CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF NEPALESE CORPORATE SECTOR WITH FOCUS ON EDUCATION

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to explore the knowledge, perception, practices, preferences and challenges of CSR in select business organizations of Nepal. Two theoretical perspectives namely institutional theory and re-distributive theory have been adopted in the research. I employed the qualitative approach and applied qualitative inquiry for the study. I used interviews, journals and study materials as research tools. I used interview guidelines to collect the perceptions of school principals, CSR experts, CSR officers, bankers, owners of companies and government officials on CSR This study suggests business organizations performed CSR activities due to their feeling of social responsibility and moral obligation. CSR was also considered for creating brand awareness and seeking legality for organizations’ dealings. The finding also suggests organizations prefer to direct their CSR activities toward the educational sector as feedback is tangible and key result areas are measurable. The challenges of CSR in Nepal are lack of documented policy and inclusion of CSR as a corporate strategy. The findings suggest there are lots of expectations from business organizations and that they are willing to be socially responsible but expect the government to act as facilitator to encourage organizations towards CSR. Business organizations have focused mainly on philanthropic activities, which have become akin to tradition passed on through generations. Business entities are willing to engage in much wider and problem solving roles. However, CSR, activities seem to be more in keeping with the interest of organizations rather than having a real social impact. CSR , appears to have been undertaken with the ii understanding that we should do it rather than on the basis of the philosophy ‘why not do it’?