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CSR in India: reflections from the banking sector

Hadfield-Hill, S. (2014) CSR in India: reflections from the banking sector. Social Responsibility Journal. 10(1), pp. 21-37. 1747-1117.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Purpose - This paper explores Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the Indian context, focusing on the banking sector. This is of particular importance at this time given the financial industry’s pivotal role in driving forward India’s growth; this paper contributes to the literature on the operationalisation of CSR within one of the world’s fastest growing economies. Design/methodology/approach - The paper presents empirical, on-the-ground qualitative evidence from the Indian finance sector with regard to CSR operations and motivations. Data is based primarily on a series of semi-structured interviews with ‘elite’ participants; senior officials operating in the banking sector. Findings - The paper offers insight into four levels of CSR engagement which currently exist in the day-to-day operations of Indian companies. Of significance to debates on CSR trends and strategies, the paper presents evidence to suggest that western CSR initiatives are influencing executives in India; ultimately causing a reactive response of an ad-hoc nature. Research limitations/implications - Whilst the focus of this paper is the Indian finance industry, the trends within this sector and emerging practice, we must be cautious about making broad generalisations about CSR in India based on the data presented here. Originality/value - A focus on responsible project finance and CSR is imperative at this time of major infrastructure growth in Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) economies; indigenous financial institutions have a crucial role to play in social and economic development. Through a focus on four modes of engagement, which emerged from empirically grounded data collection, this paper highlights multiple forms of commitment and motivation which are often overlooked when reviewing CSR primarily through reporting methods.
Uncontrolled Keywords: BRICs, CSR, financial institutions, India, project finance, sustainable
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD60 Social responsibility of business
H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5387 Business ethics
Creators: Hadfield-Hill, Sophie
Publisher: Emerald
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > The Centre for Children and Youth
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Social Sciences (to 2016)
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences
Date: 2014
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 21-37
Journal or Publication Title: Social Responsibility Journal
Volume: 10
Number: 1
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SRJ-11-2012-0145
ISSN: 1747-1117
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/4717

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