Social responsibility: key terms and their uses in property investment

Abstract

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate governance (CG) and socially responsible investment (SRI) are now established terms among most large corporations, particularly in the field of investment. The aim of this paper is to explore the issue of social responsibility (SR) in property investment in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of existing literature across different disciplines sought to explore the scope and boundaries of these issues. This was followed by a review of the approaches to, and reporting protocols of the activities of the five largest property investment management companies in the UK.

Findings

The study revealed a significant variation in the way UK property investment management companies define and use SR‐related terms, both within and between companies in the same industry.

Originality/value

The potential for confusion, difficulties in communication (both within and between companies) and dilution of the true meaning of these terms is significant for the sector. These issue need to be addressed to ensure that SR‐related activities can make a more widely‐adopted contribution to the property in particular and to society in general.

Citation

Roberts, C., Rapson, D. and Shiers, D. (2007), "Social responsibility: key terms and their uses in property investment", Journal of Property Investment & Finance, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 388-400. https://doi.org/10.1108/14635780710762526