CSR reporting in the Banking Industry : A study of 10 Banks in Sweden (2012-2016)

Abstract: Background: Corporate social responsibility has received a lot of attention because of the impact that companies have on the society and the environment. EU is taking legislative measures to further increase the awareness and importance of CSR. The banking industry is often excluded from CSR discussions and research studies, due to the perception that the banking industry has a limited effect on CSR matters. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate CSR reporting levels from Swedish banks. Furthermore, the impact of bank size, board size, and board diversity on CSR reporting level will be examined through hypotheses testing. Method: Data is collected from annual and sustainability reports of Swedish banks. Statistical tests are then conducted and analyzed by the authors. Conclusion: The results show that CSR reporting levels by the Swedish banks is increasing. There is a positive effect on CSR reporting level by bank size, and a negative effect by board diversity. No significant relationship could be found on board size.