CSR and sustainability reporting practices of top companies in India

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute an international perspective to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability (Sus) discussions by examining CSR/Sus reporting practices of the 200 largest state-owned and private companies in India. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conduct a case study at the Danish carpet manufacturer EGE. The authors interpret the case from the perspective of pragmatic constructivism, which focusses on the integration of four dimensions: facts, possibilities, values, and communication. Findings – The analyses showed that while most companies share CSR/Sus information through their websites they associate different levels of importance to this communication. However, the study found that overall the CSR/Sus climate in India is showing signs of positive reform. Research limitations/implications – Being among the first, this study provides a framework for future studies to continue exploring CSR/Sus context in India, a country that despite its growing importance and influence has been largely ignored in the CSR/Sus literature. Practical/implications – The study outlines the current CSR/Sus reporting trends and best practices in India that can help managers and organizations identify issues and topics that they could channel their resources and efforts into to maximize returns and benefits in this area. Social/implications – This study provides insights into how corporations in an emerging and complex economy such as India are assuming roles of corporate citizens and are actively using web-based communication to engage and interact with stakeholders on issues that are of general concern. Originality/value – The value of this study is in providing empirical insights into the strategies that Indian companies use to report on their CSR/Sus policies and commitments. The study is among the first to examine CSR in India from a sustainability perspective, and evaluate compliance with global reporting standards among top corporations.

The Sustainable Approach to Corporate Social Responsibility: A Global Analysis and Future Trends

“…From this perspective, the approach to sustainability in CSR has been extensively researched over the past few years. Thus, it has been studied from a European corporate perspective [93], in practice and policy in Asian luxury hotels [94], in the practice reports issued by India's major companies [95], in the effectiveness of balanced scorecard in family hotels [43], or in the performance indicators and in the reporting of sustainability in Hungary [96]. There are studies directed towards analyzing the role of CSR in sustainability [1], CSR's strategy on the environmental dimension of sustainability [97], an integrated approach to CSR and corporate sustainability [98], the telecommunications industry's participation in the CSR's sustainable approach [99], or the expectations of Chinese consumers in corporate communication on CSR and sustainability [100].…”

Sustainability reporting practices in India: A study of selected conglomerates

“…Therefore, it becomes pertinent to make efforts in this direction. (Jain & Winner, ). Hence, this study is designed to fill two gaps, which exist in sustainability reporting literature.…”

To Investigate the Relationship between CSR of Companies and Their Market Valuation (Equity Valuation): Northern India

“…CSR enable a company to attract and maintain high skilled and talented employees. Maintaining talented and highly skilled employees enables the company to attain a competitive advantage in the production process (Jain & Winner, 2016). Highly skilled and experienced employees also like associating themselves with reputable organizations that incorporate their interests in the workplace.…”

“…CSR in Delhi NCR region, companies have closely linked their strategies with principles of CSR that enhance sustainable development (Jain & Winner, 2016). CSR activities are looked as priority and many companies have scaled up their CSR operations.…”

“…The Company Act of 2013 requires all companies to spend 2% of their net profits on CSR. According to Jain & Winner, (2016), only 18% of the top companies in Delhi NCR complied with 2% spending on CSR in 2014. In 2016, the CSR spending increased to 95% from 66% in 2015 financial year.…”