Corporate Social Responsibility: A Smokescreen or Writing on the

wall- An understanding through students perception

Arya Pattnaik, Malla Reddy Institute of Management, Hyderabad
Abstract:
The concept of Social Responsibility, once known as no blesses obliges has undergone a
vigorous resurgence in the upheaval of globalization. The need of responsive CEOs
precludes the delivery of responsible management education. The paper recognizes the
indispensability of management students as a stakeholder and attempts to undertake a
study to unravel the varied perception of students with regards to different aspects of
CSR. It also probes the feasibility of CSR as a Management Education coursework. The
findings suggest a good deal of correlation amongst different aspects of CSR and their
constituents. This study would corroborate academicians in anchoring for the inclusion of
CSR as a coursework in MBA and facilitate foreseeing its indispensability for a
sustainable future.
Key words: Corporate Social Responsibility, Aspects of CSR, Responsible Management
Education
1 Introduction
In a world of complicated corporations, Corporate Social Responsibility is a far fetched
quixotic dream or to say a disillusioned fantasy.
The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has a long and varied
history. It is possible to trace evidences of the business communitys concern for society
for centuries. While some of the stalwarts of management might deploy CSR as a
smokescreen to camouflage the emphasis from shareholders stakeholder, others may
consider it as a formation of self governing institutions (Peter F Drucker 1973). Contrary
to this, there are ideologies that consider the entire process as a fundamentally
subversive doctrine (Milton Friedman 1970). CSR today is trespassing the cocoons of
oblivion and donning an incumbent avatar. As of today CSR has no clear cut accepted
definition, the languid nature of its definition lends reason for its lack of seriousness.
CSR is a commitment to improve community well being through discretionary business
practices and contributions of corporate resources (Phillip Kotler and Nancy Lee 2005).
A broader definition of CSR, as an umbrella term for a variety of theories and practices
all of which recognize the following: a) that companies have a responsibility for their
impact on society and the natural environment, sometimes beyond legal compliance and
the liability of individuals; (b) that companies have a responsibility for the behavior of
others with whom they do business(e.g. within supply chains); and that (c) business needs
to manage its relationship with wider society, whether for reasons of commercial
1

viability, or to add value to society(Blowfield and Frynas 2005). CSR can be described as
a multi-layered concept that can be differentiated into four inter-related aspectseconomic, legal, ethical and philanthropic responsibilities (Archie Carroll 1991). The
definitions of CSR implicate its induction into MBA coursework thereby bequeathing the
tenets of Responsible management education to future managers.
2 Purpose of the Study
The study aims to understand the underlying perception of students regarding Corporate
Social Responsibility and its applicability, impact and feasibility on their MBA (Master
of Business Administration) coursework. This study would corroborate academicians in
incorporating and designing CSR as a MBA coursework
3 Literature Review:
Various studies have been conducted on the need of CSR and its applications in
management, some of the relevant research which inspired the study have been discussed
here.
CSR refers to "actions that appear to further some social good, beyond the interests of the
firm and that which is required by law (McWilliams & Siegel 2001, p.117). Pyramid of
Corporate Social Responsibility is a seminal work in the field of CSR which has inspired
the structure of our study (Archie Carroll's 1991). Davis sets forth his definition of social
responsibility in an article by arguing that it refers to business-mens decisions and
actions taken for reasons at least partially beyond the firms direct economic or technical
interest (Davis K 1960, p. 70). With (Freemans 1984) seminal book the focus moved
from legitimacy and morals towards a new theory of the firm and facilitated the growth
of Stakeholder Theory. Social considerations are thus no longer outside an organization
but are part of its purpose of being. CSR thus becomes a question of stakeholder
identification, involvement, and communication (Mitchell, Agle, & Wood, 1997; Morsing
& Beckmann, 2006; Morsing & Schultz, 2006). CSR refers to three main types of
responsibilities that an organization has to fulfill: economic, social and environmental
(Elkington, 1997).Ethics has a perennial impact on CSR and tens to an integral part of
business agenda (Moneva & Ortas, 2010). CSR as an ideology has been strongly
anchored and advocated in the literature of business ethics (Jones, 1991; Donaldson &
Dunfee, 1994; Crane & Matten, 2003). Reputation management is a pertinent issue
harping on stakeholders collective knowledge about the firm in its organizational field
(Brown, Dacin, Pratt, & Whetten, 2006; Fombrun, 1996; Rindova, Williamson, Petkova,
& Sever, 2005). CSR is a field of study with significant implications for academia,
industry and society (Berle, 1931; Dodd, 1932; Hopkins, 2003). Its early beginning in
academic writing can be traced to an exchange of articles in 1930s between Berle (1931)
and Dodd (1932) on the role of corporate managers. Dodd (1932) pointed out that
substantial strides were being made in the direction of a view of business as an economic
institution with both a social-service and profit-making function. The role of business
school in disseminating the ideas of CSR is indispensable and opportune. Business
schools have a responsibility to provide practitioners with training in the basics of ethics,

