Firm Characteristics and Corporate Social Responsibility of Listed Consumer Goods Sector Firms in Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of firm characteristics on corporate social responsibility (CSR) of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria for the period of eleven years covering 2013 to 2023. The study adopted firm size and firm age as proxies for firm characteristics with the addition of firm growth (explanatory variables), while corporate social responsibility served as the response variable. Based on the ex post facto study design, secondary data collected from published financial statements of sampled five companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis based on OLS technique assisted by E-Views statistical software. The findings revealed that that firm size and firm growth had positive but insignificant impact on CSR, while firm age had negative insignificant effect on CSR practices of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. The study recommended that larger firms should dedicate specific departments or teams to CSR, while smaller firms can designate responsible individuals to CSR or outsource CSR functions if needed before implementing any CSR initiatives. Also, firms should conduct a thorough assessment of their competitive advantages and competencies in order to develop a comprehensive and sustainable CSR strategy that aligns with their business objectives, enhances their reputation, to satisfy the interest of all stakeholders in order to enjoy stable operations to enhance firm growth and sustainability.