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Article
Publication date: 6 April 2012

Josep F. Maria SJ

1402

Abstract

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African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

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Article
Publication date: 6 April 2012

Josep F. Mària SJ and Miho Taka

The purpose of this paper is to explore how corporate social responsibility (CSR) in mining companies can contribute to the promotion of artisanal miners' human rights (HR) in the…

1613

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how corporate social responsibility (CSR) in mining companies can contribute to the promotion of artisanal miners' human rights (HR) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Design/methodology/approach

First, the paper designs a framework for a public policy on artisans, then it incorporates the possible contribution of companies to this policy drawing from the existent CSR literature. This framework is applied to relationships between mining companies and artisans in Katanga, a low‐conflict Province of the DRC. Finally, CSR guidelines for the promotion of artisans' HR are formulated. The theoretical framework articulates a public policy approach – which includes different actors – and a CSR approach – which develops the specific role of one such actor: the company – in the promotion of artisanal miners' HR. Data used in the empirical part are qualitative and include primary data gathered from visits to different mining companies operating in the Province and an interview with a local specialist in artisanal miners.

Findings

The first finding is that artisanal miners are a heterogeneous group, with multiple HR problems. Therefore, a public policy and a CSR policy to promote their HR are equally complex issues. However, local practices in the specific context of Katanga suggest two suitable CSR strategies for promoting artisans' HR: supporting new sustainable economic activities where artisans have been displaced by a company; and promoting the formalization of artisanal activity where companies are the artisans' clients.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not include interviews with mining company managers in Katanga in order to design very specific actions in each one of these CSR strategies. The research does not include field work in high‐conflict areas.

Practical implications

The heterogeneity and dynamism of artisanal miners' problems and the weakness of the Congolese State lead to a basic recommendation for responsible mining companies in low‐conflict areas: the implementation of dialogues with local communities and local governments in order to cover the needs of artisanal miners and discover innovation opportunities for the companies.

Originality/value

Although there is abundant literature on artisanal miners, the connection of artisanal miners and CSR has scarcely been developed. As far as the author knows, the illustration of this connection for the DRC has not been addressed. Additionally, the design of public policies for artisanal miners – part of the informal economy – and the contribution of companies to such policies can help address problems arising from other informal activities in Africa.

Details

African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

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Article
Publication date: 25 October 2011

Josep F. Mària SJ and Emmanuelle Devuyst

This case study seeks to present the CSR activity of a mining company in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the conflict between the company and its local stakeholders. The…

3234

Abstract

Purpose

This case study seeks to present the CSR activity of a mining company in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the conflict between the company and its local stakeholders. The company promotes an enlightened CSR, focused on the promotion of individuals' rights; but the local population has inherited a paternalistic mindset, which clashes with this enlightened approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The conflict is presented and analyzed at three levels: company‐government, company‐local communities, and company‐local employees. The cultural change necessary to address the conflict involves fundamental questions in SGM's business model: strategy, structure and mainly purpose, processes and culture.

Findings

The company needs to design individual and industry‐wide strategies to tackle the problems with the Central Government; develop dialogues with key leaders of local communities in order to promote with them an enlightened culture of CSR and of development; and change the processes to diffuse and eventually modify the company values affecting local employees.

Originality/value

Research on CSR in the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in the Katanga province, is very scarce, even if mining companies are starting to operate in that Province, raising important problems in terms of development and cultural change. In spite of several problems, SGM is a case of good practice that can inspire other mining companies or extractive industries in developing countries.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

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Article
Publication date: 6 April 2012

Bethel Uzoma Ihugba

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the stakeholder engagement approach, level, rationale and implications for corporate social responsibility (CSR) management and…

1223

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the stakeholder engagement approach, level, rationale and implications for corporate social responsibility (CSR) management and governance in the Nigerian tobacco sub‐sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from the published social reports of British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN). These data are used to analyse BATN's CSR initiatives and stakeholder engagement against Arnstein's citizenship participation model and reasons for companies' engagement in CSR initiatives. Other literature, such as news reports and articles were used to contextualise the analysis.

Findings

Findings suggest that the engagement appears too controlled and lacking in authenticity; and that the stakeholder engagement framework needs to be developed to improve informed and balanced stakeholder participation and progressive CSR programmes.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may not be readily generalisable, as the study was based on one company, although the data included a seven year company social report and other independent and external literature, e.g. news reports, to help contextualise the social reports. More research may be needed from other sub‐sectors to demonstrate generalisability.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that entirely discretionary CSR and stakeholder engagement may reduce its developmental impact and sustainability. To avert this, especially in Nigeria, some framework is needed to increase informed participation of relevant stakeholders and encourage a sustainable CSR practice.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first case study that explores CSR and stakeholder engagement in the Nigeria tobacco sub‐sector.