which would ideally act as a catalyst to stimulate socially and ethically managed business
organizations (Cornelius Wallace, & Tassabehji, 2007). Although there is extensive
research on CSR, it is usually not included in the business curricula (Gardiner & Lacy, 2005)
4 Research Methodology:
4.1 Sample size: The sample size is 55 comprising of 39 male and 16 female students of
Andhra Pradesh belonging to MBA discipline without CSR as a coursework.
4.2 Sampling Technique: The sample has been chosen through Judgmental sampling
technique.
4.3 Collection of Data: The data have been collected through questionnaire method and
before collection of data it has been pre-tested on 10 samples.
4.3.1 Questionnaire: The questionnaire comprises of three sections. The first section
is about personal data, the second section consists of various questions pertaining to
students perception regarding different CSR aspects and their constituents and the third
section consists of questions regarding the need of CSR in general. All the questions in
the questionnaire comprise of statements which were to be rated on a LIKERT scale.
Keeping in view Archie Carroll (1991), different aspects of responsibilities that CSR
carries along with itself and the perception of students regarding the same have been
analyzed. The Cronbachs alpha of the questionnaire was 0.790.
4.3.2 Statistical Analysis: The analysis has been done with the help of SPSS
(Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Various tables have been formulated to
capture the correlations amongst different constituents of CSR aspects and only those
significant correlations having a value beyond 0.26 have been considered in the
tabulation. It may be noted that Pearson correlations have been used for the aforesaid
analysis and statistics like mean, standard deviation, frequencies and cross tabulation
have also been used.
5 Analysis:
Students responses to aforesaid questions were processed through SPSS to find
correlations amongst constituents of various CSR aspects. Table 1 shows the correlations,
derived from the result of the study and by use of SPSS, amongst various constituents of
ethical aspects with that of various other aspects of CSR. The constituent Business and
Society go hand in hand is seen to be having a correlation of 0.309 with the constituent
Business ethics are primary to corporate culture, a correlation of 0.378 with the
constituent CSR is a tool for adapting to globalization (Ethical Aspects) and a
correlation of 0.282 with CSR improves brand value and image of the company
(Business Aspect). The mean and standard deviation of the constituent Business and
Society go hand in hand based on the students rating on a LIKERT five point scale are
3.84 and 1.050 respectively. The constituent Business ethics are primary to corporate
culture is correlated to the constituent a business should aim at maximization of
national wealth with a correlation of 0.341 (Economic Aspect). The mean and standard
deviation of this constituent based on the students rating on a LIKERT five point scale are
3

4.09and 0.845 respectively. The constituent CSR is the need of the hour is correlated
to a business should pay back to the society with a correlation of 0.289 (Social Aspect),
to a business must abide by government agencies/ regulation towards CSR with a
correlation of 0.271 (Legal Aspect), to a full fledged course in CSR should be included
in curriculum with a correlation of 0.323 and to an introduction about the basic tenets
of responsible management education with a correlation of 0.279 (CSR as MBA
coursework). The mean and standard deviation of this constituent (CSR is the need of
the hour) based on the students rating on a LIKERT five point scale are 4.09 and 1.090
respectively. CSR is a tool for adapting to globalization is correlated to CSR improves
brand value and image of the company with a correlation of 0.547 (Business aspect), to
a business should implement principles and guidelines of agencies in implementing
CSR with a correlation of 0.315 (Legal aspect). The mean and standard deviation of this
constituent are 4 and 0.839 respectively.
Table 1: Pearsons Correlation amongst constituents of Ethical aspect and that of other
various aspects of CSR

