A Stakeholder Approach to Strategic CSR: A Case Study of ExxonMobil and a Capacity Development Initiative in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
[Thesis]
Jackson, Mfon
Sommerville, Stephen
University of Wales Trinity Saint David (United Kingdom)
2020
290 p.
D.B.A.
University of Wales Trinity Saint David (United Kingdom)
2020
Extant literature suggests that the business case for CSR may ensure a sustainable approach towards CSR practice. Underpinning this concept is the ability to leverage the opportunities provided to a firm through adopting those CSR initiatives which align social and economic goals and also referred to as Strategic CSR. There is scant research on the assessment of the social impact of strategic CSR initiatives on stakeholders aside from the financial impact on the firm. Existing studies have generally been conducted from the perspective of the firm, with less regard given to the perceptions of other stakeholders. Also, there is a dearth of empirical studies on the business case for CSR in the Nigerian context. Given these gaps, this thesis explores a stakeholder perspective of a capacity development programme adopted by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil. The aim is to explore the concept of strategic CSR in the context of the NDR of Nigeria, given the heterogeneity of the concept of CSR and the importance of this region to the Nigerian economy. This study employs a qualitative exploratory case study technique. In-depth interviews with two groups of host community members were conducted. They consisted of direct beneficiaries of the initiative and host community members considered to be opinion leaders. Field observations were made and other relevant documents were sourced to provide differing insights. The findings revealed that contrary to the notion of the provision of welfare as philanthropy, communities in the NDR consider the practice as an ethical obligation of the firm, alluding to cultural and environmental factors responsible for this perception. In terms of the capacity development programme, it is suggested that there are opportunities to practice strategic CSR in the NDR. The findings further suggest that there is scope to improve the effectiveness of the initiative by adopting a stakeholder engagement approach.
Business administration
Economics
Management
Sub Saharan Africa studies
Sustainability
Jackson, Mfon
Sommerville, Stephen
University of Wales Trinity Saint David (United Kingdom)