TY - CHAP
T1 - The influence of Buddhist philosophy on sustainability reporting in Sri Lanka
AU - Thoradeniya, Prabanga
PY - 2021
Y1 - 2021
N2 - The study explores the influence of Buddhist philosophy as a motivator for sustainability reporting (SR) by companies, in a developing country setting. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with managers of listed and non-listed companies in Sri Lanka, a country ingrained in Buddhist philosophy for over two and a half millennia. The findings indicate that corporate social responsibility has been practised in Sri Lankan society since ancient times. The beliefs, thinking patterns and mindset of listed and non-listed company managers, born and raised under Buddhist background, is heavily influenced by Buddhist teachings of ‘kamma’, rebirth, conservation, empathy and social sustainability. Evidenced in the study is the translation of personal values to corporate values as the motivation for sustainability projects and SR. Contrary behaviour demonstrated by a large conglomerate and a subsidiary of a multinational company indicated that these companies did not appreciate the local values and beliefs inspired by Buddhist philosophy.
AB - The study explores the influence of Buddhist philosophy as a motivator for sustainability reporting (SR) by companies, in a developing country setting. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with managers of listed and non-listed companies in Sri Lanka, a country ingrained in Buddhist philosophy for over two and a half millennia. The findings indicate that corporate social responsibility has been practised in Sri Lankan society since ancient times. The beliefs, thinking patterns and mindset of listed and non-listed company managers, born and raised under Buddhist background, is heavily influenced by Buddhist teachings of ‘kamma’, rebirth, conservation, empathy and social sustainability. Evidenced in the study is the translation of personal values to corporate values as the motivation for sustainability projects and SR. Contrary behaviour demonstrated by a large conglomerate and a subsidiary of a multinational company indicated that these companies did not appreciate the local values and beliefs inspired by Buddhist philosophy.
U2 - 10.1007/978-3-030-62171-1_27
DO - 10.1007/978-3-030-62171-1_27
M3 - Chapter (Book)
SN - 9783030621704
T3 - Future of Business and Finance
SP - 555
EP - 568
BT - New Horizons in Management, Leadership and Sustainability
A2 - Dhiman, Satinder
A2 - Samaratunge, Ramanie
PB - Springer
CY - Cham Switzerland
ER -