Pearson correlation
Aspects

Business
and society
go hand in
hand

Ethical

Business

Business
ethics are
primary to
corporate
culture
(.309)

CSR
improve
s brand
value
and
image of
the
company
(.282)

Economic

Social

Legal

CSR as an
MBA course
work

A
business
should
pay
back to
the
society
(.289)

A business must
abide by
government
agency/regulatio
n towards CSR
(.271)

A Full fledged
course dealing
with CSR should
be included in
curriculum
(.323)

CSR is a
tool for
adapting to
globalization
(.378)
A business
should aim at
maximization
of national
wealth
(.341)

Business
ethics are
primary to
corporate
culture

CSR is the
need of the
hour

CSR is a
tool for
adopting to
globalization

An introduction
about the basic
tenets of
responsible
management
education
(.279)
A business
should adopt
principles and
guidelines of
agencies in
implementing
CSR
(.315)

CSR
improves
brand value
and image of
the company
(.547)

The next aspect of CSR is the Business aspect and Table 2 appended below shows the
inter-relationship between its constituents and the constituents of other aspects of CSR.
The constituent A business should be accountable to its shareholders and stakeholders
has a correlation of 0.439 with the constituent a business should be transparent in its
auditing procedures (Economic Aspect). The mean and standard deviation of this
constituent based on the students rating on a LIKERT five point scale are 4.27 and 0.912
5

respectively. A business should look forward to stakeholder engagement is correlated to

a business should aim at maximization of national wealth with a correlation of
0.274(Economic Aspect), to a business should adopt principles and guidelines of
agencies in implementing CSR with a correlation of 0.281(Legal Aspect), and to a full
fledged course dealing with CSR should be included in curriculum with a correlation of
0.278(CSR as a coursework in MBA). The mean and standard deviation of this
constituent based on the students rating on a LIKERT five point scale are 3.62and 0.952
respectively. The constituent A business should accept risk and uncertainty is correlated
to the constituent a business should aim at maximization of national wealth with a
correlation of 0.279, to a business should aim at sustainable future with a correlation of
0.386(Economic Aspect), to a business should aim at positive discrimination
/affirmative action with a correlation of 0.344(Social Aspect) , to a business should aim
at development of alternative energy sources with a correlation of 0.307, to a business
should aim at providing environment friendly products and processes with a correlation
of 0.283(Environmental Aspect) and to an introduction about the basic tenets of
responsible management education with a correlation of 0.270(CSR as a coursework in
MBA). The mean and standard deviation of this constituent based on the students rating
on a LIKERT five point scale are 4.29and 0.975 respectively. The constituent CSR
improves the brand value and image of the company is correlated to the constituent a
business should aim at maximizing social welfare with a correlation of 0.289 (Social
Aspect), to the constituent a business should adopt principles and guidelines of agencies
in implementing CSR with a correlation of 0.366 (Legal Aspect) and to the constituent
interaction with people and agencies involved in active CSR with a correlation of
0.313(CSR as a coursework in MBA). The mean and standard deviation of this
constituent based on the students rating on a LIKERT five point scale are 4.09and 0.928
respectively.
Table 2: Pearson's Correlation amongst constituents of Business aspect and that of
various other aspects of CSR
Pearson Correlation
Aspects

Economic

A business
should be
accountable
to its
stakeholder
and
shareholder

A business
should be
transparent in
auditing
procedures
(.439)

A business
should look
forward to
stakeholder
engagemen
t

A business
should aim at
maximizatio
n of national
wealth
(.274)

Environmenta
l

Social

Legal

CSR as a
course
work

A business
should adopt
principles
and
guidelines of
agencies in
implementin
g CSR

A Full
fledged
course
dealing with
CSR should
be included
in
curriculum

(.281)

A business
should
accept risk
and
uncertainty

A business
should aim at
maximizatio
n of national
wealth
(.279)

A business should aim at

positive
discrimination/affirmativ
e action
(.344)

