Stakeholders' perception of mandatory CSR in the Indian hotel industry: scale development and validation

Purpose This study aims to develop and validate a scale to measure stakeholders' perception of mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in the hotel industry in India. Design/methodology/approach CSR items were generated based on a qualitative approach. The underlying factorial structure of the scale is determined using exploratory factor analysis. The measurement model is verified through confirmatory factor analysis with validity checks. Additionally, the nomological and predictive validity of the proposed scale is confirmed through correlation and regression analysis. Findings This study proposed a three-dimensional 17-item scale comprising the environment, social and cultural domains to measure stakeholders' perception of mandatory CSR in the Indian hotel industry. Research limitations/implications This study adds to the literature by providing a comprehensive approach incorporating CSR activities specified by law on CSR measurement. Validated CSR scales are recommended for future studies to measure CSR in India. This study may also serve as a blueprint for other countries to develop context-specific CSR measurement approaches. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first scale development study on mandatory CSR in India. The inclusion of CSR activities prescribed by law on the standardized CSR scale development is a novel outlook.