Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) In Malaysia - Ontological And Epistemological Research Orientation In Building Theoretical Foundations
Loading...
Date
2012
Authors
Nasruddin, Ellisha
Bustami, Mohammad Reevany
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This research has studied CSR, through broad inclusiveness of stakeholders and dimensionality of
nitiatives/activities. The inclusiveness of stakeholders provides a framework for understanding the extent of
~orporate commitment towards socially responsible behaviour. More so, th is research delved into an
extensive approach in understanding the manisfestation of stakeholder-oriented society in both Klang Valley
~s well as in Penang- its frame of reference is the ontological as well as the epistemological aspects of the
esearch. The theoretical framework (a CSR relational matrix) underpinning th is research proposal relates to
he ontological dimension of this research. The epistemological aspect of this research entails employed an
~bductive research strategy (Blaikie, 2000) which makes use of only sensitising concepts to direct the
esearch, which led to the creation of first and second-order constructs (Schutz, 1963).
The horizontal axis of the CSR re lational matrix charts the levels or dimensions of corporate
~ctivi ties , namely (1) attitudinal-awareness, (2) knowledge-skills, (3) behavioral, and (4) result-impact. The
~ertical axis maps the relational aspects of CSR. It provides an analytical mapping of CSR vis-a-vis various
~takeho lders, which comprise (1) employees, (2) community, (3) environment, (4) customers (5)
~overnment, (6) suppliers, (7) industry players, and (8) investors.
Research findings from 49 companies (both in Penang and Klang Valley) interviewed, showed that
here are five typologies of CSR initiatives: reputation-linked, human-capital linked, ethnically-culturally
inked, product-service linked, and personality-linked. Based on the CSR matrix, there is an overwhelming
f,!oid in fourth dimension the results-imoact dimension and, that CSR is viewed as community-oriented,
environment-related and emolovee/customer-related.
Description
Keywords
Analytical mapping of CSR , Abductive research strategy , Ontological and epistemological approach