CSR Reporting Under Scrutiny

Margot Goetmaeckers

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been a significantly present topic from a business as well as an academic perspective, resulting in the demand for CSR reporting. The demand for CSR reports comes from organizations’ stakeholders, claiming for more transparency and accountability. In particular, the number of reports concerning corporate social performances has become more readily due to the increased attention of businesses concerning social disclosure. Therefore, this research is investigating the status quo concerning organizations’ CSR reports in Belgium and France. The investigation is conducted through a profound literature review, followed by an explorative, cross-national comparative analysis. The insights suggest that organizations in the two countries are aware of the present tools available regarding CSR disclosure. However, issues concerning accountability, transparency, and evaluation of CSR performances still appear in the reporting practices.

Abstract:

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been a significantly present topic from a business as well as an academic perspective, resulting in the demand for CSR reporting. The demand for CSR reports comes from organizations’ stakeholders, claiming for more transparency and accountability. In particular, the number of reports concerning corporate social performances has become more readily due to the increased attention of businesses concerning social disclosure. Therefore, this research is investigating the status quo concerning organizations’ CSR reports in Belgium and France. The investigation is conducted through a profound literature review, followed by an explorative, cross-national comparative analysis. The insights suggest that organizations in the two countries are aware of the present tools available regarding CSR disclosure. However, issues concerning accountability, transparency, and evaluation of CSR performances still appear in the reporting practices.

Keywords

Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR disclosure, CSR standards, CSR guidelines

Keywords

CSR standards, CSR guidelines, CSR disclosure, Corporate Social Responsibility

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 29. 11. 2020

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 14. 6. 2021
• Supervisor: Tomáš Ryška
• Reader: Ladislav Tyll

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme:
Management