Ethical behaviour among businesses has gained significant prominence in recent years. Survey evid... more Ethical behaviour among businesses has gained significant prominence in recent years. Survey evidence shows that there is significant influence of religiosity and values on managers' social responsiveness behaviour. Some of legal, economic and management literature has begun to explore numerous complex questions and concern that arise with the prospect of integrating religious perspectives, values and frameworks into businesses. This study examines the influence of religious values on ethical behaviour intentions (EBI) and managers' corporate social responsibility orientation (CSRO). The empirical data for this study was generated through a self-administered questionnaire and was analysed using AMOS software. The findings of our study indicate that commitment to moral self-improvement (CMSI) mediates positive effects of religiosity on EBI (EBI) and CSR orientations of managers.
Can corporate social responsibility (CSR) be a source of competitive advantage and value creation... more Can corporate social responsibility (CSR) be a source of competitive advantage and value creation for the firm? This is a sort of question that frequently comes into the minds of many managers, CEOs and business leaders. To address this question, the study aims to examine the effect of CSR initiatives on brand value. A self-administered questionnaire was designed to get empirical data. The proposed study of this article uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypotheses. Findings of the study show that CSR initiatives have a positive impact on brand value through mediating effects of enhanced brand image and brand loyalty. Findings suggest that managers need to understand that CSR is an opportunity to drive better organizational value and hence it should be incorporated at all operational levels.
The organic foods are perceived as more nutritious, healthy, and nature-friendly than conventiona... more The organic foods are perceived as more nutritious, healthy, and nature-friendly than conventional food. Consumers, therefore, are switching over to organic food products and are willing to pay a premium price. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors influencing the consumers' actual buying behaviour towards organic foods. For this purpose, a survey data were collected from 611 Indian consumers through a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using various techniques like factor analysis, independent t-test, ANOVA multiple linear regression, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results have confirmed four factors (health consciousness, knowledge, subjective norms, and price) that influence the consumer attitude towards organic food products. However, purchase intention towards organic foods is affected by these four factors along with one additional factor (i.e., availability). The results show that these five factors also influence the actual buying behaviour but attitude and purchase intention mediates the relationship. Further, socio-demographic factors (age, education and income) also found to have an impact on actual buying behaviour. This study provides a better understanding of consumers' attitude, purchase intention and actual buying behaviour towards organic food products. The findings have implications for companies of the organic food industry, retailers and market regulatory agencies. The study also provides guidelines and suggestions for retailers and marketers who are dealing with the organic foods and aim at expanding the organic food market.
India is a country of myriad contradictions. On the one hand, it has grown to be one of the large... more India is a country of myriad contradictions. On the one hand, it has grown to be one of the largest economies in the world, and an increasingly important player in the emerging global order, on the other hand, it is still home to the largest number of people living in absolute poverty (even if the proportion of poor people has decreased) and the largest number of undernourished children. What emerges is a picture of uneven distribution of the benefits of growth which many believe, is the root cause of social unrest. Companies too have been the target of those perturbed by this uneven development and as a result, their contributions to society are under severe scrutiny. With increasing awareness of this gap between the haves and the have-nots, this scrutiny will only increase over time and societal expectations will be on the rise. Many companies have been quick to sense this development, and have responded proactively while others have done so only when pushed. This paper attempts to present the picture of transformation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) from philanthropy to mandatory corporate social responsibility (MCSR) in India. It aims also at analyzing that why CSR spending must be regulatory in the country like India.