A business
should aim at
providing
environment
friendly
products and
processes
(.283)

A business
should aim at
sustainable
future
(.386)

CSR
improves
brand value
and image
of the
company

A business
should aim at
development of
alternative
energy sources
(.307)

(.278)
An
introduction
about the
basic tenets
of
responsible
managemen
t education
(.270)

A business should aim at

maximizing social
welfare
(.289)

A business
should adopt
principles
and
guidelines of
agencies in
implementin
g CSR
(.366)

Interaction
with people
and
agencies
involved in
active CSR
(.313)

The next aspect of CSR is the Economic Aspect and table 3 appended below shows the
correlation amongst various constituents of this aspect with that of various other aspects
of CSR. The constituent A business should be transparent in auditing procedures is
correlated to the constituent a business should aim at sustainable future with a
correlation of 0.332 (Economic Aspect), to the constituent a business should pay back
to the society with a correlation of 0.480, to the constituent a business should aim at
positive discrimination /affirmative action with a correlation of 0.477(Social Aspect), to
the constituent a business should abide by regulation laid down to protect the
environment with a correlation of 0.288, to the constituent a business should aim at
providing environmental products and processes
with a correlation of 0.344
(Environmental Aspect), to the constituent a business should adopt regulation by
NGOs with a correlation of 0.291 (Legal Aspect) and to the constituent an introduction
about the basic tenets of responsible management education with a correlation of 0.288
(CSR as a MBA coursework). The mean and standard deviation of the constituent A
business should be transparent in auditing procedures based on the students rating on a
LIKERT five point scale are 3.98 and 0.892 respectively. A business should aim at
maximization of national wealth is correlated to a business should aim at sustainable
future with a correlation of 0.431(Economic Aspect), to a business should pay back to
the society with a correlation of 0.348, to a business should aim at positive
discrimination/affirmative action with a correlation of 0.273 (Social Aspect), to a
7

business should abide by regulation laid down to protect the environment with a
correlation of 0.498, to a business should aim at development of alternative energy
sources with a correlation of 0.489, to a business should aim at providing
environmental products and processes with a correlation of 0.308(Environmental
Aspect) and to a business should adopt regulation by NGOs with a correlation of
0.269(Legal Aspect). The mean and standard deviation to the constituent A business
should aim at maximization of national wealth based on the students rating on a
LIKERT five point scale are 4.25 and 0.947 respectively. A business should aim at
sustainable future is correlated to a business should pay back to the society with a
correlation of 0.403, to a business should aim at positive discrimination/ affirmative
action with a correlation of 0.514 (Social Aspect), to a business should aim at
development of alternative energy sources with a correlation of 0.363, to a business
should adopt regulation by NGOs with a correlation of 0.466 (Legal Aspect) and to a
full fledged course dealing with CSR should be included in the curriculum with a
correlation of 0.367 (CSR as a MBA coursework). The mean and standard deviation of
the constituent A business should aim at sustainable future based on the students rating
on a LIKERT five point scale are 4.20 and 0.826 respectively.
Table 3: Pearson's Correlation amongst constituents of Economic aspect and that of
various other aspects of CSR.
Pearson Correlation
Aspect

A business
should be
transparent in
auditing
procedures

A business
should aim at
maximization
of national
wealth

Economic

A business
should aim at
sustainable
future
(.332)

Social

A business should pay

back to the society
(.480)

A business should aim at

positive
discrimination/affirmative
action
(.477)
A business
should aim at
sustainable
future
(.431)

A business should pay

back to the society
(.348)
A business should aim at
positive
discrimination/affirmative
action
(.273)

Environmental

Legal

A business should
abide by
regulations laid
down to protect
the environment
(.288)

A business
should
adopt
regulations
by NGO's
(.291)

A business should
aim at providing
environment
friendly products
and processes
(.344)
A business should
abide by
regulations laid
down to protect
the environment
(.498)
A business should
aim at
development of
alternative energy
sources
(.489)
A business should
aim at providing

A business
should
adopt
regulations
by NGO's
(.269)

CSR as a
MBA
coursework
An
introduction
about the
basic tenets
of responsible
management
education
(.288)

environment
friendly products
and processes
(.308)

