Title: Cross-country comparison of CSR reporting practices - evidenced from institutional theory in India and China

Authors: Aparna Bhatia; Binny Makkar

Addresses: University School of Financial Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India ' University School of Financial Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India

Abstract: The present paper explores the differences in the extent of corporate social responsibility reporting practices in India and China on the basis of institutional theory as affected by the national business system (NBS). Content analysis is used as a tool for data collection from the annual reports and websites of companies. A self-constructed index containing 31 items under five heads is framed after reviewing the literature available and current reporting practices of the two countries. Descriptives are used to calculate company wise and item wise scores. The differences in the mean scores of Indian and Chinese companies are examined using independent sample t-test. The results reveal that the extent of CSR disclosure of Indian companies is significantly higher in contrast to that of Chinese companies. India takes lead in CSR disclosure for all other categories except for human resources. The study strongly implicates the Chinese government for focusing more on strengthening the enforcement of laws and improve the governance environment.

Keywords: corporate social responsibility; content analysis; India; China; national business system; NBS.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSM.2018.098888

International Journal of Sustainable Strategic Management, 2018 Vol.6 No.2, pp.117 - 144

Received: 26 Sep 2017
Accepted: 17 May 2018
Published online: 09 Apr 2019 *

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