Financial inclusion has become one of the most critical aspects in the context of inclusive growt... more Financial inclusion has become one of the most critical aspects in the context of inclusive growth and sustainable development in the developing countries like India. Financial inclusion is a process of ensuring access to suitable financial products and services needed by susceptible groups such as weaker sections and low-income groups at an affordable cost in a fair and transparent manner by mainstream financial institutional players. Even after 60 years of independence, a large section of Indian population still remains unbanked. As per census 2011, only 58.7% of households are availing banking services in our country. Financial inclusion proceeds towards integration of people who are economically and socially excluded from access to easy, safe and affordable credit and other financial services. Due to lack of financial inclusion among the lower income households, their protection from external economic shock becomes miniscule. As a result, income disparity leads to vicious circle of poverty which continues to persist in the lower income groups. This paper firstly aims at analysing efforts taken by government of India secondly find out the challenges which create hindrances for the implementation of initiative taken by government of India for building financial inclusion and thirdly design strategies to ensure maximum financial inclusion for under privileged and unbanked sector.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) earlier applied as corporate philanthropy and has been in p... more Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) earlier applied as corporate philanthropy and has been in practice in India since ages. However, philanthropy in globalised and modern India does not solve the purpose in quantity and quality. Clause 135 of Company Act 2013 created huge hue and cry among the business community in India. As per clause 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, Every company with an annual turnover of 1,000 crore INR ($161 million) and more, or a net worth of 500 crore INR ($80 million) and more, or a net profit as low as five crore INR ($800,000) and more have to spend at least 2% of their average net profit over the previous three years on CSR activities. With the introduction of new Company act 2013 India became the first country in the world to have legislation for compulsory CSR spending. The paper aims at analyzing the motive of making CSR spending mandatory and it also attempts to explain the concept of CSR in the present Indian scenario, the social issues addressed by the Indian corporations, and methodologies adopted by them to address those issues.
Ethical behaviour among businesses has gained significant prominence in recent years. Survey evid... more Ethical behaviour among businesses has gained significant prominence in recent years. Survey evidence shows that there is significant influence of religiosity and values on managers' social responsiveness behaviour. Some of legal, economic and management literature has begun to explore numerous complex questions and concern that arise with the prospect of integrating religious perspectives, values and frameworks into businesses. This study examines the influence of religious values on ethical behaviour intentions (EBI) and managers' corporate social responsibility orientation (CSRO). The empirical data for this study was generated through a self-administered questionnaire and was analysed using AMOS software. The findings of our study indicate that commitment to moral self-improvement (CMSI) mediates positive effects of religiosity on EBI (EBI) and CSR orientations of managers.
Can corporate social responsibility (CSR) be a source of competitive advantage and value creation... more Can corporate social responsibility (CSR) be a source of competitive advantage and value creation for the firm? This is a sort of question that frequently comes into the minds of many managers, CEOs and business leaders. To address this question, the study aims to examine the effect of CSR initiatives on brand value. A self-administered questionnaire was designed to get empirical data. The proposed study of this article uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypotheses. Findings of the study show that CSR initiatives have a positive impact on brand value through mediating effects of enhanced brand image and brand loyalty. Findings suggest that managers need to understand that CSR is an opportunity to drive better organizational value and hence it should be incorporated at all operational levels.
The organic foods are perceived as more nutritious, healthy, and nature-friendly than conventiona... more The organic foods are perceived as more nutritious, healthy, and nature-friendly than conventional food. Consumers, therefore, are switching over to organic food products and are willing to pay a premium price. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors influencing the consumers' actual buying behaviour towards organic foods. For this purpose, a survey data were collected from 611 Indian consumers through a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using various techniques like factor analysis, independent t-test, ANOVA multiple linear regression, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results have confirmed four factors (health consciousness, knowledge, subjective norms, and price) that influence the consumer attitude towards organic food products. However, purchase intention towards organic foods is affected by these four factors along with one additional factor (i.e., availability). The results show that these five factors also influence the actual buying behaviour but attitude and purchase intention mediates the relationship. Further, socio-demographic factors (age, education and income) also found to have an impact on actual buying behaviour. This study provides a better understanding of consumers' attitude, purchase intention and actual buying behaviour towards organic food products. The findings have implications for companies of the organic food industry, retailers and market regulatory agencies. The study also provides guidelines and suggestions for retailers and marketers who are dealing with the organic foods and aim at expanding the organic food market.