A business
should aim at
sustainable
future

A business should pay

back to the society
(.403)

A business should
aim at
development of
alternative energy
sources
(.363)

A business
should
adopt
regulations
by NGO's
(.466)

A Full
fledged
course
dealing with
CSR should
be included
in curriculum
(.367)

A business should aim at

positive
discrimination/affirmative
action
(.514)

Another aspect of CSR is the Social Aspect and Table 4 appended below shows the
correlations amongst various constituents of Social Aspect and that of other aspects of
CSR. The constituent A business should pay back to the society is correlated to a
business should aim at positive discrimination/ affirmative action with a correlation of
0.354 (Social Aspect), to a business should aim at development of alternative energy
sources with a correlation of 0.305, to a business should aim at providing environment
friendly products and processes with a correlation of 0.395 (Environmental Aspect) and
to a business should adopt regulations by NGOs with a correlation of 0.638 (Legal
Aspect). The mean and standard deviation of this constituent based on the respondents
rating on a LIKERT five point scale are 3.73 and 1.11 respectively. A business should
aim at positive discrimination/ affirmative action is correlated to a business should aim
at creation of social good with a correlation of 0.276 (Social Aspect), to a business
should aim at development of alternative energy sources with a correlation of 0.404, to
a business should aim at providing environment friendly products and processes with a
correlation of 0.364 (Environmental), to a business should adopt regulations by NGOs
with a correlation of 0.439 (Legal Aspect) and to interaction with people and agencies
involved in active CSR with a correlation of 0.287 (CSR as a MBA coursework). The
mean and standard deviation of this constituent based on the respondents rating on a
LIKERT five point scale are 3.45 and 0.978 respectively. A business should aim at
creation of social good is correlated to a business should aim at the maximization of
social welfare with a correlation of 0.359 (Social Aspect), to a business must abide by
government agency/regulation towards CSR with a correlation of 0.269 (Legal Aspect)
and to a full fledged course in CSR should be included in the curriculum with a
correlation of 0.428 (CSR as a MBA coursework). The mean and standard deviation of
this constituent based on the respondents rating on a LIKERT five point scale are 4.18
and .925 respectively. A business should aim at maximizing social welfare is correlated
to a business should abide by regulation laid down to protect the environment with a
correlation of 0.320, to a business should aim at development of alternative energy
sources with a correlation of 0.339 (Environmental Aspect) and to interaction with
people and agencies involved in active CSR with a correlation of 0.267 (CSR as a MBA

coursework). The mean and standard deviation of this constituent based on the
respondents rating on a LIKERT five point scale are 4.24 and .816 respectively.
Table 4 Pearson's Correlation amongst various constituents of Social aspects and that of
various other aspects of CSR

10

Pearson Correlation
Aspect

A business should pay

back to the society

A business should aim at

positive
discrimination/affirmative
action

A business should aim at

creation of social good

Social

Environmental

A business should aim at

positive
discrimination/affirmative
action
(.354)

A business should aim at

creation of social good
(.276)

A business should
aim at
development of
alternative energy
sources
(.305)
A business should
aim at providing
environment
friendly products
and processes
(.395)
A business should
aim at
development of
alternative energy
sources
(.404)

Legal

CSR as an
MBA
course
work

A business should
adopt regulations
by NGO's
(.638)

A business should
adopt regulations
by NGO's
(.439)

Interaction
with people
and
agencies
involved in
active CSR
(.287)

A business should
aim at providing
environment
friendly products
and processes
(.364)
A business must
abide by
government
agency/regulation
towards CSR
(.269)

A business should aim at

maximizing social
welfare
(.359)

A business should
abide by
regulations laid
down to protect
the environment
(.320)

A business should aim at

maximizing social
welfare

A Full
fledged
course
dealing
with CSR
should be
included in
curriculum
(.428)
Interaction
with people
and
agencies
involved in
active CSR
(.267)

A business should
aim at
development of
alternative energy
sources
(.339)

The next aspect is environmental aspect and Table 5 appended below shows the
correlation amongst various constituents of Environmental Aspect and that of other

