Construction and application of a corporate social performance index in the context of Bangladesh

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive CSP Index in the context of a developing nation like Bangladesh and to present the preliminary rating findings. In constructing the CSP index data were collected from a sample comprising of 152 firms listed in Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) through a structured questionnaire. The findings of the study led to the development of a comprehensive CSP Index comprising of six elements. In addition, the preliminary findings indicate that, corporate social performances of the listed companies in Bangladesh are quite low in all of the elements except corporate governance. Finally, this study emphasized the importance of enacting policy guidelines to encourage and enhance the capacity of the firms to be more socially responsible.