CODE OF ETHICS IN THE REPORTING OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACTIVITIES, THE EVIDENCE FROM THE CZECH CHEMICAL COMPANIES

Abstract

Current interest in corporate social responsibility (CSR), primarily caused by pressure from various stakeholders, continues to grow. One of the principles that should be followed in a socially responsible company is the ethical behavior. Ethical principles and emphasis on certain self-restraint, on a voluntariness and refrain some kind of behavior has triggered formation of social responsibility. Definition of the ethical values of the company must be based on dialogue with its key stakeholders. Among the important tools of social responsibility belongs communication and transparency of corporate conduct to its relevant stakeholders. The article deals with the role that the ethical aspects of CSR play in the enterprises of the Czech chemical companies, how deeply ethical behavior is implemented, who bears responsibility for ethical behavior, what are the ethical activities and reasons for changes of ethical behavior. Czech businesses globally hold a very low rung in terms of presentation of CSR disclosures. The paper is focused on chemical companies and their disclosure of ethical behavior. The results come from analyzing data published by the enterprises. Specifically, information on company´s websites and published Codes of Ethics has been analyzed. The research was completed by information from personal interviews with executives responsible for ethics in the four selected companies.