The Paradox of Corporate Social Responsibility in Africa: Case of French Multinational Corporations (original) (raw)
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Paradox of Corporate Social Responsibility
In the context of globalisation Africa requires investment by multinational corporations (MNCs) to improve its competitiveness and to facilitate micro-level structural changes required for alleviating poverty and reducing its riskiness for investment. Economic theory recognises that MNCs can contribute to economic growth in developing countries through generating positive externalities. However, the extent to which Africa benefits from spill-over effects of MNCs remains to be empirically investigated. While some multinational corporations that operate in Africa take the corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies seriously, on the other hand there had been several complaints in many African countries on how these French multinational corporations conduct business within the continent. Thus, this paper intends to analyse the various paradoxes that are surrounding the activities of French multinational companies operating in Africa.
Economics, Politics and Regional Development, 2020
As the quest for multi-stakeholders’ approach to the development of communities and societies across Africa becomes intensified in view of reduced government pro-active development efforts due to dwindling resources and high competing demands from other sectors, the paper examines available opportunities for community development through CSR programs of multinational corporations. It observes that corporate social responsibility programs of multinational corporations have not made meaningful development impacts despite the fact that corporate social responsibility platforms are veritable means of fast-tracking development at community level across Africa. It concludes by identifying strategies for enhancing corporate social responsibility impacts and possible areas of interventions for community development across Africa through multinational corporations’ corporate social responsibility platforms.
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This paper aims to shed some more light on the current debate related to corporate social responsibility (CSR), specifically considering multinational enterprises (MNEs) and the complexities they face when dealing with international issues and a range of stakeholders. It discusses notions of CSR in the context of wider debates, including the question for whom and for what the firm exists, how responsibilities can or should be managed and by whom, and what room there is for managerial discretion. Particular attention is paid to cross-cultural differences, exploring the existing variety in ethical and societal norms relevant to MNEs: those originating from international agreements, those that are part of a so-called 'market morality' and those applicable in home and host countries. Although these norms may overlap, they can diverge as well, leaving ample room for managerial discretion in a 'moral free space'. The paper also explores recent trends, particularly the increasing importance of emerging economies such as China, which suggests that the picture is becoming even more complex, pointing at clear challenges for research and practice.
Attaining the sustainable development goals in Africa: The new CSR for multinational corporations
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Corporate Social Responsibility of Multinational Corporations in Developing Countries
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The increasing importance of CSR means that companies must consider multi-stakeholder interests as well as the social, political, economic, environmental and developmental impact of their actions. However, the pursuit of profits by multinational corporations has led to a series of questionable corporate actions and the consequences of such practices are particularly evident in developing countries. Adefolake Adeyeye explores how CSR has evolved to aid the anti-corruption campaign. By examining voluntary rules applicable for curbing corruption, particularly bribery and analysing the domestic and extra-territorial laws of Nigeria, United Kingdom and the United States for holding corporations liable for bribery, she assesses the adequacy of international law's approach towards corporate liability for bribery and explores direct corporate responsibility for international corruption. The roles of corporate governance, global governance and civil liability in curbing corporate corrupt...
Multinational corporations’ (MNCs) engagement in Africa : messiahs or hypocrites?
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MNCs" activities in Africa have dominated academic discussions from the 1970s till date. Their corporate social responsibility (CSR), in the form of bringing development to areas of their operations, has received mixed reactions. While some believe that MNCs are sources of economic development, employment opportunities, and general development to the host communities, others hold a view that the reverse is the case. Supports received from home governments because of their economic development in the form of profit repatriation to the tune of almost 100% as well as the creation of employment through outsourcing for the citizens of their home countries explain why their philanthropic activities are questionable. It is the intention of this paper to examine their activities in Africa. In doing this, issues of mal-development, deindustrialisation, unemployment, and environmental crises are to receive academic interrogation. Employing critical theory, qualitative analysis and secondary data collection, the paper concludes that CSR hardly brings development to Africa. Therefore, there is a need to look for African solution to Africa problems.
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International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, 2017
Research into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Ghana generally, has seen increased scholarly attention but same cannot be said of the specific area of CSR and International Business (IB), ironically though much of the data on CSR research comes from IBs. This paper therefore reviews existing literature on CSR in Ghana with the objective of identifying gaps and developing a framework to guide future research in CSR and IB because of the peculiarities. The paper underscores the varying and conflicting interests of host and home nations as well as international standards that IBs must navigate in their CSR activities, and applies Impression Management theory to develop a framework for future studies in the subject area in Africa and emerging economies.