| dc.description.abstract | Purpose: This study explores the approaches of Bangladeshi companies towards Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) in terms of their perception of ethical issues in conducting
businesses and the forms and scale of their CSR activities.
Methodology: The methodology components of this exploratory study are: an extensive
literature review, identification of the issues and dimensions of CSR in business firms,
development of data collection tools, conducting the survey and interviews, and data
processing and analysis.
Findings: Most companies are observed to view CSR as philanthropic donations and
charitable work. Their CSR activities do not serve the interests of all stakeholders. They also
do not have an organizational structure of CSR planning and implementation. Companies
other than those in the banking sector do not have CSR budget.
Practical Implications: The study is expected to benefit the stakeholders of Bangladeshi
companies and the policy makers to review the CSR activities of companies and to upgrade
their CSR planning and performance.
Originality: The study shows how Bangladeshi companies deal with CSR responsibilities and
suggests that further studies are required in the light of findings from the literature review and
the analysis of the current CSR practices of these companies. The study emphasizes the
importance of ethics in considering issues like social norms and standards, the interests of
stakeholders such as pays and benefits to employees, workplace environment and safety,
product safety and norms in accounting, finance and marketing, whistle blowing, environment
conservation and payment of taxes to government.
Limitations: Company executives are reluctant in disclosing their budgets and expenditures in
philanthropic activities. It was difficult to assess the position of many companies because their
executives lacked clear understanding of the concept and practices of CSR. | en_US |
