Validation Tool for Assessing the Level of Disclosure of Corporate Social Responsibility for the Companies Listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange

Abstract

Introduction: Considering the increasing interest of investors, shareholders and general stakeholders in recognizing the dimensions of corporate social responsibility of companies, it is important to disclose the social responsibility of the company and to this end, recognizing the existing situation is essential. This matter is not possible without possessing the valid and reliable tools. Method: This research is applied in terms of purpose and regarding data collection method, it is a field research. The statistical society for this study consists of university professors in the fields of accounting and financial management, and also, experts in finance, accounting and capital markets. In this study, after examining the texts and extracting different aspects of social responsibility disclosure, indicators of these aspects were examined in 3 stages using the Delphi method. Results: The results show that out of the 85 indexes of the initial questionnaire, 39 were excluded and a checklist of 45 reliable and valid indicators was created. In the experts’ point of view regarding the importance of the disclosure of aspects, services and products were the most and social responsibility was the least important. Conclusion: Considering the importance of corporate social responsibility, using a valid and reliable criterion in evaluating the level of corporate social responsibility increases the quality of stockholder decision-making. Therefore, benefiting from experts’ view in formulating a proper tool for evaluating the level of social responsibility can improve the level of social responsibility and it assessment.

Keywords

• delphi method
• disclosure level
• social responsibility
• validation