USING CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AS A TOOL FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND HARMONIOUS PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

Abstract

This study assessed the use of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a tool for effective community relations and harmonious peaceful coexistence, using Osun State Polytechnic Iree as a focus. The study examined the Concept of Community Relations, Corporate Social Responsibilities and its constituents, among others. The study was hinged on the Stakeholder’s Theory as justification, whilethe qualitative research design which entails the use of in-depth interview was employed as methodology. Furthermore, the study population comprised of dwellers of Iree community which is the host environment of the institution of focus, as 15 informants/participants were purposively picked. The study further used primary source of data to obtain firsthand information from the selected key informants through the interview guide/protocol, while data gathered were presented through coding and thematic analytical techniques. Thus, findings showed that philantrophy, provision of employment opportunities and participation in traditional festivals in the community were the form of CSR projects of Osun State Polytechnic Iree. Also, it was found that these CSR programmes are subjected to periodic review based on available of funds and needs of the community, in order to further enhance the quality of the programme. However, it was offered as part of recommendations that representatives of the community should be inculcated into the governing council of the institution, so that they can have a sense of belonging as a critical stakeholder in the continuous existence of the institution.