Details

African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 April 2012

Fredrick Onyango Ogola

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for analyzing the social responsibility (SR) of financial institutions (FIs) in developing countries (DCs), especially in…

1011

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for analyzing the social responsibility (SR) of financial institutions (FIs) in developing countries (DCs), especially in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), with regard to their contribution to development.

Design/methodology/approach

The connection between finance and economic development can be studied at the macro or general level of “financial systems” or at the micro or institutional (organizational) level of “financial institutions”. This paper will focus on the micro level of FIs. The author used the work of Sen as a reference to approach the concept of development, and Sherraden's “Asset‐building policies” combined with Cabraal et al.'s “microfinance ideals” as a strategy to implement the broad developmental agenda proposed by Sen in the field of SR of FI.

Findings

The study identified seven indicators for the social responsibility of financial institutions: low interest on loans; small loans; micro‐savings; income equality; marketing equality; geographical equality; and unbiased financial education. These groups of indicators reflect the different areas that are relevant for assessing the SR of FIs.

Research limitations/implications

Since this is a conceptual article, it lacks the empirical data to support theoretical conclusions. Through further research, operationalizing this model and testing it through surveys and in‐depth interviews can overcome these limitations.

Practical implications

With this framework, SR strategies of FIs operating in DCs and specifically in SSA may require a broader vision in their contribution to development. This is by viewing SR in development not only as a tool for economic growth but also as a tool for promoting equality and freedom through economic inclusion and consequently social inclusion.

Originality/value

The paper suggests how Sen's theory of development, Sherraden's theory of asset building and Cabraal et al.'s microfinance ideals can be merged in a framework to analyze the SR of FIs in DCs.

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Article
Publication date: 6 April 2012

Rhuks Temitope Ako

The purpose of the paper is to highlight the opportunity that exists within the ambience of peace in the Niger Delta precipitated by the amnesty deal; particularly for the…

1047

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to highlight the opportunity that exists within the ambience of peace in the Niger Delta precipitated by the amnesty deal; particularly for the oil‐multinationals that operate there, to re‐invent the delivery of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to maintain peaceful relations with their hosts and therefore optimize their business potentials.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is purely a review of extant literatures and deductive arguments that will give insights to how conflict situations arising from denial of rights can be resolved through the CSR and stakeholder's perspective.

Findings

The paper concludes that the oil‐multinationals operating in the Niger Delta region ought to take advantage of the ambience of relative peace which has been created by the amnesty initiative to re‐invent their relationship with their host‐communities.

Practical implications

The oil‐multinationals must seize the opportunity of a peaceful operating environment precipitated by the amnesty deal to engage with their host‐communities more objectively. This move will contribute to a healthy relationship between both parties and contribute to sustainable peace, which is a requisite to the sustainable exploitation of oil resources in the region, sustainable development of the resource, region and country.

Originality/value

The paper draws upon the hypotheses in extant literature that argue that there is a link between the local expectations of oil‐multinationals CSR, its actual delivery and violent conflicts in the Niger Delta region. It however moves the discourse forward by highlighting the window of opportunity that the federal government's amnesty initiative has opened to reassess CSR thinking, strategies and implementation.

Details

African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 April 2012

David H. Tobey and B. Yasanthi Perera

The purpose of this paper is to posit a framework that predicts and explains the success and sustainability of MNC‐driven corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs in West…

1296

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to posit a framework that predicts and explains the success and sustainability of MNC‐driven corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs in West Africa, based on the degree of overlap or differentiation among existing value systems of various stakeholders (economic orientation and temporal orientation).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes previous works on competing values, stakeholder perspective of CSR, and cultural values to posit the value alignment framework.

Findings

It is found that synthesis yields a value alignment framework and four propositions for empirical testing.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical research on the framework is needed. The synthesis of the propositions leads to two future research questions, “What is the impact of the degree of agreement on CSR values on corporate social performance?” and “What is the effect of culture on the effect of CSR values on performance?”

Practical implications

The framework presents those responsible for implementing CSR programs with a basis for reflecting upon broad factors that may mean the difference between CSR program success or failure.

Originality/value

This paper provides a theoretical model and assessment guidelines for considering local context when designing and delivering CSR initiatives and why CSR efforts may succeed or fail. Thus, it may assist in deriving sustainable social benefits from expatriate multinational investments in CSR.

