D.Litt. et Phil. (Development Studies) / Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a growing field in South Africa with companies dedicating substantial financial and human resources to social, economic and environmental development. However, limited research has been conducted of CSR as an emerging field of enquiry and practise in Development Studies and of its contribution to social and sustainable environmental development. The aim of the study was to gain knowledge and understanding (verstehen) about how CSR is conceptualised and implemented in South Africa with the view to making recommendations that could grow CSR as an integral component of sustainable development in society. In order to achieve this, a qualitative research design was adopted for the study which was of an applied nature as the findings were to inform theory and practise. The study was undertaken through the use of a non-probability purposive sampling method which entailed study and analysis of ten multi-industry listed companies in South Africa. The companies were selected based on pre-determined criteria and involved both nationally based and subsidiaries of multinational companies. In view of the fact that CSR involves active engagement of a diverse range of stakeholders, the perspectives of internal and external stakeholders were solicited. Internal stakeholders involved CSR managers and practitioners while external stakeholders identified were representatives from trade unions, NGOs, Tripartite institutions, government officials, community leaders and the actual beneficiaries of the companies' CSR initiatives. In total, thirty (30) respondents were selected from the different stakeholder groups that were made up as follows: ten (10) respondents from the companies, ten (10) from the external stakeholders which included representatives from the following sectors: government, Non-governmental Organizations (NGO), trade unions, Tripartite institutions and Business and lastly, ten (10) representatives which comprised the community beneficiaries of the CSR programmes.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:11799 |
| Date | 23 July 2014 |
| Creators | Mushonga, Henry |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Johannesburg |
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