Assessing corporate social responsibility and poverty reduction programmes in the emerging markets

Abstract

According to Frynas et al. (2000), poverty is a global challenge which has attracted the concerns of the government and non-government organisations. The paper aims to examine corporate social responsibility (CSR) and poverty reduction programmes in the emerging market. The scope of the paper is limited to the activities of Lafarge Africa Plc in Cross River State. It adopts a survey research method. Data was obtained through unstructured interviews and questionnaires, administered to a sample of 400 respondents: staff of the company and resident in Mfamosing village, in Akamkpa Local Government Area. Data obtained were analysed using independent t-test analysis to test the hypotheses. The main findings of that study show that the provision of educational support programmes by Lafarge Africa Plc significantly contributes to poverty reduction in Cross River State, also that the maintenance of rural roads by Lafarge Africa Plc significantly contributes to poverty reduction in Cross River State. The study concludes and recommends the need for inclusiveness and community participation, in the initiation, design, and implementation of CSR in Cross River State and developing economies at large.