The evolution and determinants of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure in a developing country: extent and quality
Article
Article Title | The evolution and determinants of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure in a developing country: extent and quality |
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ERA Journal ID | 200049 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Soobaroyen, Teerooven (Author), Ramdhony, Dinesh (Author), Rashid, Afzalur (Author) and Gow, Jeff (Author) |
Journal Title | Journal of Accounting in Emerging Economies |
Journal Citation | 13 (2), pp. 300-330 |
Number of Pages | 31 |
Year | 2023 |
Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
ISSN | 2042-1168 |
2042-1176 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1108/JAEE-02-2020-0031 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JAEE-02-2020-0031/full/html |
Abstract | Purpose: This paper examines the evolution and determinants of the extent and quality of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure in a developing country (Mauritius). Design/methodology/approach: CSR disclosures from annual reports of all listed companies were hand-collected for a 12-year period (2007–2018). The extent of disclosure was measured using a dichotomous index (41 items) while the quality of each disclosure item was assessed on a three-point scale. We rely on organisational legitimacy and resource dependence theories to investigate (1) trends in CSR disclosure extent and quality (2) the role of selected board and firm characteristics, namely the business qualifications of board members, extent of cross-directorships and the firm’s use of employee volunteering scheme, on CSR disclosure. Findings: CSR disclosure extent, notably in relation to environment and human resources, gradually increased to an overall score of 45%. Comparatively, the quality of disclosures was low, with an average score of 20%. The proportion of business-qualified directors is only positively associated with CSR disclosure extent. The extent of cross-directorships is negatively associated with CSR disclosure quality while employee volunteering is positively associated with disclosure extent and quality. Originality/value: The findings reveal the relatively low quality of information being disclosed, and in spite of CSR and governance reforms, there seems to be limited influence from the board of directors and their networks; prompting a call to foster greater board engagement on CSR matters. The results also highlight the need for a multi-dimensional assessment of CSR disclosure. |
Keywords | CSR disclosure, Legitimacy, Resource dependence, Developing country, Mauritius |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 350702. Corporate social responsibility |
Public Notes | File reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/author. |
Byline Affiliations | University of Essex, United Kingdom |
University of Mauritius, Mauritius | |
University of Southern Queensland | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q7q18/the-evolution-and-determinants-of-corporate-social-responsibility-csr-disclosure-in-a-developing-country-extent-and-quality
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