Designing a Social Responsibility Reporting Framework for Listed Companies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Parvane Alimohammadi ¹

Seyed Atafeh Hosseini ²

Zahra Yousefi Amin ²

Seyed Yousef Ahadi Serkani ¹

¹ Department of Accounting, Firouzkoh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Accounting, Firuzkoh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Firozkoh, Iran

10.22067/ijaaf.2025.46051.1491

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting framework based on a content analysis of international reporting practices for companies listed on the stock exchange. This qualitative research employs content analysis to examine global CSR disclosure patterns. Data were collected from publicly listed companies, and a systematic approach was adopted to identify the key dimensions and indicators relevant to CSR reporting. The study proposes a comprehensive CSR reporting model comprising four primary dimensions: value creation, corporate governance, social participation, and environmental protection. Subcategories include investment in valuable products, sustainable services, ethical governance, transparency, environmental stewardship, and compliance with social and ethical standards. Together, these elements form the foundation of a robust framework that enables companies to align with corporate governance principles. This framework provides a structured approach to CSR reporting, supporting firms in enhancing transparency, accountability, and adherence to governance guidelines in their social responsibility practices. The study contributes to the literature by presenting an initial, context-specific CSR reporting model tailored to stock exchange–listed companies, addressing both regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations.

Keywords

Accountability

Corporate Governance

Reporting Framework

Social Responsibility

Subjects

• Accounting

---

References

1. Ali, W., Bekiros, S., Hussain, N., Khan, S. A. and Nguyen, D. K. (2024). Determinants and consequences of corporate social responsibility disclosure: A survey of extant literature. Journal of Economic Surveys, 38(3), pp. 793-822. https://doi.org/10.1111/joes.12556
2. Bapuji, H., Patel, C., Ertug, G. and Allen, D. G. (2020). Corona crisis and inequality: why management research needs a societal turn. Journal of Management, 46(7), pp. 1205-1222. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206320925881
3. Carroll, A. B. (1979). A three-dimensional conceptual model of corporate performance. Academy of Management Review, 4(4), pp. 497-505. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1979.4498296
4. Chufama, M., Sithole, F. and Utaumire, Y. (2021). A review of corporate social responsibility theories and models. International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management IX, 9(3), pp. 104-19.
5. Claydon, J. (2011). A new direction for CSR: the shortcomings of previous CSR models and the rationale for a new model. Social Responsibility Journal, 7(3), pp. 405-420. https://doi.org/10.1108/17471111111154545
6. Damayanti, Y., Rismawati, R. and Rusli, A. (2023). Membangun konsep corporate social responsibility (CSR) melalui budaya 3S (Sipakatau, Sipakalebbi, Sipakainge). Membangun Konsep Corporate Social Responsibility (Csr) Melalui Budaya 3s (Sipakatau, Sipakalebbi, Sipakainge), 14(02), pp. 336-345. https://doi.org/10.23887/jimat.v14i02.58167
7. Davis, K. (1976). Social responsibility is inevitable. California Management Review, 19(1), pp. 14-20. https://doi.org/10.2307/41164678
8. Dewi, C. I. R. S., Triyuwono, I., Hariadi, B. and Roekhudin. (2024). Corporate social responsibility model based on Tri Hita Karana philosophy. Cogent Social Sciences, 10(1), A. 2295056. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2023.2295056
9. Drobyazko, S., Hilorme, T., Solokha, D. and Bieliakova, O. (2020). Strategic policy of companies in the area of social responsibility: Covid-19 challenges. In E3S Web of Conferences (Vol. 211, p. 04011). EDP Sciences. Ukraine. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202021104011
10. Emeka-Okoli, S., Nwankwo, T. C., Otonnah, C. A. and Nwankwo, E. E. (2024). The evolution of CSR reporting in the oil and gas industry and its future direction: a conceptual review. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 21(3), pp. 100-108. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.21.3.0664
11. Gálvez-Sánchez, F. J., Molina-Prados, A., Molina-Moreno, V. and Moral-Cuadra, S. (2024). Exploring the three-dimensional effect of corporate social responsibility on brand equity, corporate reputation, and willingness to pay. a study of the fashion industry. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 79, A. 103836.
12. Kanji, R. and Agrawal, R. (2016). Models of corporate social responsibility: Comparison, evolution and convergence. IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, 5(2), pp. 141-155. https://doi.org/10.1177/2277975216634478
13. Khan, I., Jia, M., Lei, X., Niu, R., Khan, J. and Tong, Z. (2023). Corporate social responsibility and firm performance. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 34(5-6), pp. 672-691. https://doi.org/10.1080/14783363.2022.2092467
14. Lantos, G. P. (2001). The boundaries of strategic corporate social responsibility. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 18(7), pp. 595-632. https://doi.org/10.1108/07363760110410281
15. Liang, X. and Chen, X. C. (2024). Mandatory corporate social responsibility disclosure and financial constraints: Evidence from China. International Review of Economics & Finance, 89(1), pp. 954-974. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2023.08.011
16. Mahmud, A., Ding, D. and Hasan, M. M. (2021). Corporate social responsibility: business responses to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. SAGE open, 11(1), A. 2158244020988710. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020988710
17. Malhotra, A. (2024). Overview of CSR Initiatives: A Case Study of NHPC. In International Journal for Research Publication and Seminar, 15(2), pp. 168-185. https://doi.org/10.36676/jrps.v15.i2.1407
18. Navickas, V., Kontautiene, R., Stravinskienė, J. and Bilan, Y. (2021). Paradigm shift in the concept of corporate social responsibility: COVID-19. Green Finance, 3(2), pp. 138-152.
19. Nawrocki, T. L. and Szwajca, D. (2021). A multidimensional comparative analysis of involvement in CSR activities of energy companies in the context of sustainable development challenges: Evidence from Poland. Energies, 14(15), A. 4592. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14154592
20. Popkova, E., DeLo, P. and Sergi, B. S. (2021). Corporate social responsibility amid social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis: BRICS vs. OECD countries. Research in International Business and Finance, 55, A. 101315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2020.101315
21. Poursoleyman, E., Mansourfar, G., Hassan, M. K. and Homayoun, S. (2024). Did corporate social responsibility vaccinate corporations against COVID-19?. Journal of Business Ethics, 189(3), pp. 525-551. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-023-05331-1
22. Su, K. (2019). Does religion benefit corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Evidence from China. Corporate social responsibility and environmental management, 26(6), pp. 1206-1221. https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.1742
23. Tahniyath, F. and Elbanna, S. (2023). Corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation: A review and a research agenda towards an integrative framework. Journal of Business Ethics, 183(1), pp. 105-121.
24. Visser, W. (2014). CSR 2.0: Transforming corporate sustainability and responsibility. New York, NY: Springer. Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-40874-8
25. Wang, B., Pyun, D. Y. and Piggin, J. (2024). Developing a conceptual model of corporate social responsibility of the chinese super league clubs. Quest, 76(3), pp. 382-399. https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2024.2354755
26. Wartick, S. L. and Cochran, P. L. (1985). The evolution of the corporate social performance model. Academy of Management Review, 10(4), pp. 758-769. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1985.4279099
27. Wood, D. J. (1991). Corporate social performance revisited. Academy of Management Review, 16(4), pp. 691-718. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1991.4279616