CSR reporting in the United States and Russia

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to contribute to the scarce body of academic research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in BRIC countries and Russia in particular, by performing a comparative analysis of CSR, reporting of ten major players in the energy sector in the USA and Russia. Design/methodology/approach – This study applies a content analysis research design in order to obtain an in-depth understanding of the key themes communicated in the reports. Drawing on an institutional approach to CSR, this study attempts to explain revealed differences in CSR reporting in Russian and American companies. Findings – The results suggest that Russian companies compared to American ones report more extensively on the areas of social performance and CSR issues related to employees and consumers. Nevertheless, American reports contain topics of global concern in the scope of environmental performance that are omitted by Russian companies. Practical implications – The paper deepens the understanding of CSR reporting specificity related to an institutional context and suggests that CSR fills different needs in different types of societies. Originality/value – The study contributes to the academic research on CSR in BRIC countries and provides some insights into how the revealed differences between Russian and American reports in the energy industry can be explained using an institutional approach.