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Examining the possibility of achieving inclusive growth in India through corporate social responsibility

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Abstract

The paper attempts to evaluate whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) can contribute towards achievement of inclusive growth in India. Using content analysis of annual reports belonging to 42 non-financial companies across 8 years (2004–2011), the study identifies company disclosures under areas that fall within the purview of both inclusive growth, as conceptualised by the Indian government and themes of CSR subject indices mentioned in corporate social disclosure literature. The study is unique in its attempt to address the relation between CSR and inclusiveness through a longitudinal analysis of 322 annual reports, in a timeframe when governmental intervention regarding CSR was negligible and the disclosures were primarily voluntary. The findings revealed that company CSR efforts are in congruence with some requirements for inclusive growth, like CSR activities in areas such as health, education, infrastructure, environment and energy and can contribute to the welfare of special interest groups such as women, children and backward sections. Apart from contributing to CSR literature in India, the paper will be of interest to corporations, government and other stakeholders of the CSR process.

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Correspondence to Upali Arijita Biswas.

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Table 12 List of companies considered for the study

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Biswas, U.A., Garg, S. & Singh, A. Examining the possibility of achieving inclusive growth in India through corporate social responsibility. Asian J Bus Ethics 5, 61–80 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13520-016-0055-5

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