Integrating corporate social responsibility in the "Big Four" professional consulting firms in South Africa

Abstract

The objective of this research report is to understand how the "Big Four" Professional Consulting Firms integrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their operations in South Africa. The "big four" Professional Consulting Firms are involved in the financial services sector and provide auditing, accounting, tax, and other business advisory services. In reaching the objective of the study, specific areas were investigated, how Professional Consulting Firms depict CSR, how they integrate CSR, and how they monitor and report on CSR initiatives. Four firms were selected for the study, three participated in the research and one declined. The conclusions drawn from this research are that the PCFs studied consider CSR to be an integral component of their business operations, and undertake the reporting function primarily to inform their stakeholders of the nature and type of CSR initiatives they have undertaken. Furthermore, there is consensus that the involvement and support of executive and top management is crucial for the creation of enabling internal environment, which is conducive for the incorporation of CSR into the entire firm.