CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN NIGERIA’S TELECOMMUNICATION SECTOR

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Since the advent of mobile telecommunication into Nigeria arising from deregulation and liberalization of the economy in 2001, the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) industry have been responsible for the employment of millions of Nigerian citizens, either as distributors or retailers of GSM phones, recharge card sellers or GSM phone repairers. This sector has in no mean way boost the country’s economy.  As the most active sector in the Nigeria, the corporate social responsibility role expected from the operators cannot be over-emphasised. According to Altschuller and Smith (2011), stakeholders expect companies to manage the social and environmental impacts of their operations. In response to these agitations, many organizations have adopted corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes. Many of such programmes are not integrated into the organization’s operations but are merely taken as philanthropic gestures, public reporting through newspaper and television media so as to give the notion that they are practicing CSR. Occassionally, some apply environmental and labour standards that suit them to satisfy basic requirements of the laws of the land.  Given the impact of the GSM advent into Nigeria, the wide acceptability of this mode of communication, the role it plays in the Nigerian economy, CSR ought to be taken seriously by the mobile communication service providers. It should not have to be forced on organizations neither by the law, governments, civil rights groups nor by the communities. Onwuegbuchi (2009) averred that “CSR is the deliberate inclusion of public interest into corporate decision making and the honouring of a triple bottom line of people, planet and profit”. In other words, CSR policy entails self-regulation, adherence to rules and regulations, ethical standards, environmental responsibility and sustainability, consumers’ satisfaction, employee welfare, communities and stakeholders benefits.  Many organizations in Nigeria are driven by the need to make more and more profits to the detriment of all the stakeholders. Some do not adequately respond to the needs of host communities, employees’ welfare (cheap labour often preferred), environmental protection and community development. Research has shown that CSR can increase profitability, sustainability, integrity and reputation of any business that includes it in its policy. Nkanga (2007) posited that CSR involves the commitment shown by companies to contribute to the economic development of a local community and the society at large. The adoption of CSR policy should not be driven or motivated by increased profit. Rather, giving back to the society that gave to the business first should be the motivate factor. It is a common practice by Nigerian organizations to put as one of their mission statements the provision of corporate social responsibility. The organizations must have realized that stating CSR as one of their mission statements hold special appeal to the stakeholders. Hence, there is an increasing awareness and recognition accorded CSR by corporations.

TOPIC: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN NIGERIA’S TELECOMMUNICATION SECTOR

Format: MS Word

Chapters: 1 - 5, Abstract, References, Questionnaire.
Delivery: Email

Number of Pages: 95

Price: 3000 NGN

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