Civil Society and Political Change in Contemporary Egypt

Contextualising and critically theorising corporate social responsibility reporting: Dynamics of the late Mubarak Era in Egypt

“…The CSR (and hence the CSR reporting) did, at least on the surface, engage with relevant socioeconomic issuesbanks, for instance, to some extent stepping into the space created by a rolling back of the State influenced by neo-liberalismbut in the incoherent and ad hoc way that is familiar to Western critics. Banks' CSR, where it might be seen as positive was thus also seen as limited in its piecemeal filling of gaps left by the regime's adoption of neo-liberal policies, as indicated by interviewee M20, a credit manager (see Alvarez-Ossorio, 2017). Some indicated there was concern to only basically/minimally comply with international drivers and the positive spirit of CSR reporting and that this, with weak regulation, meant more form than substance.…”

“…The presidency has several initiatives and conferences and invites youth and companies to promote social responsibility and solidarity…and…fighting terrorism…'. Urgency arose after the revolutions regarding Egypt's sustainable development strategy (encompassing social, economic and environmental), impacting accounting/training programmes (Alvarez-Ossorio, 2017). Regarding interviewees' suggested ways forward for CSR reports, key proposals were: enforcing current law; more guidelines and incentives for social information; activating development NGOs' role; involving social movements, presidency and youth; supporting Islamic banks in promoting social justice and transparency; setting a clear agenda to develop transparency and justice with supporting actions/dates; launching a new stock market social justice index with new guidelines about disclosing social information; developing the university accounting curriculum.…”