Exploring Variations of Corporate Social Responsibility Across Business Sectors and Geographic Scope

Abstract

The paper aims to explore variations of CSR performance/ratings across business sectors and geographic scope. Specifically, the paper examines the strategic importance and implications of CSR for three business sectors: manufacturers, merchandisers and service providers and for firms with different geographic scope. Using a sample of 2,460 firm-year observations, the ANOVA shows significant differences on CSR performance/ratings among firms operating in different business sectors and among those having different geographic scope. There is a significant interaction between business sectors and geographic scope on CSR concerns; however, such significant interaction does not exist on CSR strengths.