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Papers by Lovish Garg
Purpose-The purpose of this study is to explore the various definitions and descriptions of Corpo... more Purpose-The purpose of this study is to explore the various definitions and descriptions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); elaborate upon development of CSR in India; study the theoretical concepts expounded by various researchers and study the deployment of current CSR practices in India. This paper examines how India's top 500 companies view, and conduct their CSR, identifies key CSR practices and maps these against Global Reporting Initiative standards. Design/methodology/approach-It is a cross sectional study which is exploratory in nature. It involved secondary data collection and use of content analysis technique to assess CSR practices of companies operating in India. Findings-The main findings of the study are that CSR is now presented as a comprehensive business strategy, arising mainly from performance considerations and stakeholder pressure. Companies consider their interaction with stakeholders and impact of its business on society as significant issues. CSR policies vary with turnover and profit. The study suggests that business and CSR strategy appear to be on a convergent path, towards business and CSR integration across the company. Out of the top 500 companies, 229 did not report on CSR activities and were therefore filtered. 49% of the remaining 271 companies were reporting on CSR. Many companies are making token gestures towards CSR and only a few companies have a structured and planned approach. Several companies spread their CSR funds very thinly across many activities. Every company defines CSR in their own ways as per their needs. CSR is on an upward learning curve and is primarily driven by philanthropy. Practical implications-The study clearly maps the CSR performance of 500 top Indian companies against GRI standards. This paper will be useful to any Indian company in understanding more about its shortcomings and opportunities. Originality/value-This is the first time that such an exhaustive study has been carried out based on Indian companies. It gives a perspective on how top companies in India view and conduct CSR.
Purpose-The purpose of this study is to explore the various definitions and descriptions of Corpo... more Purpose-The purpose of this study is to explore the various definitions and descriptions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); elaborate upon development of CSR in India; study the theoretical concepts expounded by various researchers and study the deployment of current CSR practices in India. This paper examines how India's top 500 companies view, and conduct their CSR, identifies key CSR practices and maps these against Global Reporting Initiative standards. Design/methodology/approach-It is a cross sectional study which is exploratory in nature. It involved secondary data collection and use of content analysis technique to assess CSR practices of companies operating in India. Findings-The main findings of the study are that CSR is now presented as a comprehensive business strategy, arising mainly from performance considerations and stakeholder pressure. Companies consider their interaction with stakeholders and impact of its business on society as significant issues. CSR policies vary with turnover and profit. The study suggests that business and CSR strategy appear to be on a convergent path, towards business and CSR integration across the company. Out of the top 500 companies, 229 did not report on CSR activities and were therefore filtered. 49% of the remaining 271 companies were reporting on CSR. Many companies are making token gestures towards CSR and only a few companies have a structured and planned approach. Several companies spread their CSR funds very thinly across many activities. Every company defines CSR in their own ways as per their needs. CSR is on an upward learning curve and is primarily driven by philanthropy. Practical implications-The study clearly maps the CSR performance of 500 top Indian companies against GRI standards. This paper will be useful to any Indian company in understanding more about its shortcomings and opportunities. Originality/value-This is the first time that such an exhaustive study has been carried out based on Indian companies. It gives a perspective on how top companies in India view and conduct CSR.