Social Responsibility Journal

Students' perceptions regarding CSR success of the US forest products industry : Table of Contents

Rajat Panwar, Eric Hansen, Roy Anderson — Mon Mar 01 02:05:39 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – From the standpoint of the future of corporate social responsibility, students' perceptions are an important research proposition. Several studies have been conducted to examine this phenomenon, yet sector-specific studies are rather scant. The primary purpose of this work is to examine students' perceptions regarding social responsibility in the context of the US forest products industry. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 257 graduate and upper level undergraduate students from Oregon State University and University of Montana, pursuing different academic majors, were surveyed to examine the differences in their perceptions of the US forest products industry's success in fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities. Findings – Results suggest that business and forest ecology/environmental science students were least satisfied with industry fulfilling its economic responsibilities. Regarding fulfillment of socio-environmental responsibilities, forest ecology/environmental science students were significantly less satisfied than any other study major. Additionally, a comparison between male and female students suggested that males and females have a similar level of satisfaction regarding industry fulfilling its economic responsibilities. However, males were found to be more satisfied with industry fulfilling its socio-environmental responsibilities than females. Research limitations/implications – Students for the study were not selected randomly and as such the results of the study can, at best, be considered indicative. Study findings have implications for academic curriculum designers as well as for industry policy makers. Originality/value – This is the first attempt to examine students' perceptions about the social responsibility success of the US forest products industry.

Corporate social responsibility of a Nigerian polluter: the West African Portland Cement (WAPCO) Nigerian PLC's case : Table of Contents

Adeolu O. Adewuyi, Afolabi E. Olowookere — Mon Mar 01 02:05:39 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – Owing to the dearth of studies in Africa on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community satisfaction with them, this study aims to examine the case of WAPCO and its host communities. Design/methodology/approach – Through the use of a simple structured questionnaire, the authors collected data from key respondents including community development leaders, community chiefs, market women leaders, youth development leaders, religious leaders and other opinion leaders in and around the locations of WAPCO's Plants. The authors also extract some useful information from the company's annual reports. In analyzing the data, both a descriptive approach and some measures of linear association are adopted. Findings – The authors found that, although the proportion of resources committed to CSR is small, CSR expenditure rises with the firm's sales. Further, the host community displays a great knowledge of the adverse effects of the company's operation; however, reactions are minimal. This is attributed to the company's elaborate governance structure and CSR practices as well as to a high level of host community satisfaction with them. However, there is the budding predisposition for the company's activities to generate conflict with workers from the community and the community as a whole in the future. Research limitations/implications – The study is limited by the facts that some data extracted from the company's annual reports are taken as given, and by an inability to carry out a large-scale survey of opinions as planned due to unwillingness of the community individual members to cooperate. Besides, the study is based on a single firm in the manufacturing industry. Thus, caution should be exercised in the interpretation and generalization of these results. Practical implications – The company's CSR is rated as satisfactory; nonetheless, involving the community more in the design of its CSR programs is imperative. The idea of institutionalization of collective bargaining procedures in CSR activities is relevant not just to WAPCO, but also to other companies, especially those with much environmental impact, like the oil companies. It is also suggested that a grassroots approach be taken in studying the CSR profile of companies, especially in a developing economy, like Nigeria; in order to serve as early warning signs of conflicts. Originality/value – The study adopts both theoretical and empirical approaches to associate a company's CSR practice with the immediate community needs or satisfaction so as to forestall the replication of the kind of crisis observed in the Nigerian oil industry. To one's knowledge, no prior study in Africa has taken such a holistic and balanced approach.

Sensemaking of managers' ethical work orientations : Table of Contents

Christina Reis — Mon Mar 01 02:05:39 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – Regarding managers' sensemaking of ethical content, this paper aims to help understand how managers come to believe what is important for business ethics and to improve understanding about their ethical work orientations. Design/methodology/approach – The method used was a qualitative approach that analyzed 23 in-depth interviews conducted with managers in various settings. Findings – Three categories of ethical sense-making orientations were identified: the proactive managers; the institutional managers; the technical managers. The study follows a discussion of the significance of these categories in terms of ethics in management, focusing on the extent to which the individual or the organization appears to drive ethical dilemmas. Research limitations/implications – Five main limitations are discussed. It was not the aim of the study to provide an explanatory model for the process of ethical sensemaking and managers' work orientations. The sample of managers used in the study is only indicative of managers' ethical work orientations. Practical implications – Managers have different ethical work orientations that relate to their personal identities. These categories may provide a framework for future research on additional types of professionals, organizations and cultural settings. For example, the institutional ethical managers are easier for organizations to control since they seem to rely on company rules. Originality/value – The paper is valuable for management scholars and practitioners in the field of management. Since not much has been written about the sensemaking of managers and business ethics, the paper examines how some managers were more proactive than others in identifying ethical content in unexpected situations.

