CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) PRACTICES OF SELECTED ACCOUNTING FIRMS IN GHANA

ABSTRACTThe study sought to examine the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices of selected accounting firms in Ghana. The study employed the qualitative approach and adopted the multiple case study design in investigating the research problem. The sample comprised twelve (12) partners/senior managers selected from 12 accounting firms using the purposive … See more

ABSTRACTThe study sought to examine the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices of selected accounting firms in Ghana. The study employed the qualitative approach and adopted the multiple case study design in investigating the research problem. The sample comprised twelve (12) partners/senior managers selected from 12 accounting firms using the purposive sampling technique. The interview results were analysed using the thematic data analysis technique within qualitative research. The study revealed that CSR from the perspective of accounting firms is conceptualised as a widely accepted corporate practice that involves making important systemic contributions to societal concerns related to who they are as professional accounting firms and what they stand for as public interest organisations. It was found that accounting firms undertake CSR activities from five key areas of interest - investment in people, community engagement and support, environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion, responsible business practices. Also, it was revealed that the uptake of CSR initiatives by accounting firms is influenced by three major motives, namely strategic motive, ethical motive, and altruistic motive. Furthermore, the study found that accounting firms disclose their CSR activities through various media with the major forms of communication of CSR activities being through annual reports, special CSR reports, and dedicated sections on the websites of the accounting firm. The study recommends among others that accounting firms should identify their various stakeholder groups to help in identifying the social challenges that confront them.

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