Do corporate social responsibility practices of firms attract prospective employees? : perception of university students from a developing country

This paper primarily explores the relevance of Corporate Social Responsibility Practices (CSRP) of organizations in attracting university students (prospective employees) in developing countries. The study employed a survey strategy, where questionnaires were administered to 600 final-year undergraduate students at the premier Business School in Ghana out of which 500 were returned. Though results show relatively low level of CSR awareness, the respondents agreed that the elements of an organisation’s CSRP, whether economic, social or environmental, played a determining role in their preference for a particular organisation (employer). Also, the disclosure of CSRP by an organisation is relevant in their choice of an employer. The findings suggest the need for organisations to take cognizance of the growing interest of prospective employees in working for organisations that engage in CSR activities and disclosures. Furthermore, educational institutions must be deliberate in developing CSR orientation of students to engage in the systematic processing of CSR related information through Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).