11

aspects of CSR. A business should abide by regulations laid down to protect the
environment is correlated to a business should aim at development of alternative
energy sources with a correlation of 0.523, to a business should aim at providing
environment friendly products and processes with a correlation of 0.383 (Environmental
Aspect) , to a business should adopt regulations by NGOs with a correlation of 0.285
(Legal Aspect), to a full fledged course dealing with CSR should be included in the
curriculum with a correlation of 0.338, and to interaction with people and agencies
involved in active CSR with a correlation of 0.388 ( CSR as a MBA coursework). The
mean and standard deviation of this constituent based on the respondents rating on a
LIKERT five point scale are 4.20 and .951 respectively. A business should aim at
development of alternative energy sources is correlated to a business should aim at
providing environment friendly products and processes with a correlation of 0.312
(Environmental Aspect), to a business should adopt regulations by NGOs with a
correlation of 0.535 (Legal Aspect), to interaction with people and agencies involved in
active CSR with a correlation of 0.316 and to an introduction about the basic tenets of
responsible management education with a correlation of 0.274 (CSR as a MBA
coursework). The mean and standard deviation of this constituent based on the
respondents rating on a LIKERT five point scale are 4.40 and 0.655 respectively. A
business should aim at environment friendly products and processes is correlated to a
business should adopt regulations by NGOs with a correlation of 0.449 (Legal Aspect)
and to interaction with people and agencies involved in active CSR with a correlation
of 0.291 (CSR as a MBA coursework). The mean and standard deviation of this
constituent based on the respondents rating on a LIKERT five point scale are 4.31and
0.742 respectively.
Table 5 Pearson's Correlation amongst various constituents of Environmental aspect and
that of various other aspects of CSR.
Pearson Correlation
Aspects

A business should abide

by regulations laid down
to protect the
environment

A business should aim at

development of
alternative energy
sources

Environmental

Legal

A business should aim at

development of
alternative energy
sources
(.523)
A business should aim at
providing environment
friendly products and
processes
(.383)
A business should aim at
providing environment
friendly products and
processes
(.312)

A business should adopt

regulations by NGO's
(.285)

CSR as an MBA
course work
A Full fledged course
dealing with CSR
should be included in
curriculum
(.338)
Interaction with people
and agencies involved in
active CSR
(.388)

A business should adopt

regulations by NGO's
(.535)

Interaction with people

and agencies involved in
active CSR
(.316)
An introduction about
the basic tenets of
responsible management

12

A business should aim at

providing environment
friendly products and
processes

A business should adopt

regulations by NGO's
(.449)

education
(.274)
Interaction with people
and agencies involved in
active CSR
(.291)

The next aspect is the Legal aspect and table 6 appended below shows
correlations amongst various constituents of Legal Aspect and that of other aspects of
CSR. A business must abide by government agency/regulation towards CSR is
correlated to a full fledged course dealing with CSR should be included in the
curriculum with a correlation of 0.433 (CSR as a coursework in MBA). The mean and
standard deviation of this constituent based on the respondents rating on a LIKERT five
point scale are 3.84 and 1.014. A business should adopt principles and guidelines of
agencies in implementing CSR is correlated to an introduction about the basic tenets of
responsible management education with a correlation of 0.293 (CSR as a MBA
coursework). The mean and standard deviation of this constituent based on the
respondents rating on a LIKERT five point scale are 4.05 and 0.911.
Table 6: Pearson's Correlation amongst various constituents of Legal aspects and that of
various other aspects of CSR.
Aspects
A business must abide by government
agency/regulation towards CSR
A business should adopt principles and guidelines of
agencies in implementing CSR

CSR as an MBA course work

A Full fledged course dealing with CSR should be
included in curriculum
(.433)
An introduction about the basic tenets of
responsible management education
(.293)

The next aspect is the necessity of including CSR as a coursework in MBA and table 7
appended below shows the correlation amongst various constituents of the above
mentioned aspect and that of other aspects of CSR. A full fledged course dealing with
CSR should be included in the curriculum is correlated to interaction with people and
agencies involved in active CSR with a correlation of 0.295, to an introduction about
the basic tenets of responsible management education with a correlation of 0.334 (CSR
as a MBA coursework). The mean and standard deviation of this constituent based on the
respondents rating on a LIKERT five point scale are 4.18 and 1.038 respectively.
Interaction with people and agencies involved in active CSR is correlated to an
introduction about the basic tenets of responsible management education with a
correlation of 0.333 (CSR as a MBA coursework). The mean and standard deviation of
this constituent based on the respondents rating on a LIKERT five point scale are 4.27
and 0.804 respectively.
Table 7: Pearson's Correlation amongst CSR as a course work in MBA and various
aspects of CSR
Aspects

