CSR Effectiveness in Hydro Electric Projects: Public vs Private Sector Insights

The CSR practices of privately owned mining businesses have the capacity to foster the development of communities residing in proximity to the mining operations. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge regarding the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives undertaken by mining businesses in Tanzania that are partially owned by the government. The focus of this study was to analyze the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives implemented by the North Mara Gold Mine in Tanzania, which is partially controlled by the government. The primary aims of this study were to assess the level of community awareness regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and to analyze the CSR initiatives performed by North Mara Gold Mine among the surrounding regions. The research had a cross-sectional design and included a sample of 358 houses, which were chosen through the utilization of a systematic random selection method. The data collection process involved the utilization of many methods, including household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group talks, and documentary reviews. The data underwent examination through the utilization of descriptive statistics and content analysis techniques. The primary outcomes of the investigation indicated that a majority of the participants exhibited knowledge regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR), and demonstrated the ability to articulate and elucidate the CSR initiatives implemented by North Mara Gold Mine within their respective localities. The findings indicate that the key informants have the ability to articulate corporate social responsibility as the responsibilities of companies towards the local community residing in the vicinity of the mining operation, with the objective of enhancing the overall welfare of the community. Additionally, it was discovered that the North Mara Gold Mine has been actively engaging in the implementation of corporate social responsibility initiatives. These initiatives primarily involve providing support to the local populations residing in close proximity to the mine. The support encompasses several areas such as education, infrastructure development (including roads and sanitary facilities), healthcare, and employment opportunities. Hence, it is advisable for mining enterprises to include corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies into their business operations and establish a dedicated CSR Foundation to oversee and manage CSR initiatives.

PurposeThe objective of the study is to investigate whether hospitality leaders feel there is a circular economy (CE) created through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and whether these initiatives improve quality of work life (QWL) for employees. A qualitative, case study approach was adopted which included a set of standardized questions as a discussion tool to explore senior hospitality professionals' perceptions of their companies' CSR initiatives and connection between CSR and QWL.Design/methodology/approachA series of interview questions consisting of seven open-ended questions and four Likert-type scale questions were formulated to explore how the representatives from case study companies implement CSR initiatives in the workplace. The questions were also used to probe the impact of CSR initiatives on QWL for employees and additionally, respondent views on aspects of the CE.FindingsExamines the impact of hospitality and tourism on the environment and also its employee retention challenges. Interviews conducted with three managers reveal awareness of the potential QWL benefits of CSR practices. Findings suggest that successful, on-the-ground practice involves adapting corporate principles for each property.Originality/valueThe article showcases three interviews with senior employees from different properties in different world regions. The aim being to probe, how they approach their CSR strategies and the impact on QoL. While there is much interest in these issues, comparatively little has been published to-date on the relationships between CSR and QoL.

PurposeThe purpose of this conceptual paper is twofold: to investigate the nature of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and to discuss the effects that several factors have on CSR outcomes by drawing on concepts from organization theory.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach is used, wherein the authors review the extant literature on CSR theory with the goal of expanding upon theoretical perspectives underlying this area of research.FindingsThe findings show that both initiation and implementation influence CSR outcomes, and that these processes vary based on the degrees of centralization and routineness. In addition, the “fit” between the problems and the processes used influences the benefits of CSR. In short, the authors show that not all CSR initiatives are created equally.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper does not address the potential magnitude of fit, only the direction of fit, and does not consider other factors that would play a role in successful initiation and implementation. It does not consider nor estimate the costs associated with different approaches to CSR activities. Lastly, it does not consider the history of an organization when discussing various CSR structures.Originality/valueThis study enriches CSR literature by filling the gap in the extant CSR literature and by proposing a more holistic view to CSR initiatives. The authors offer six propositions that purport the effects that various factors – (de)centralization, fit, CSR–human resources synergies, transformational leadership and pride – have on a company’s CSR activities and recruitment efforts.