Corporate social responsibility: a study of Kazakhstan corporate sector : Table of Contents

Rajasekhara Mouly Potluri, Yespayeva Batima, Kunev Madiyar — Mon Mar 01 02:05:39 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The main purpose of this research is to know the attitudinal displays of Kazakhstan companies towards corporate social responsibility. Apart from this, the paper also seeks to analyze the opinions of Kazakh employees, customers and the general public about their companies' socially responsible actions. Design/methodology/approach – After a thorough revision of the relevant literature on corporate social responsibility, through well structured questionnaires and informal personal interviews with 50 Kazakh companies from both manufacturing and service sectors' concerned officials, the study analyzed CSR towards Kazakh owners or shareholders, employees, customers, creditors and suppliers, general public or community at large and government. To cross-validate, the paper also carried out a separate survey to collect the opinions of 100 employees, 100 customers, and 100 members of the general public. These collected data were analyzed by using SPSS and Microsoft Excel software packages. Findings – Kazakhstan companies conveyed a difference of opinion in almost every stakeholder area because of the present day economic crunch. Related to consumers, only 68 percent of companies recognized the provision of effective after-sales service and 62 percent only promised to extend courteous service. Most importantly, only 58 percent of the Kazakh business community acknowledged following a fair trade policy. Related to the cross-validation part, a meagre 8.57 percent of employees were not content with companies' policies, 12.86 percent of customers thought they were exploited and another 11.20 percent of the general public were not pleased with the social actions of Kazakh companies. Practical implications – The study presents required information relating to Kazakhstan companies about the expectations of different stakeholders regarding revising their existing plans, policies, strategies and programs for maintaining healthy and affable relations. Originality/value – The research paper provides a strong information base for both Kazakh companies and academicians to understand the various expectations of all the key interest groups in general and employees, customers and the general public in particular.

Biotechnology education and societal demands: challenges faced by biotechnology and human resources development : Table of Contents

B. Pandu Ranga Narasimharao — Mon Mar 01 02:05:39 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the social responsibility of universities and other higher education institutes in meeting the challenges faced by biotechnology and human resource development. Design/methodology/approach – The challenges faced by biotechnology are discussed under three broad heads – exponential growth in biotechnology knowledge, commercialization and industrialization of the biotechnologies, and knowledge integration by various stakeholders of biotechnology. Findings – The emergence of the knowledge society warrants that universities ensure that overall work of the academy is more relevant to the nation's most pressing civic, social, economic and moral problems and that there is an urgent need to have a fresh look at the approaches followed in biotechnology education and training, particularly with reference to developing countries. It is necessary to see how the different players (industries, university, society, government) concerned with biotechnology can act in unison and in a mutually beneficial way. An integrated approach to the field of biotechnology combining different subject areas is necessary and the courses and approach should reflect this. Originality/value – Career counselors and those engaged in educational guidance are flooded with inquiries about biotechnology courses and their scope. It is observed, on the one hand, that the biotechnology field is starved of talent and, on the other hand, that there are several universities/colleges, particularly in developing countries, producing large numbers of unemployable graduates. Some serious thinking needs to be done urgently to overcome this problem.

Sustainability along the global supply chain: the case of Vietnam : Table of Contents

Antonio Tencati, Angeloantonio Russo, Victoria Quaglia — Mon Mar 01 02:05:39 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact that more sustainable sourcing policies by many multinational companies are having on the suppliers located in developing countries such as Vietnam. Questions are raised about the process through which CSR is reaching the country. Design/methodology/approach – The research was conducted in Vietnam thanks to the support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization's (UNIDO) Regional Office. The survey was carried out on the basis of a questionnaire that was used as a support during the direct interviews and was sent electronically when the preferred method of on-site visits was not possible. A total of 25 Vietnamese enterprises were involved in the research. Findings – The results achieved highlight, on the one hand, how CSR does make business sense even in a developing country such as Vietnam and, on the other, the difficulties related to the way requirements of sustainability are moving from Northern consumers to suppliers in Vietnam. Practical implications – This process calls for new forms of collaboration involving firms along the supply chain, local authorities, international players, and civil society. Originality/value – The paper points out the unsustainability of the process through which corporate responsibility is being imposed on Vietnamese suppliers and how CSR, having become a mandatory requirement for access to international markets, might transform itself into a new type of technical barrier to trade. Therefore, CSR needs to be fostered rather than imposed, through the creation of innovative partnerships and locally-rooted solutions.

