The determinants of corporate social responsibility: empirical evidence from the Netherlands

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a topic that has gained much attention lately. This attention however, is mainly focused on the consequences and benefits that are associated with CSR activities. This study contributes the extensive academic literature by finding determinants of CSR. It will do so by using the five most explanatory theories of the last decade. Using this multi-theoretical framework, this study empirically tests if leverage, profitability, board diversity, ownership concentration and R&D are potential determinants of CSR. This study is structured in such way that each determinant comes from one of the five explanatory theories. Using a sample of 68 Dutch listed firms the determinants are tested using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis. CSR ratings are constructed by conducting a content analysis of the annual reports of the firms of the year 2015 using keywords obtained form the GRI G4 reporting initiative. Besides also the CSR ratings from the Transparency Benchmark are used. Secondary data obtained from the ORBIS database by Bureau van Dijk has been used to measure the data of the determinants. Results of this study indicate that ownership concentration is a significant determinant of CSR. However, leverage, profitability, board diversity and R&D are found not to be significant determinants of CSR.