Objective: The article examines the influence of prior corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and the reputation accrued from these efforts on the response of foreign companies operating in Russia during the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Research Design & Methods: Our study includes all publicly traded corporations listed in the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute list of companies leaving and staying in Russia (CELI Yale list). We acquired corporate data for these companies from the LSEG Eikon database (formerly Refinitiv Eikon). To evaluate the impact of the explanatory variables on the type of the firm’s reaction to the adverse event, we used multinomial logistic regression. Findings: Our study revealed that firms with a history of extensive social engagement and resulting superior CSR reputation tend to display a reduced inclination toward opportunistic behaviour and reluctance to maintain business as usual during adverse events. While analysing the relationship between prior CSR activities and the reaction to adverse events, we concluded that more socially responsible firms favour symbolic reactions. Moreover, our study shows the existence of a relationship between the form of the crisis reaction and a firm’s CSR strategy profile. We found that an adverse event occurring in the same domain as the firm’s CSR strategy profile triggers reactions aligned with that strategy. Implications & Recommendations: Our study provides evidence that supports the existence of the relationship between prior record of CSR activities and the reputation built upon those activities, and the firm’s behaviour during the crisis. Contribution & Value Added: Our study enhances the understanding of the nature of the firm’s reactions to adverse events. We concentrated in particular on the crisis caused by factors external to the firm. We contribute to the discussion of the permanency and cohesion of CSR actions, and the role of prior CSR activities and reputation, building upon these actions in the nature of the firm’s reaction to negative events. Our results indicate that firms with better CSR reputation react to such events in a more socially responsible way. This finding suggests the existence of other motives for such actions beyond reputation protection, as has been suggested by the earlier studies. We demonstrate that a firm’s reactions to a crisis are path dependent and dictated by its prior CSR strategy. Moreover, our study broadens the view on the relationship between the antecedents and consequences of CSR and shows that such a relationship is mutually enhancing.

Purpose This research addresses the integration of sport into corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies by companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE). Theoretically underpinned by neo-institutional isomorphic pressures, the study aims to fill a gap in the literature on CSR practices in the Middle East by examining how Qatari firms use sport-related CSR initiatives to foster community engagement and meet sustainable development goals. Design/methodology/approach The research involved a comprehensive analysis of annual reports from QSE-listed companies (n = 47), ensuring reliability through an automated data retrieval and analysis framework. The study handled extensive data sets consisting of annual reports spanning 10–15 years and primarily used two components: prompts and retrieval augmented generation. Findings The results highlight an increased focus on and utilisation of sport within CSR strategies across various sectors. They further demonstrate significant sectoral differences in CSR strategies, with banks and financial services leading in activities linked to philanthropy, sponsorships and personnel engagement. Given Qatar’s strategic emphasis on sport, related CSR initiatives have seen parallel and substantial growth, strengthening their role in promoting societal well-being. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of CSR practices in the region, by offering theoretical and practical insights on developing effective “CSR through sport” programmes. The research further provides a methodological and data foundation for application into other/adjacent regional or sectoral contexts.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives influence Generation Z’s engagement with the NFL. By focusing on key CSR dimensions—environment, social justice, health, education, and patriotism—the research explores their impact on behavioral intentions, including attendance, word-of-mouth, and electronic word-of-mouth. This study aims to provide actionable insights for sports organizations, emphasizing the importance of aligning CSR strategies with Generation Z’s values to foster stronger connections and drive positive engagement. The findings contribute to the growing understanding of effective CSR practices in the context of sport marketing and sponsorship. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a survey-based quantitative research design, utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on Generation Z’s engagement with the NFL. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to measure the impact of five CSR dimensions—environment, social justice, health, education, and patriotism—on behavioral intentions, including attendance, word-of-mouth, and electronic word-of-mouth. SEM was used to test relationships between CSR dimensions and engagement outcomes, ensuring robust analysis and actionable insights for sport organizations. Findings The study found that Generation Z’s engagement with the NFL is significantly influenced by CSR initiatives. Among the five CSR dimensions, social justice and environmental efforts had the strongest impact on behavioral intentions, including attendance, word-of-mouth, and electronic word-of-mouth. Authenticity and alignment with Generation Z’s values emerged as critical factors driving positive engagement. The findings highlight the importance of tailoring CSR initiatives to resonate with this demographic, offering actionable insights for sports organizations to foster stronger connections and enhance brand loyalty through targeted, values-driven strategies. Originality/value This study explores how CSR initiatives impact Generation Z’s connection to the NFL. By focusing on five key areas—environment, social justice, health, education, and patriotism—it highlights how values-driven strategies resonate with younger audiences. The research emphasizes authenticity, showing that Gen Z values brands aligning with their beliefs. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), it provides actionable insights for sports organizations to design CSR efforts that foster engagement, loyalty, and positive brand perception.

