Corporate social responsibility: an attitude of Ethiopian corporates

Purpose - The purpose of this research is to find an attitude of Ethiopian corporate sector towards corporate social responsibility (CSR). In addition this research analyzed the opinion of employees, customers' as well the general public about the Ethiopian corporate sector's socially responsible actions. Design/methodology/approach - This paper reviewed the relevant literature of CSR. Through structured questionnaires and in‐depth interviews with 50 Ethiopian companies, this study analyzed CSR towards different interest groups, e.g. owners or shareholders, employees, customers, creditors and suppliers, general public or community at large and government. To cross validate, the researcher also conducted a survey with another three questionnaires to obtain the views of 100 employees, 200 customers and another 200 general public. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel software packages. Findings - Ethiopian companies expressed 100 percent positive attitude in implementing CSR towards customers, creditors and suppliers, general public and government. However, only 40 percent of companies' were positive on periodical disclosure of information to its shareholders, 80 percent believed in fair wages and security of employment, and 10 percent of companies were negative on meaningful freedom, job satisfaction and humane treatment. Related to the cross validate section, overall 69 percent employees were not happy with companies' policies, 71 percent customers thought they were manipulated and another 75 percent general public were not pleased with CSR from the Ethiopian corporate sector. Originality/value - This research paper serves as a basis for Ethiopian managers to understand the key interest groups and their expectations from the corporate sector and also to be acquainted with the opinions of employees, customers, and general public to assess the social performance of their organizations.