Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007. / Adviser: Peggy Golden. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Texas at Dallas, 2008. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 152-162)

Thesis (D.M.)--University of Phoenix, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Pittsburgh, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Capella University, 2006. / Adviser: James Krolik. Includes bibliographical references.

Zugl.: Berlin, Humboldt-Univ., Diss., 2008.

The purpose of this exploratory research is to explore the nature of socially responsible investment (SRI) activity in South Africa. More especially, and on the back of the reported success of private equity in South Africa, the study seeks to establish the potential of a social private equity investment model as a subset of SRI? The study interviewed twelve investment professionals using in-depth semi¬structured interviews. The study found that, contrary to what the literature had revealed about trends in the UK and the US,. the respondents had a more cohesive understanding of what characterised SRI activities. The study also confirmed developed market trends that scepticism about the commercial value offered by SRI activities still prevailed among investors. The study further revealed that a great deal of effort was being channelled towards the development of best-in-class measurement tools to measure and report on social value added, even by those who did not view themselves as being active in the SRI arena. Although still in its embryonic stage, respondents were found to be very positive about the potential for social private equity within the SRI arena. The research makes recommendations that speak to the urgent need for improved and increased industry engagement on ways to develop the sector, as well as ways to market and increase the profile of the efforts and successes already achieved on both financial and social aspects. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Companies spend substantial funds on CSI initiatives. Expenditure of such large amounts could hold benefits for companies that go beyond their regulatory compliance. This study focused specifically on how CSI impacted on consumer loyalty at the bottom of the pyramid. The research found that CSI has no direct impact on loyalty and that consumers value the quality of service received more highly than CSI activities by companies. Even in instances where CSI awareness was low, consumers were still willing to recommend the company to others. Some of the research espoused the view that this may be because consumers experienced no direct benefit from the CSI activity. The findings also suggested that at the bottom of the pyramid consumers place a substantial emphasis on building relationships of trust and just because companies invest in CSI activities, this does not on its own lead to consumers trusting the organisation more. The implications of these findings are that when companies try to develop a competitive advantage through CSI, they need to re-examine their CSI spend as well as re-evaluate whether individuals or communities benefit as this has implications for individuals’ loyalty to the company. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

published_or_final_version / abstract / Urban Planning and Environmental Management / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Southern California, 2007. / Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 45-05, page: 2120. Adviser: Jennifer Floto. Includes bibliographical references.