<p>This study investigates the corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy by multinational corporations (MNCs) in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The goal of CSR is to encourage a positive impact through its activities with the stakeholders, the environment and the general public. CSR also focuses on how businesses would proactively support the public interest by encouraging community growth and development. The problem of insecurity in the Niger Delta region is attributed to the feeling of anger and frustration by host communities due to perceived negligence of CSR initiatives by the MNCs. This has resulted in crude oil theft, vandalization of oil pipelines, general insecurity and actions that have negatively affected the activities of the MNCs as well as the federal government who depend on the oil revenue for its national budgets. This paper considers the CSR initiatives of the MNCs and the underpinnings of security challenges in this region. This is an empirical paper based on in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in the host communities of the Niger Delta region. Using the stakeholder theory, the paper maintains that initiating and implementing the right CSR strategy would help to reduce the crisis in this region and enhance the peaceful operations of the MNCs. It contributes to emerging discourse in CSR on how desired positive impact can be made through effective CSR.</p>

This case study seeks to make evident the imperative of better stakeholder management for contemporary competition by examining the evolving corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a world leading sports entertainment firm, over its 29-year history. Specifically, this case study illuminates that while CSR is becoming increasingly understood as indispensable for a firm’s overall strategy, corporate strategists need to design and implement CSR with dual vigilance that, (1) stakeholders’ expectations on CSR would heighten over time and (2) internal stakeholders’ needs, though often trivialized in many CSR strategies, need authentic accommodations that move beyond lip service. In addition to unpacking the issues of CSR (and) authenticity for the UFC’s stakeholder management, this case study also draws on insights gleaned from mainstream stakeholder management and CSR research and provides evidence-based analysis and recommendations for enhancing firms’ CSR strategies.

Research Question/Issue This study examines the role of government as a major customer in influencing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives among supplier firms. Specifically, it investigates whether firms that rely on government customers are more likely to engage in substantive CSR practices to meet government expectations and maintain strong business relationships. Research Findings/Insights Our findings indicate that supplier firms with greater reliance on government customers exhibit a higher propensity to adopt CSR‐related executive compensation plans, establish CSR committees within their boards of directors, and voluntarily disclose climate change risks in their SEC filings. These effects are more pronounced for firms operating in states governed by Democrats and for smaller firms. To address endogeneity concerns, we employ instrumental variable analysis, difference‐in‐differences estimation, and entropy balancing, all of which reinforce the robustness of our results. Theoretical/Academic Implications This study contributes to the literature on CSR and stakeholder theory by highlighting the government's role as an influential stakeholder in shaping firms' CSR engagement through supply chain relationships. It also extends research on political economy by demonstrating how political leadership at the state level moderates firms' CSR responsiveness to government customers. Practitioner/Policy Implications Our findings suggest that policymakers can leverage government procurement policies to incentivize broader CSR adoption among supplier firms, thereby fostering positive social externalities. Firms seeking to establish or maintain government contracts should consider aligning their CSR strategies with government expectations to enhance their business relationships and long‐term sustainability.

PurposeDrawing on both social identity theory and signalling theory, this paper aims to theorize and empirically examine a moderated mediation model that investigates the underlying mechanism through which perception of Corporate social responsibility (CSR) influence employee affective commitment (AC) (micro-CSR) in case of companies that are among the highest spenders on CSR initiatives targeted at external stakeholders (macro-CSR).Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses were tested on 444 employees of top five banking and four information technology Indian companies. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to test the measurement model, whereas moderated mediation analysis was done through Hayes PROCESS Macro (v.4).FindingsFindings suggest that employees develop a positive attitudinal disposition towards organisations CSR activities even when targeted only at external stakeholders. The research findings support advancement of CSR literature by suggesting that expenditure on CSR initiatives of business sends strong signals to employees of the care and empathy it has for stakeholders and due to prestige, that comes along with it, their self-concept gets accentuated. Lack of influence of employee volunteering (EV) on CSR outcomes highlights the need of integration of CSR initiatives with CSR strategy and human resource policies.Originality/valueResults indicate that perception about CSR is directly related to AC, but its influence improves if it is routed through perceived organisational support and organisational trust in that order. Furthermore, the serial mediation of the model is not moderated by EV.

