Abstract:
This survey is conducted to understand the current state of CSR development and to
assess the degree of CSR practices in Srilanka. A questionnaire-based survey research
was carried out and the questionnaire was posted to all the 235 listed companies under
the Colombo Stock Exchange and 104 had responded. After screening for completeness
and validity, 93 questionnaires were suitable for analysis, giving a response rate of
39.5%. The sample consisted of a wide array of businesses. Wholesale and retail (13),
transport and logistics (11) and manufacturing (10) were the dominant trades in the
sample. The median turnover was Rs. 505 million with a maximum of Rs. 21,079 million
and a minimum of Rs. 62 million. In terms of years in existence, there are very young
companies (age 3 years) as well as very old companies (age 100 years) with a median of
15 years. In terms of the number of employees, there were small companies (141
employees) and very big companies (23,000 employees) with a median of 380 employees.
The study is descriptive and covers the following issues: CSR perceptions and
expectations, driving forces and objectives in CSR activities, the major barriers
hindering the development of CSR, CSR management strategies and processes within the
company, relationships with and attitudes towards the major stakeholders in CSR
activities, the role of the government in CSR development in Srilanka. The findings of this
empirical research may be useful to researchers who work in the CSR field. For
managers, the study can provide some guidance in their CSR strategic planning. For
policy-makers, it helps to understand better the current state of CSR in the country and
work out more effective public policies and instruments in fostering sustainable
development.
