In India, the government has the key responsibility for society’s development by implementing various plans and policies. These governmental efforts encompass a wide range of social, economic, and environmental initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for its citizens. However, relying solely on government initiatives is not sufficient to address the diverse and complex challenges faced by the society. Therefore, it is essential to involve more stakeholders, particularly corporate entities, which have significant resources at their disposal. Corporate entities have an important role in using their resources for social development through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Objectives of the Study
This study has been carried out with the following two specific objectives:
- To study the initiatives taken by selected Indian companies in the realm of CSR.
- To analyze whether the selected companies comply with the Companies Act, 2013, regarding the amount spent on CSR activities.
Theoretical Framework
Carroll (1979) defined four types of responsibilities that a company must fulfill: economic, legal, ethical, and discretionary responsibilities. These responsibilities provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and evaluating corporate behavior.
- Economic Responsibility: A firm must earn profit for its shareholders. This is the foundational responsibility upon which all other responsibilities are built. Without profitability, a company cannot sustain itself or contribute to social development.
- Legal Responsibility: A firm must comply with the laws and regulations imposed by the government while conducting business. This ensures that the company operates within the boundaries of legality, protecting the rights of stakeholders and the environment.
- Ethical Responsibility: Ethical responsibility refers to the activities of management that go beyond legal requirements to do what is right, just, and fair. It involves acting with integrity and fairness in all business dealings.
- Discretionary Responsibility: Discretionary responsibility is the voluntary duty of companies to contribute to social development. This includes philanthropic activities and initiatives that support community welfare, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
Review of Literature
Several studies have examined the CSR initiatives of Indian companies and their impact on social development.
- Pradhan and Ranjan (2010) examined the CSR initiatives of Indian companies in rural development. They concluded that companies have recognized the importance of social and economic growth of local communities and are engaged in various social activities to promote better social and economic growth in rural areas.
- Srivastava, Negi, Mishra, and Pandey (2012) analyzed the CSR performance of the TATA group. They concluded that the TATA group efficiently performs its duty and responsibility towards the nation, demonstrating a strong commitment to CSR.
- Singh, Srivastava, and Rastogi (2013) analyzed the CSR practices of selected banks. They found that banks are performing their CSR activities effectively, contributing to social development and community welfare.
- Govindarajan, Kumar, and Purusothaman (2013) investigated the linkage between CSR initiatives and financial and stock market performance. They found a positive relationship between CSR scores and stock market performance, indicating that socially responsible companies tend to perform better financially.
- Mundhe (2013) conducted research on the impact of Indian ethos and CSR in selected Indian companies. The study showed that Indian cultural values help companies realize their social responsibilities, and their CSR activities play a significant role in social development.
- Sawant (2014) analyzed CSR practices, initiatives, and expenditures of selected pharmaceutical companies in India. The study found that these companies have taken various initiatives to fulfill their social duties, with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. being the only entity to spend close to 2% of its average net profits on CSR, as mandated by the Companies Act, 2013.
- Bhat and Qureshi (2014) investigated the CSR initiatives of selected life insurance companies in India. They concluded that the life insurance sector is actively contributing to social development through various projects.
- Khan, Zahoor, and Irum (2014) explored the impacts of CSR on employees’ behavior in the telecom sector of Pakistan. They found that CSR activities significantly influence employees’ performance, fostering pride and commitment towards the organization.
- Guruvaiah and Rao analyzed the role of corporate organizations in social development. They observed that a majority of manufacturing companies focused on environmental concerns due to their impact on the environment, while service organizations paid attention to various social issues. They also noted a positive relationship between CSR expenditure and company performance.
Methodology
This study is based on secondary data collected from the published annual reports of selected Indian companies over a four-year period (2011-2012 to 2014-2015). Six Indian companies—Asian Paints Ltd., Axis Bank Ltd., Dabur India Ltd., Exide Industries Ltd., Emami Ltd., and Tata Chemicals Ltd.—were selected using a random sampling technique.
Analysis of CSR Initiatives
The selected companies have undertaken various CSR initiatives aimed at addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.
- Asian Paints Ltd.: Focuses on education, healthcare, and skill development. Their initiatives include scholarships for underprivileged students, health camps, and vocational training programs.
- Axis Bank Ltd.: Engages in financial literacy programs, healthcare initiatives, and environmental sustainability projects. They have also contributed to disaster relief efforts and rural development.
- Dabur India Ltd.: Concentrates on healthcare, education, and rural development. They run mobile health clinics, support schools in rural areas, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
- Exide Industries Ltd.: Invests in education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. Their CSR activities include building schools, providing healthcare services, and reforestation projects.
- Emami Ltd.: Focuses on healthcare, education, and women empowerment. They run health camps, support educational institutions, and conduct training programs for women.
- Tata Chemicals Ltd.: Engages in community development, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. They support local schools, run health camps, and promote water conservation projects.
Compliance with Companies Act, 2013
The Companies Act, 2013 mandates that companies meeting certain criteria spend at least 2% of their average net profits of the preceding three years on CSR activities. The study examines whether the selected companies comply with this requirement.
- Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.: As previously mentioned, this company is one of the few to spend close to the mandated 2% on CSR activities. Other companies vary in their compliance levels, with some falling short of the requirement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CSR is crucial for the social development of India. The government alone cannot address all societal challenges, making it essential for corporate entities to actively participate in CSR initiatives. The study shows that selected Indian companies are taking significant steps in CSR, focusing on areas such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and community development. While compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 varies, there is a clear recognition of the importance of CSR in contributing to social and economic development.
Corporate Social Responsibility not only enhances the reputation of companies but also fosters employee pride and commitment. As companies continue to integrate CSR into their core operations and corporate culture, they will play a pivotal role in the sustainable development of society. The positive relationship between CSR and financial performance further underscores the importance of responsible business practices.