Leading by Example: Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives by Dabur India Limited in North India

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives undertaken by Dabur India Limited, the biggest Ayurvedic company in the world, at areas close to its manufacturing plant. It also explores the perception of Dabur’s stakeholders with respect to its social responsibility behaviour. For the purpose of this study, both primary as well as secondary data have been used. The primary data have been collected by conducting unstructured interviews and a field visit within the premises of the company’s manufacturing plant in Baddi district as well as in the surrounding villages. The secondary data have been collected from annual reports of the company and the company website. On investigating, it was be observed that Dabur, through years of social involvement and local community partnership projects, has established a special bond of trust with all its stakeholders. Also, as the expenditure made by Dabur on its CSR activities has always exceeded the stipulated amount as per government recommendations, this evidently supports its dedication towards its vision statement, on creating value for society. As after a revision in CSR policies there have not been many research studies examining the CSR practices by companies in India, this study, therefore, addresses this knowledge gap and provides new insights on the compliance by Dabur with regard to new CSR guidelines by the Companies Act, 2013.