Evaluating Corporate Social Responsibility using Corporate Social Performance: A case of the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is generally viewed as corporations moving beyond their primary commitment to their shareholders to contribute towards a better society. However, the extent to which the desired positive impact is felt by beneficiaries differ in relation to their needs. This study identifies corporate social performance theory as being relevant in evaluation the CSR programmes and activities of the multinational oil companies in the Niger delta region of Nigeria. The study assesses the level of commitment of the oil companies to the needs of their host communities through CSR, and how morally acceptable their CSR policies have been to the local communities. This is an exploratory research which obtained data mainly from primary sources. Using twenty-eight semi structured interviews obtained from three host communities in the Niger delta region, Nigeria. Finding suggest that the oil multinational in this region have engaged in various form of CSR programmes and activities. However, the success of any CSR initiative is positively related to an interpretation of the motives behind such gesture by beneficiaries and not merely financial contributions.