Exploring the Link Between CSR Disclosure and Implementation A Comparative Study of Perceived Versus Strategic CSR of Indian and Malaysian Textile Firms

Abstract

The Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure (CSRD) has become an initiative of paramount importance for most firms worldwide. This research explores the CSRD of Malaysian and South Indian textile and apparel industries to distinguish the levels of accountability by the firms deliberate execution of CSR by their initiatives and implementation of their CSR issues. India and Malaysia have been at the forefront of corporate citizenship. This study aims to explore to what extent there exists significant heterogeneity between CSR strategic and perceived disclosures across the textile firms. There are three main areas intricate in a firm s involvement in CSR, firstly the Issue - the degree of internal Awareness of the current CSR settings and the issues taken into consideration and the importance given to it. Secondly, the Organization - what the firm does in terms of CSR, given the motivations and obstacles that influence the execution (CSR adoption and implementation). Thirdly, the Communication - how forthcoming is the firm in terms of CSR initiatives and performance, through the various communication channels, creating value for its shareholders and community through CSR reporting. The other aspect of the study is to find out if the firm has the value enhancement approach to CSR. In this regard, the relationship between its CSRD and execution through its Perceived and Strategic CSR is focused. CSRD on the website has become an essential and critical authentication about the firm s CSR strategy. Website CSRD is the firm s channel of communication with the public concerning its CSR practices and whether is it socially responsible and this is Perceived CSR . Annual report CSRD is another form of reporting the firm s CSR execution to its stakeholders, and this is the Strategic CSR approach. Currently, the textile industries in both nations do not seem to give the exact scenario of CSR measures and practices. The research is an attempt towards adding on to academic literature as well as the managerial strateg