Perception of important information in corporate social disclosures: evidence from Indonesia : Table of Contents

Juniatí Gunawan — Mon Mar 01 02:05:39 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the most important corporate social disclosure (CSD) as perceived by the Indonesian stakeholders and the disclosures in Indonesian listed companies' annual reports. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaire and content analysis methods were applied for the purpose of the study. A total of 306 people from six primary stakeholder groups (shareholders, investors, customers, employees, suppliers, and communities) provided their opinions by ranking the importance of every theme of disclosure. Further, the information disclosed by 119 Indonesian listed companies in their 2003, 2004, and 2005 annual reports was examined. Findings – The results show that there are gaps between the most important information perceived by the stakeholders and the information disclosed by the companies. This result may indicate that the information disclosed by the companies has not fulfilled the stakeholders' needs. Therefore, the stakeholder theory should be investigated further in this context. Research limitations/implications – The study is expected to assist Indonesian businesses to focus on the information they disclose in their CSD particularly as a consequence of their corporate social responsibility (CSR). Originality/value – The paper is based on an original study that addresses the current gap between the CSD needed by the stakeholders and the fact that CSD has been disclosed in the companies' annual reports. The study is particularly valuable for both stakeholders and companies.

Principles for responsible metals supply to electronics : Table of Contents

Steven B. Young, Alberto Fonseca, Goretty Dias — Mon Mar 01 02:05:39 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper seeks to critically analyse the list of principles on the extractive phase of the electronics supply chains, proposed for consumer electronic companies, by the non-governmental campaign MakeITfair. The purpose is to understand whether conformance with these principles could positively influence the socio-environmental conditions at the mining level. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the literature on incorporation of corporate social responsibility in supply chain management. It then examines how metals are mined, traded and used in electronics, as well as how the mining industry has been managing its own socio-environmental problems. This information underpins the qualitative discussion of the principles. Findings – MakeITfair's principles were found to be constructive insofar as they draw the attention of electronic companies to their shared responsibility for the problems of distant-tier suppliers. Nevertheless, some principles may lead to potentially undesired outcomes such as biased prioritization of mining companies or regions, adoption of contentious “standards”, and conflicts concerning the sovereign rights of nations over their natural resources. Overall, the principles stress traceability mechanisms as means of influencing the mining phase of supply chains without considering the costs and benefits of overcoming the complexities involved in the metal trade and other barriers. The paper concludes by highlighting the need to consider additional ways of positively influencing metals supply. Research limitations/implications – The paper points out specific research priorities in the value chains of metals. Originality/value – The paper provides a critical analysis of intricate responsibility issues in the supply chain of the world's top electronic companies.

Corporate social responsibility in a Brazilian mining company: “official” and divergent narratives : Table of Contents

Fernanda Duarte — Mon Mar 01 02:05:39 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This research paper seeks to explore two narratives identified in a project focusing on CSR in Brazil: the “official view” promoted by the company, and “divergent voices” that called into question the legitimacy of the official view. Design/methodology/approach – This takes the form of a qualitative design and interpretive approach. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews supplemented with corporate materials, web searches, informal conversations with external stakeholders, and non-participant observation are also used. Findings – The study revealed that the official narrative emerging from the “corporate performances” organized by the key informant was consistently positive. The divergent narrative portrayed the company in a negative light, and was unveiled through web searches and further reflection in the post-fieldwork period. Research limitations/implications – Data collection could have been carried out more systematically if the researcher had had greater control over the situation, especially with regard to recruitment of participants, which was done by the key informant. Originality/value – The study contributes to a better understanding of the concept of “CSR as organizational culture”, which has not been significantly explored in the literature. It addresses the scarcity of works on CSR in the Brazilian mining sector and stresses the importance of going beyond the official view when researching CSR cultures, to consider a diversity of perspectives.

Collectors behaving ethically: an emerging consumption constellation : Table of Contents

Jennifer Yurchisin, Sara B. Marcketti — Mon Mar 01 02:05:39 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This study aims to examine the characteristics of ethnographic textile collectors and compare them with the literature regarding fair trade consumers to explore the existence of a possible consumption constellation between collecting and fair trade purchasing. Design/methodology/approach – Purposive sampling was used for the study as it maximized the attainment of significant information related to ethnographic textile collecting. Qualitative data from ethnographic textile collectors (n=12) were collected. Findings – Results suggested that collectors were interested in purchasing high quality, authentic products that expressed their identity and individuality. These are similarities shared with fair trade consumers. Furthermore, collectors' motives to help artisans overcome poverty were evident; a similar value guides fair trade purchasing. Research limitations/implications – The predominantly female sample of academics may not be representative of the average ethnographic textile collector. Practical implications – Understanding the multiplicity of products and activities representative of one consumer group's lifestyle is beneficial to both for-profit and non-profit organizations in terms of product promotion or donation solicitation. The understanding of these consumers' lifestyle can, in turn, help marketers design and implement effective advertising and fundraising campaigns that improve the livelihood and wellbeing of excluded and disadvantaged people in developing countries. Originality/value – The paper furthers the knowledge base and understanding of these different consumer segments by providing evidence of a consumption constellation between ethnographic textile collectors and fair trade consumers.