Document Type : Conceptual Paper

Author

1 PhD Research Candidate, College of Economics and Business Liaoning University, Shenyang, China

2 Lecturer, Shenyang Aerospace University, College of Economics and Business, Shenyang, China

3 Chief Auditor, Liaoning University’s Society of International Academic Research (LUSIAR)

Abstract

The main reason for the existence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives is to facilitate the move towards development where needed. CSR in developing countries and in particular, West African economies have been lagging behind the ‘Best in class’ practices such as those in the western world. In this context, this study aims to explore on CSR already in existence in this region and the updates on developments brought about as a result of the various contributions made with regards infrastructural developments there in. Sources from secondary data—internet, books and articles—were collected with varying views from expertise in the area of concern. The contents gathered will give an overview to MNCs, government bodies—local or foreign—, development agencies, and individuals and what is expected to facilitate the bridging of the huge gap between what is practiced and what is expected. The theoretical paper will also create an insight to how a double sided CSR can be embarked on which will maximise wealth, elevate organizational reputation, contribute to infrastructural developments in West Africa and anywhere else and at same time fulfilling its objectives.

Keywords

Adeyeye, A.O. (2012). Corporate social responsibility of multinational corporations in developing countries. Cambridge University Press, The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge Perspectives on Anti-Corruption. Retrieved on date: September 21, 2015URL:http://www.kaiptc.org/Publications/Monographs/Monographs/mono-5_Rosenstein.aspx
Amaeshi, K. M., Adi, B. C., Ogbechie, C. &   Amao, O. O (2006). Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria:  western mimicry or indigenous influences? Retrieved on date: September 28, 2015. Available at: URL:http://ssrn.com/ abstract=896500
Amponsah-Tawiah, K. & Dartey-Baah, K. (2011). Corporate Social Responsibility in Ghana. International Journal of Business and Social Science, Vol. 2 No. 17, PP 107-112. Retrieved on date: September 21, 2015. Available at:  URL:http://www.ijbssnet.com/ journals/Vol_2_No_17/15.pdf
Chocosuisse Website (2009). The Swiss chocolate industry and the ethical aspects of cocoa production in West Africa. Retrieved on date: September 28, 2015. Available at:URL:www.chocosuisse.ch/dms/chocosuisse/web/documentation/press_release
Dartey-Baah, K. & Amponsah-Tawiah, K. (2011). Exploring the limits of Western Corporate Social Responsibility Theories in Africa. International Journal of Business and Social Science, Vol. 2(18), PP 126-137. Retrieved on date: September 21, 2015. Available at:  URL:http://www.ijbssnet.com/journals/Vol_2_No_18_October_2011/18. pdf
 Forstater, M.,  Zadek, S.,  Guang, Y ,  Yu, K. , Hong, C.X. &  George, M. (2010). Corporate responsibility in   African development:  Insights from an Emerging Dialogue. Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Working Paper No. 60. Retrieved on date: September 21 2015. Available at: URL:http://www.hks.harvard.edu/ mrcbg/CSRI/publications/workingpaper_60.pdf      
Hopkins, M. (2007). Corporate Social Responsibility and International Development Is Business the Solution? Earthscan in the UK
Luthans, F & Doh, J. P. (2009). International management: culture, strategy, and behaviour. McGraw-Hill Companies, New York. Edn 8th
Muthuri, J. N. (2012). Corporate Social Responsibility in Africa: Definition, Issues and Processes. Leading CSR and teaching. International Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility Nottingham University Business School Jubilee Campus. Retrieved on date: September 25th, 2015URL:https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/management /documents/pdf/events/2012-judy-muthuri-seminar.pdf
Popp, D. (2012). Shaping Corporate Social Responsibility in sub-Saharan Africa Guidance Notes from a Mapping Survey. Retrieved on date: 25th September, 2015. Available at: URL:https://www.giz.de/expertise/downloads/ giz2013-en-africa-csr-mapping.pdf