Compliance with the global reporting initiative standards in Jordan: case study of hikma pharmaceuticals

Abstract

ABSTRACT Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosures have gained great attention both in media and academic community through years in manufacturing companies. Fewer evidence was provided regarding CSR in pharmaceutical sector due to the characteristics of such firms. In this paper, we shed light on CSR disclosures’ practices adopted by Hikma Pharmaceutical (Plc.). Based on previous literature in the field, we adopt a content analysis of Hikma Plc. CSR disclosures related to the three main fields defined by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards 2016: Economic standards (GRI 200), such as values of integrity, business ethics through anti-corruption practices, and competitiveness through tax optimisation. Environmental standards (GRI 300), especially ISO14001 certification that specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an organisation should use to be considered as environmentally responsible. Social Standards (GRI 400), especially those that respect and uphold the principles of human rights of the UK Modern Slavery Act (MSA). Our results show that Hikma Plc. displays a higher level of compliance with GRI international standards, mainly in the social field more than economic and environmental disclosures. Our study can be used as a useful framework for CSR disclosures in the pharmaceutical industry in Jordan and abroad. Our findings help in guiding investors when allocating resources in the pharmaceutical industry and regulators when issuing new standards on CSR policy.