India is a country of myriad contradictions. On the one hand, it has grown to be one of the large... more India is a country of myriad contradictions. On the one hand, it has grown to be one of the largest economies in the world, and an increasingly important player in the emerging global order, on the other hand, it is still home to the largest number of people living in absolute poverty (even if the proportion of poor people has decreased) and the largest number of undernourished children. What emerges is a picture of uneven distribution of the benefits of growth which many believe, is the root cause of social unrest. Companies too have been the target of those perturbed by this uneven development and as a result, their contributions to society are under severe scrutiny. With increasing awareness of this gap between the haves and the have-nots, this scrutiny will only increase over time and societal expectations will be on the rise. Many companies have been quick to sense this development, and have responded proactively while others have done so only when pushed. This paper attempts to present the picture of transformation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) from philanthropy to mandatory corporate social responsibility (MCSR) in India. It aims also at analyzing that why CSR spending must be regulatory in the country like India.
Financial inclusion has become one of the most critical aspects in the context of inclusive growt... more Financial inclusion has become one of the most critical aspects in the context of inclusive growth and sustainable development in the developing countries like India. Financial inclusion is a process of ensuring access to suitable financial products and services needed by susceptible groups such as weaker sections and low-income groups at an affordable cost in a fair and transparent manner by mainstream financial institutional players. Even after 60 years of independence, a large section of Indian population still remains unbanked. As per census 2011, only 58.7% of households are availing banking services in our country. Financial inclusion proceeds towards integration of people who are economically and socially excluded from access to easy, safe and affordable credit and other financial services. Due to lack of financial inclusion among the lower income households, their protection from external economic shock becomes miniscule. As a result, income disparity leads to vicious circle of poverty which continues to persist in the lower income groups. This paper firstly aims at analysing efforts taken by government of India secondly find out the challenges which create hindrances for the implementation of initiative taken by government of India for building financial inclusion and thirdly design strategies to ensure maximum financial inclusion for under privileged and unbanked sector.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) earlier applied as corporate philanthropy and has been in p... more Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) earlier applied as corporate philanthropy and has been in practice in India since ages. However, philanthropy in globalised and modern India does not solve the purpose in quantity and quality. Clause 135 of Company Act 2013 created huge hue and cry among the business community in India. As per clause 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, Every company with an annual turnover of 1,000 crore INR ($161 million) and more, or a net worth of 500 crore INR ($80 million) and more, or a net profit as low as five crore INR ($800,000) and more have to spend at least 2% of their average net profit over the previous three years on CSR activities. With the introduction of new Company act 2013 India became the first country in the world to have legislation for compulsory CSR spending. The paper aims at analyzing the motive of making CSR spending mandatory and it also attempts to explain the concept of CSR in the present Indian scenario, the social issues addressed by the Indian corporations, and methodologies adopted by them to address those issues.
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ensuring access to suitable financial products and services needed by susceptible groups such as weaker sections and low-income groups at an affordable cost in a fair and transparent manner by mainstream financial institutional players. Even after 60 years of independence, a large section of Indian population still remains unbanked. As per census 2011, only 58.7% of households are availing banking services in our country.
Financial inclusion proceeds towards integration of people who are economically and socially excluded from access to easy, safe and affordable credit and other financial services. Due to lack of financial inclusion among the lower income households, their protection from external economic shock becomes miniscule. As a result, income disparity leads to vicious circle of poverty which continues to persist in the lower income groups.
This paper firstly aims at analysing efforts taken by government of India secondly find out the challenges which create hindrances for the implementation of initiative taken by government of India for building financial inclusion and thirdly design strategies to ensure maximum financial inclusion for under privileged and unbanked sector.
ensuring access to suitable financial products and services needed by susceptible groups such as weaker sections and low-income groups at an affordable cost in a fair and transparent manner by mainstream financial institutional players. Even after 60 years of independence, a large section of Indian population still remains unbanked. As per census 2011, only 58.7% of households are availing banking services in our country.
Financial inclusion proceeds towards integration of people who are economically and socially excluded from access to easy, safe and affordable credit and other financial services. Due to lack of financial inclusion among the lower income households, their protection from external economic shock becomes miniscule. As a result, income disparity leads to vicious circle of poverty which continues to persist in the lower income groups.
This paper firstly aims at analysing efforts taken by government of India secondly find out the challenges which create hindrances for the implementation of initiative taken by government of India for building financial inclusion and thirdly design strategies to ensure maximum financial inclusion for under privileged and unbanked sector.