Details

African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 April 2012

Passent Tantawi and Amr Youssef

Branding issues and corporate social performance (CSP) are growing in importance for both companies and customers. In place marketing, places could be branded as each place should…

1590

Abstract

Purpose

Branding issues and corporate social performance (CSP) are growing in importance for both companies and customers. In place marketing, places could be branded as each place should define and communicate its competitive advantages effectively and adapt to fit the needs of place customers. On the other hand, in Egypt, a major challenge for marketers is retail banking which is experiencing significant changes and entails the marketing of intangible services rather than tangible products. The purpose of this paper is to provide a useful starting point to consider retail banks as place brands, and advise place brand managers about how to integrate their values with CSP and branding issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is quantitative in nature, focusing on the relationship between CSP measures and place branding through enhancing brand equity. A total of 220 self‐administered surveys were distributed among bankers and investors of two Egyptian‐based retail banks listed in the CASE (Cairo and Alexandria Stock Exchange).

Findings

Results indicated that there is a lack of association between CSP measures and brand equity measures of retail banks in Egypt. Findings yield useful insights for both academics, and corporate and brand practitioners about the importance of synthesizing brand equity of a place with CSP in the banking sector.

Research limitations/implications

A longitudinal and qualitative research is required to investigate how customers perceive retail banks' brands in Egypt and whether or not they value banks applying CSP. A quantitative study should be conducted on a larger sample to generalize findings within the banking sector.

Practical implications

CSP is mainly driven by external pressures such as pressure of international financial institutions. This will only encourage passive compliance without any effective change on the ground in terms of greater corporate accountability and transparency. Banks should emphasize their CSP to develop or enhance their brand equity.

Social implications

Results depicted that if the individuals themselves can conduct their businesses in an ethical and sustainable manner, then companies will inevitably conform to any external CSP standard that will be utilized in the development of place brands image and the welfare of the society.

Originality/value

Limited research has addressed the relationship between CSP and place branding. This study draws a model that investigates the relationship between applying corporate social responsibility (CSR) and place branding through improving brand equity of retail banks in a developing country, namely Egypt. Results of this research might be of interest to companies, practitioners, and society concerning the role of CSR in developing a place brand.

Details

African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 April 2012

Thomas Kimeli Cheruiyot and Loice C. Maru

The purpose of this paper is to explore and espouse employee corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in classified hotels in the coastal region of Kenya, then to evaluate…

3077

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and espouse employee corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in classified hotels in the coastal region of Kenya, then to evaluate perceived job satisfaction, employee turnover/retention and organizational commitment by employees and explore any inherent paradox in the employee perceptions on both employee CSR practices and the job‐related outcomes in the African context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an exploratory survey that targeted a population of 5,595 hotel employees from 20 selected classified hotels. A sample size of 699 employees was systematically selected and data collected using a structured questionnaire anchored on a five‐point Likert scale. The instrument was evaluated for internal consistency and subjected to principal component analysis to explore extant dimensions.

Findings

Though initially employee CSR practices by the hotel enterprises were defined by four dimensions, while employee job satisfaction‐related outcomes were defined by three dimensions, principal component analysis revealed six dimensions of the employee CSR practices and four dimensions of the job‐related outcomes. This paper, therefore, identifies and discusses the inherent paradoxes of employee job satisfaction, employee commitment and employee retention as revealed by the study.

Originality/value

Internal social responsibility practices among enterprises in Africa, has relatively been downplayed by government, respective enterprise management and scholars.

Details

African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 April 2012

Happy Mickson Kayuni and Richard I.C. Tambulasi

The purpose of this paper is to operationalise the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the framework of Ubuntu in selected Malawian organizations. The…

786

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to operationalise the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the framework of Ubuntu in selected Malawian organizations. The intention is to analyze whether CSR can be applied cross‐culturally.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a result of a qualitative research study conducted amongst nine sampled Malawian organisations. It utilized a semi‐structured interview guide in the collection of data whereby key research questions were exploratory and descriptive in nature.

Findings

This paper finds that in the cases under study, the concept of CSR is being applied within the framework of Ubuntu rather than a Western‐oriented business approach.

Research limitations/implications

CSR does not operate in a vacuum. Its application depends on the prevailing cultural context. In the cases under study, Ubuntu values influence and facilitate the application of CSR activities.

Originality/value

Despite the envisaged significance of Ubuntu cultural context to the understanding and applicability of CSR in Africa, there has been no adequate systematic analysis of the same. The paper is therefore filling this knowledge gap.

Details

African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

Keywords

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