Value-Enhancing Capabilities of CSR

Ing. Nino Kiladze

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The popularity of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) raises as a result of pressure from stakeholders. This tendency is actively observed in developed countries, however, in developing countries like Georgia, the phenomenon of CSR is far from being fully studied. Although almost everybody agrees that firms must be socially conscious, the modern academic world is divided into two while discussing the effects CSR has on the value of the firm. The concept of shared value creation is closely related to CSR. This thesis aims to investigate how firms in Georgia participate in CSR activities, and how CSR practices affect shared value creation. In order to find out answers to the research question survey (among employees) and interviews (among first-level managers, CEO, and directors) were conducted. CSR activities in Georgia have changed due to COVID-19. Although managers think CSR engagement during a pandemic is important for shared value creation, the companies they work for, struggle to do it because of the lack of finances caused by the worldwide crisis.

Abstract:

The popularity of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) raises as a result of pressure from stakeholders. This tendency is actively observed in developed countries, however, in developing countries like Georgia, the phenomenon of CSR is far from being fully studied. Although almost everybody agrees that firms must be socially conscious, the modern academic world is divided into two while discussing the effects CSR has on the value of the firm. The concept of shared value creation is closely related to CSR. This thesis aims to investigate how firms in Georgia participate in CSR activities, and how CSR practices affect shared value creation. In order to find out answers to the research question survey (among employees) and interviews (among first-level managers, CEO, and directors) were conducted. CSR activities in Georgia have changed due to COVID-19. Although managers think CSR engagement during a pandemic is important for shared value creation, the companies they work for, struggle to do it because of the lack of finances caused by the worldwide crisis.

Keywords

Corporate Social Responsibility, Firm value, Shared value creation, Georgia, CSR during Pandemic, COVID-19, Employee expectations, Managers’ perceptions.

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 17. 5. 2021

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 25. 6. 2021
• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Alena Klapalová, Ph.D.
• Reader: M.A. Seto Satriyo Bayu Aji

Masaryk University

Faculty of Economics and Administration

Master programme / field:
Business Management / Business Management