School Management’s Perception of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the importance of school as a stake-holder in CSR activities is gaining recognition. Companies channel financial and human resources into developing schools. School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) plays an important part in the management of Primary schools in Karnataka and as such should have a role in CSR activities.

Purpose: This exploratory study attempted to answer the following questions- (1) How aware are SDMC members of CSR and its role in schools (2) what is their perception of CSR in their schools? (3) Do rural and urban SDMC members differ in their perception of CSR

Methods: Sample consisted of SDMC members from 50 rural and 50 urban Government run primary schools in Bangalore Educational districts. 100 SDMC members, one from each school, were interviewed using a semi structured information schedule developed for this study.

Results: Management is not very clear about the nature of CSR support . However, 75% of them perceive CSR as beneficial to their schools. Rural subjects have a more favourable perception of CSR impact and they differ significantly from urban counterparts in rating ‘ how CSR has benefited students’ (t = 2.052).

Conclusions: SDMC members do not clearly distinguish between support provided under CSR and support received from other sources. Overall, CSR is seen as beneficial to school by supplementing government support and helping the management. Rural schools seem to benefit more from CSR support. Though SDMC is supposed to monitor the developmental activities of the school, they are not often consulted by companies about the requirements for the school. Involving SDMC in planning, executing and monitoring would enhance the efficacy of CSR programmes.

  • Page Number : 67-76

  • Published Date : 2020-10-21

  • Keywords
    School management as stakeholders, Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR in School, SDMC, Impact of CSR

  • DOI Number
    https://doi.org/10.15415/iie.2020.82007

  • Authors

    • Chinmaya PrakashDepartment of Management and Commerce, Garden City University, Bangalore-560049, India
    • Shubha ChandraDepartment of Management and Commerce, Garden City University, Bangalore-560049, India

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