The Impact of Board Characteristics on Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure: Evidence from Nigerian Food Product Firms

This study examines the impact of Board Characteristics on Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure of listed food product firms in Nigeria over the period 2005-2014. A sample of six firms out of eleven food product firms listed on the floor of Nigerian Stock Exchange was studied. The study made use of secondary data generated from Annual Reports and Accounts of the sampled firms and the Nigerian Stock Exchange Fact book. The data was analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis using STATA (version 12) package. The study reveals that board size and women on board show a significant positive association with corporate social responsibility disclosure of the sample firms. While managerial ownership shows a significant negative effect on corporate social responsibility disclosure. However, board independence indicates an insignificant association with corporate social responsibility disclosure. While the control variable (Size) shows an insignificant negative relationship with corporate social responsibility disclosure. Based on the findings, the study recommends among others, that firms in the food product should have a competent size of 9 to 15 of board members, so as to encourage corporate social responsibility disclosure. Also, the proportion of non-executive directors on the board should be maintained and the appointment should be strictly based on experience and expertise as this will also ensure more corporate social responsibility disclosure. Also, women participation on the board should be encouraged as much as possible since women may have different skills compared to their men counterpart as this will help in ensuring full disclosure of all CSR related information.