CSR as an MBA course work

13

A Full fledged course dealing with CSR should be

included in curriculum

Interaction with people and agencies involved in

active CSR
(.295)
An introduction about the basic tenets of
responsible management education
(.334)
An introduction about the basic tenets of
responsible management education
(.333)

Interaction with people and agencies involved in

active CSR

The study also reveals the reasons why students believed CSR should be included in the
curriculum. A majority of respondents believe that it improves overall performance of the
students which is seen from table 8 appended below.
Table 8: Reasons for including CSR in Curriculum
Reasons for including CSR in
Curriculum
competitive pressure amongst
management education
CSR improves overall performance of
students
adapts students towards meeting global
arena
creates more employment opportunities
high placement activities
Total

Frequency
of
Responses

Percentage of
responses (%)

12.7

29

52.7

11

20.0

4
4
55

7.3
7.3
100.0

A majority of respondents want to join a company with moderate or high level of CSR
which is seen from table 9 appended below.
Table 9: Joining a company with different level of CSR
Join a
company
where CSR
is

Frequency of
responses

Percentage of responses (%)

low
moderate
high
Total

2
21
32
55

3.6
38.2
58.2
100.0

A majority of respondents believe the major reason for a company to do CSR is social
and ethical responsibility.
Table 10: Why should a company do CSR
14

Why should a company do

CSR

Frequency
of
responses

Percentage of responses (%)

34

61.8

12

21.8

9
55

16.4
100.0

social and ethical

responsibility
economic and competitive
factors
Environment
Total

6. Findings and Conclusion:

In the course of the study, certain findings poignantly surfaced which are discussed in this
section. A significant level of correlations has been identified amongst various aspects of
CSR portraying the students perception. The combined average of different constituents
of CSR rated by the respondents on a five point LIKERT Scale also unravels their
underlying perceptions. The Combined Averages of the constituents of Environmental
aspect, CSR as a coursework and Economic Aspect are 4.30, 4.21 and 4.15 (on a LIKERT
Scale of 5) respectively, which suggests that a majority of respondents have attached
importance to these aspects and their constituents over others. It was also noticed that
majority of respondents would like to join a company with moderate or high level of
CSR. Respondents identified social and ethical responsibility as the major reason for a
company to do CSR. An improvement in the overall performance of the students is
perceived to be the primary reason, by the respondents, for inducting CSR in the
curriculum. During the course of analysis there were no discernible differences amongst
the nature of responses about CSR on the basis of gender. It was found from the study
that there was a positive mindset amongst both male and female students regarding the
introduction of CSR as a course work for MBA. The study concludes on a positive note
portraying the well correlated respondents perception about different aspects of CSR.
Moreover there is a good deal of inclination of students towards the introduction of CSR
as a coursework in MBA. Therefore this study strongly advocates the introduction of
CSR as a Coursework in MBA.
7 Limitation of the study:
1. The study is limited to Andhra Pradesh and is not pan Indian so it lacks
generalization and global impact.
2. Since the students do not have a course on CSR as on date, their understanding of
the same may not be comprehensive.
3. A more exhaustive sample size could have facilitated exploring other dimensions
of CSR.
8 Scope of Further Research:

15

The results of this study could be compared with results pan India and beyond to
provide a more generalized perspective. . An elaborate Perceptual Map could be chalked
out .The aforesaid correlations can facilitate the blueprint of a CSR coursework. A
comparative analysis of the students perception of various aspects of CSR during their
MBA and post their MBA in their Organizations could also be carried out. The students
perception could also be analyzed with a backdrop of Teleological theory, Ethical theory,
Stakeholder theory and other mainstream CSR theories.
Delivering responsible management education today will nurture responsive
CEOs of tomorrow
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