Assessing the CSR information needs of Microfinance institutions’ (MFIs) customers

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to seek to ascertain the corporate social responsibility (CSR) information needs of customers of microfinance institutions (MFIs). It also ascertains their media preferences for CSR disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adapted Wilson’s (1981) concept of information needs as the conceptual basis of this study. Case study research design was used. The respondents consisted of customers of MFIs in Ghana. Semi-structured interview was used to collect the data. Data were analysed using thematic analysis technique.

Findings

The study found that the CSR information needs of MFIs’ customers relate to moral disclosure, business survival disclosure, financial and business terms and conditions disclosure, donations disclosure and capacity building and training disclosure. The study also found that family and friends are the most reliable sources of CSR information for MFIs’ customers.

Originality/value

There is a great deal of literature available on CSR disclosure. However, limited studies have investigated the information needs of customers regarding CSR disclosure. Again, CSR disclosure in the Microfinance sector has received limited attention in the existing literature. This study expanded the existing literature by investigating the CSR information needs of MFIs’ customers.

Citation

Okoe, A.F. and Boateng, H. (2016), "Assessing the CSR information needs of Microfinance institutions’ (MFIs) customers", Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 272-287. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-09-2015-0028