The Content of Corporate Social Responsibility Information: The case of Greek Telecommunication Sector

Giannarakis G., Sariannidis N., Garefalakis A., (2011) ‘‘The Content of Corporate Social Responsibility Information: The case of Greek Telecommunication Sector’’, International Business Research, 4 (3) pp 33-44. 

Abstract

The aim of this study is to illustrate what and how stand-alone Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports and web information provide to readers. These characteristics are recorded in predetermined schemes. The study focuses on the telecommunication sector, especially on fixed and mobile telephony and internet access providers in the Greek market. In all, five companies that provide CSR reports are identified. Their characteristics are categorized by four main predetermined dimensions, namely: type of communication, context, indicators and distinctions. The content analysis technique is selected as it is widely accepted and used in the field of CSR report research. The analysis indicates that three annual reports are almost similar in all dimensions and sub-dimensions. All of the companies publish their management systems certifications and awards and both Greek and English information versions exist; however, there are contradictory results in the dimension of indicators, the sub-dimensions of report guidelines and stand-alone reports. The value of the paper is to promote the standardization of CSR report.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Reporting, Telecommunication sector, Content Analysis