BackgroundThere is growing awareness of the detrimental effects of alcohol industry commercial activities, and concern about possible adverse impacts of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, on public health. The aims of this systematic review were to summarize and examine what is known about CSR initiatives undertaken by alcohol industry actors in respect of harmful drinking globally.MethodsWe searched for peer-reviewed studies published since 1980 of alcohol industry CSR initiatives in seven electronic databases. The basic search strategy was organized around the three constructs of ‘alcohol’, ‘industry’ and ‘corporate social responsibility’. We performed the searches on 21 July 2017. Data from included studies were analyzed inductively, according to the extent to which they addressed specified research objectives.ResultsA total of 21 studies were included. We identified five types of CSR initiatives relevant to the reduction of harmful drinking: alcohol information and education provision; drink driving prevention; research involvement; policy involvement and the creation of social aspects organizations. Individual companies appear to undertake different CSR initiatives than do industry-funded social aspects organizations. There is no robust evidence that alcohol industry CSR initiatives reduce harmful drinking. There is good evidence, however, that CSR initiatives are used to influence the framing of the nature of alcohol-related issues in line with industry interests.ConclusionsThis research literature is at an early stage of development. Alcohol policy measures to reduce harmful drinking are needed, and the alcohol industry CSR initiatives studied so far do not contribute to the attainment of this goal.

The study is centered on the convergence of AI and corporate social responsibility (CSR) to promote environmental conservation, focusing on how AI can bolster CSR efforts to tackle environmental issues like climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss. It indicates how incorporating artificial intelligence into corporate sustainability agendas transmutes the way companies tackle environmental, social, and governance concerns and discusses the transformative potential of AI-driven solutions that corporations can integrate as part of their CSR strategies. This chapter explores the historical development of CSR from philanthropy-focused initiatives to a holistic approach that includes economic, social, and environmental sustainability; this shift represents the growing recognition that businesses must address the global impacts of their operations. The primary objective of this study is to explore the current applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, particularly those focused on environmental protection.

When CSR Worlds Integrate - Shifting the Paradigm to Achieve Private Sector Growth Building African Internal Markets

This study attempts to examine the direct impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on employees’ job performance and the indirect relationships between CSR initiatives on employees’ job performance via industrial relations climate and psychological contract fulfillment. Data were collected from 764 supervisor–subordinate dyads and 271 middle managers from 85 companies. Using a multilevel approach, the results showed that organizational-level CSR was positively related to employees’ job performance. Moreover, the industrial relations climate and psychological contract fulfillment played mediating effects between CSR initiatives and job performance. This study provides novel theoretical evidence for why and how CSR initiatives improve job performance. Theoretical and practical implications for implementing CSR initiatives are discussed.

This study investigates the influence of board governance characteristics, specifically board expertise, board tenure, and board meeting frequency, on the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigerian oil and gas companies. The objective is to explore how these governance factors impact the success of CSR projects within host communities. Using secondary data collected from the annual reports, corporate governance disclosures, and CSR statements of eight listed oil and gas companies on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) over a period of ten years (2014-2023), the study adopts a census approach to ensure comprehensive coverage of the industry. Data analysis is conducted through panel data regression, alongside descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, using STATA version 13 to ensure robustness. The results show a positive and significant relationship between board expertise, board tenure, and board meeting frequency with CSR effectiveness, suggesting that boards with higher professional qualifications, greater experience, and more frequent meetings are better positioned to deliver impactful CSR outcomes. The study concludes that effective governance, particularly through enhanced board expertise and tenure, is crucial for improving CSR performance in the oil and gas sector. In light of these findings, it is recommended that companies invest in enhancing board qualifications and foster long-term tenure and consistent board engagement to maximize the impact of CSR initiatives, ultimately contributing to sustainable community development and improved corporate reputation.