The impact of COVID-19 on the corporate social responsibility reporting of listed corporations: A case of South Pacific Stock Exchange

Abstract

This research paper aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting of listed entities in the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX) through a content analysis of annual reports of selected companies listed on the SPX over two years, using a mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative methods, including a case study methodology with archival data and word count analysis. The study found that the pandemic has significantly affected CSR reporting, with companies focusing on societal needs related to the crisis rather than traditional CSR activities. It highlights the need for companies to be more transparent in their CSR reporting, especially during a crisis such as COVID-19, to build trust and confidence with stakeholders. The research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the impact of the pandemic on businesses globally, informed by legitimacy theory consistent with Suchman’s (1995) findings.