutions as the research is focused on India Financial sector.

2.9  Reflection

The research provides valuable information on CSR initiatives and performance in the financial sector and will serves as guide for any financial institution to bench mark and improve their CSR activities ,the paper can also be used by other developing countries to understand financial institutions CSR performance which will assist in planning their own strategies and initiatives on CSR development.

3.0  Research Paper III"CSR matters in the development of Mauritius"

3.1  Citation

"Roshni Deepa Gokulsing, (2011),"CSR matters in the development of Mauritius", Social Responsibility Journal, Vol. 7 Iss 2 pp. 218 - 233"

3.2 Introduction

Mauritius is a developing small island which is exposed to several vulnerabilities ,the government is calling for the private and public sector efforts in addressing social developmental issues and poverty. The budget speech which was enacted in 2009 in parliament states all companies are to spend 2% of their profits on CSR or transfer the fund to be used for the purpose of social and environment development. The paper analyses the way CSR is defining development in Mauritius.

3.3 Aims & Research Methods

The main aim of the paper is to evaluate  the relationship between business and poverty reduction with the successes and failures of CSR initiatives in Mauritius and how the CSR initiatives are helping companies to achieve their business objectives. Qualitative methods was used for data collections and indebt interview where used to capture the views of private sector and NGO's on CSR discussing the concept, activities, policies ,poverty and also future of CSR . The secondary sources used are company publications, annual reports and companies website.9 leading companies were selected in the private sector which form the service and industries since the companies were reported to show high commitment to CSR. Interviews were also carried out with the CSR ,human resource and communication managers. 4 NGO'S participated in the study and the executives where interviewed .

3.4 Scope -Analysis ,findings and Results

The scope for this paper include examining the development of CSR initiatives in Mauritius and the findings shows that Mauritius business sectors plays vital role in creating a better society through their social responsibilities activities. However there is call by some stakeholder in   NGO sector that believes the business enterprises in Mauritian  needs to do more .Results from the research also shows that CSR is increasingly improving and embedded in most corporate culture in the country and for CSR to aid development effectively it has to coordinated at the private ,civil society and government level to attain equitable and sustainable development.

3.5 Usefulness

The  paper gives a clearer view of the role of business sectors in promoting development in Mauritius through social responsibilities activities. Business sector and NGO are redefining the development in Mauritius based on the interview on different stakeholders which shows their contribution in fighting poverty .The literature review also provides very good overview of CSR development in Mauritius.

3.6 Limitation

The limitation of the paper is on the categories of companies interviewed which only have few categories excluding other companies like telecommunication firms .The results cannot fully prove that most companies in Mauritius are doing enough to reduce poverty since there is still increase in poverty in the country.

3.7 Critiques and challenges

 

The literature review provides good information on CSR development in Mauritius ,The number of companies in Private and NGO sector interviewed are little and it cannot be generalized that all companies play vital importance to CSR in Mauritius ,the extent of the company contribution in fighting poverty and creating development was not also fully discussed in the paper.

3.8 Conclusion

This paper is useful in understanding the roles played by Mauritian business sector in promoting development and fighting poverty. sensitizing the right perspectives should be encouraged to promote CSR among the private sector ,civil society and state owned companies. There are also calls for transparency in dealing with CSR and it should be part of all companies cooperate culture this will help effective collaboration between  government ,NGOs and private sector to fully develop and eradicate poverty in Mauritius.

3.9  Reflection

This research work provides relationships on the development of CSR in  Mauritius. This is important to understand the role business sector ,NGo's and government plays in shaping development in the country and the type of activities they engage in ensuring poverty eradication and sustainable environment .

 

4.0 Research Paper IV " CSR in SMEs: strategies, practices, motivations and obstacles? "

4.1  Citation

"Maria Santos, (2011),"CSR in SMEs: strategies, practices, motivations and obstacles", Social Responsibility Journal, Vol. 7 Iss 3 pp. 490 -508"

4.2 Introduction

(SMEs) Small medium enterprises plays significant role in European economy and is one of the key component in Portuguese economy despite this importance ,there are little studies on SME CSR and CSR are more broadly associated with larger companies. The journal includes CSR practices at social ,economic and environmental levels and factors that place great restrictions on SME adoption of CSR practices in Portugal .The paper also present diagnostic results of CSR practices of SMEs in Portugal .

4.3 Aims & Research Methods

The main aim of the journal is to examine SME CSR practices in Portugal  looking effectively into the CSR practices at economic, social and environmental levels and factors which restrict SME from adopting CSR practices. The research method involves using a questionnaire a quantitative approach completed by sample of  2,000 SMEs from 5 regions in Portugal and the companies belong to diverse sectors having from about 10 to 250 employees The data retrieved from the questionnaire was processed using SPSS software package .The questionnaire was used to identify social responsibility activities that companies engage in internally ,externally ,economically and environmentally.

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