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Corporate responsibility, ethics and accountability

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  • Nickson Hebert Odongo
  • Daoping Wang

Abstract

Purpose - This study aims to ascertain the magnitude to which real corporate responsibility (CR), ethics and accountability practices exist in Kenyan corporations. Design/methodology/approach - The insights of qualitative and quantitative approaches are investigated through descriptive and exploratory study carried out on 193 Kenyan companies in the corporate sector and 5 focus groups discussions comprising 9 members each. Findings - The paper divulged that current practices on CR, ethics and accountability are relatively low, as only senior managers underwent training on ethics; accountability was broadly perceived as resources accounting instead of actual accountability; and responsibility is highly skewed toward senior management at the expense of stakeholders and society in which they thrive. Research limitations/implications - The concept of sustainability has not been emphasized as a dimension of CR, ethics and accountability. Fresh opportunities of inquiry are extended considering this aspect. Practical implications - This study affirms practices that have a positive effect on corporate stakeholders, communities and environment. Social implications - This study strives to develop approaches of managing and controlling, ensuring that the welfare of stakeholders and society as a whole is uplifted and sustained. Originality/value - The conception of CR, ethics and accountability practices signifies a theoretical innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Nickson Hebert Odongo & Daoping Wang, 2018. "Corporate responsibility, ethics and accountability," Social Responsibility Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 14(1), pages 111-122, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:srjpps:srj-10-2016-0175
    DOI: 10.1108/SRJ-10-2016-0175
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Schwartz, Mark S. & Carroll, Archie B., 2003. "Corporate Social Responsibility: A Three-Domain Approach," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 13(4), pages 503-530, October.
    2. Michael C. Jensen, 2010. "Value Maximization, Stakeholder Theory, and the Corporate Objective Function," Journal of Applied Corporate Finance, Morgan Stanley, vol. 22(1), pages 32-42, January.
    3. Ron Bird & Anthony D. Hall & Francesco Momentè & Francesco Reggiani, 2007. "What Corporate Social Responsibility Activities are Valued by the Market?," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 76(2), pages 189-206, December.
    4. Michael C. Jensen, 2010. "Value Maximization, Stakeholder Theory, and the Corporate Objective Function," Journal of Applied Corporate Finance, Morgan Stanley, vol. 22(1), pages 32-42, January.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Víctor Meseguer-Sánchez & Emilio Abad-Segura & Luis Jesús Belmonte-Ureña & Valentín Molina-Moreno, 2020. "Examining the Research Evolution on the Socio-Economic and Environmental Dimensions on University Social Responsibility," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-30, July.

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