Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria: Western Mimicry or Indigenous Influences?

Abstract

Drawing empirical evidence from indigenous firms, this study explores the meaning and practice of CSR in Nigeria. It was found that indigenous firms perceive and practise CSR as corporate philanthropy aimed at addressing socio-economic development challenges in Nigeria. This finding confirms that CSR is a localised and socially embedded construct, as the 'waves', 'issues' and 'modes' of CSR practices identified amongst indigenous firms in Nigeria reflect the firms' responses to their socio-economic context. It is anticipated that this paper will add to the body of knowledge on CSR, especially as it relates to Africa, which has a relatively dearth of literature on CSR; and provide some insights to multinational firms operating in Nigeria.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Socio-legal business context, Developing countries, Africa, Nigeria

JEL Classification: M10, M19, Z00, P10