Title: Corporate social responsibility disclosures in an emerging economy: case study of a tobacco company in Sri Lanka

Authors: A.A.J. Fernando

Addresses: Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, Department of Accounting, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore how corporate social responsibility (CSR) is undertaken and disclosed with a help of a case study. Global reporting initiatives (GRI) G3 sustainability reporting guidelines were used as the benchmark to analyse CSR disclosures. It was found that CSR engagement and disclosures were mainly focused on 'sustainable agriculture, 'civic life and 'empowerment'. The finding further supported stakeholder theory and legitimacy theory but disclosures were gradually declining. The unit of analysis was found to have paid adequate attention on all three aspects of CSR namely economic, environmental and social. CSR disclosures were on a par with 'A' level application of GRI G3 when compared to performance indicators stipulated in GRI G3. The reporting structure and formats had been modified as the company required from time to time. Despite the fact that sustainable agriculture programmes were continuing, the spending on CSR was gradually declining over time.

Keywords: CSR disclosure; corporate social responsibility; voluntary disclosure; GRI G3; CSR engagement; legitimacy theory; stakeholder theory; emerging economies; case study; tobacco industry; Sri Lanka.

DOI: 10.1504/JGBA.2014.064082

Journal for Global Business Advancement, 2014 Vol.7 No.3, pp.236 - 248

Published online: 30 Apr 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article