Business and Social Responsibility in the Arab World: the Zakat vs. CSR models in Syria and Dubai

Abstract

The article explores the promotion and reception of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Arab world, taking Syria and Dubai as “most different” case studies. It observes that government-connected organizations have taken the lead in promoting CSR but are facing difficulties in rooting the concept beyond the ranks of crony capitalists. It argues that businessmen remain attached to an Islamic framework of social responsibility that contrasts with CSR as currently promoted. Extracting key themes in the businessmen’s approach and comparing them with the UN Global Compact the article proposes an ideal-typical comparison of what it calls the Zakat and the CSR models. It discusses their relative utility as symbolic resource for the different actors.

Exploring strategic CSR communication on UAE banks' corporate websites

“…Although information on Islamic banks' CSR is prominent, it lacks in significant substance and detail. Selvik (2013) supports that Islamic values remain a strong factor in how CSR is perceived in the Arab world and, therefore, social responsibility is still largely conceptualized as zakat (p. 120). One possible explanation for the low disclosure of CSR information is the Islamic concept of niyya (i.e.…”

United Nations Global Compact: Literature review and theory-based research agenda

“…Given that "multinational companies can no longer operate under a cloak of secrecy" (Post, 2012, p. 6), they must show their level of responsibility to several influential stakeholders (Egels-Zanden and Kallifatides, 2009). As far as the external pressures are concerned, the most-cited stakeholders are the NGOs and the activists (e.g., Mele and Schepers, 2013;Perez-Batres et al, 2011;Selvik, 2013). Lim and Tsutsui (2012) recognize a preeminent role of these actors, arguing that non-governmental channels have a more positive effect in pushing companies to adopt CSR frameworks rather than governmental ones (Bernhagen et al, 2013).…”

“…Important external stakeholders are also the unions (e.g., labor unions, citizen's unions) and the citizens (e.g., Bernhagen et al, 2013). Both Selvik (2013) and Perez-Batres et al (2012b) recognize that the community of citizens carry out an essential role in pushing companies to adopt the UNGC. However, although Selvik argues that this leads to an effective implementation of CSR strategies, Perez-Batres et al maintain that the companies' participation in this case is merely symbolic.…”

“…Arevalo et al (2013)-in their survey focused on the Spanish companies' motivations to adopt the UNGC-demonstrate that both early and late adopters are motivated by the "perceived opportunity of achieving image gains" (Arevalo et al, 2013, p. 10). Selvik (2013)-in a conceptual article on the CSR practices in the Arab world-notes that the search for the improvement of company reputation is particularly strong for international companies looking for foreign notoriety. Another motivation related to reputation is the legitimatization of corporate actions under the United Nations' name (e.g., Bennie et al, 2007;Hemphill and Lillevik, 2011;Perez-Batres et al, 2010).…”

“…Moreover, firms belonging to ethically questionable sectors (e.g., arms, tobacco) can adhere to the initiative (Rasche, 2009a). Selvik (2013) highlights that some UNGCsubscribing companies are historical allies of the Syrian regime. Some scholars (e.g., Rasche, 2009a) suggest that the UNGC should restrict participation to strengthen its "perceived integrity."…”