Corporate Social Responsibility in FMCG Companies: A Content Analysis of NSE-listed Firms

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility is broadly defined as the ethical responsibilities of corporations have towards society. The primary goal of CSR is to enhance long-term profitability and foster trust among shareholders by engaging in positive public relations and upholding high ethical standards. This approach aims to mitigate business and legal risks by accepting accountability for corporate actions. It goes beyond the mere expectation of generating profits and complying with legal requirements in business operations. The empirical study consists of longitudinal data of the FMCG companies listed in NSE (National Stock Exchange) from 2014 to 2023. Through content analysis of 150 annual reports of listed companies, this study found that companies focused more on environment sustainability, gender equality, promoting education, preventive healthcare and sanitations, corporate governance, and scientific responsibility management systems. The main results indicate that CSR efforts increasingly align with SDGs, emphasizing sustainability, ethics, and social impact. This study offers valuable insights for stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, and corporate executives, to assess and enhance CSR practices in the FMCG sector.