A thesis submitted to the University of Bedfordshire, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of PhilosophyThe study investigates corporate social responsibility (CSR) theory to contribute to knowledge about CSR within the setting of a developing economy. In this thesis, the specific opportunities and challenges of financial institutions pursuing CSR are examined in depth. This study presents a portrayal of CSR, addressing its role and insight into how CSR is understood and practised.
The study draws on an interpretive approach and investigates within a multiple case study context. The choice of cases is based on theoretical sampling, to advance knowledge in the phenomenon by looking at it in non-Western settings. The three cases are selected purposefully within the context of a developing economy: Ghana. The data collection and analysis use multiple data sources from semi-structured interviews of key management informants and archival documents which are analysed according to qualitative data protocols. The data is interpreted via thematic analysis within and across the cases to generate rich insights into the nature of CSR and its practices within their setting. The study recognises the emergent divergent and convergent issues of CSR across the cases with relation to enfolding the literature which involves inquiring with different literature the similarities and contradictions with the research findings. This process helps to link the study with the existing body of knowledge, as well as advance knowledge in CSR. Based on the analysis, this study suggests that there is a strong orientation towards philanthropy on what is classified as CSR. It reveals that the context in which CSR is practised is complex and situationally dependent, with particular influencing factors such as social welfare issues and culture driving societal expectations and business decisions on CSR. This study offers a revised model of CSR, suggesting a non-linear relationship with the integrated and porous dynamics between the various CSR components which thus provides insight into the nature of CSR in the banking sector in Ghana. The findings of the research can provide both academics and managers with valuable information on CSR practice in a developing country context
