Stakeholder Engagement and Sustainable Corporate Community Investment

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of research exploring the value and impacts of corporate community investment (CCI) through community partnerships. The research considered the community partners' perceptions of the value and impact of CCI. We adopted an inquiry paradigm utilising constructivist ontology, interpretivist epistemology and a case study method. In dialogue with Wesfarmers Ltd's community partners, the 'realities' presented by these beneficiary stakeholders were interpreted and understood (verstehen).While the CCI programmes with each of the not-for-profit organisations had different objectives, we were able to classify, under broad headings, the nature of the benefits to the community. One question highlighted is whether all corporate investing is the same? We found two aspects to this: the strategic fit for the community organisation of proposed investment and whether the corporate partner sought a relational as opposed to transactional approach to funding provision. Recommendations can be made for the funding structure deemed to be most effective from the community partners' perspectives.

The Influence of Board Composition on Sustainable Development Disclosure

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Credibility of sustainability reports: The contribution of audit committees

“…Boards of directors are responsible for setting a firm's sustainable agenda and allocating the necessary resources to ensure business sustainability (Jizi, 2017). They also encourage reporting on sustainable development activities to ensure communication with different stakeholders (Ben-Amar & McIlkenny, 2015;Rowe, Nowak, Quaddus, & Naude, 2014;Xie & Hayase, 2007). According to Markarian andParbonetti (2007, p. 1225), the board consists of directors of different expertise and experiences who play distinct roles consistent with their own skills, competence and expertise.…”

What Drives Successful Implementation of Product Stewardship Strategy? The Role of Absorptive Capability

“…These findings suggest that there may be business situations that may require inclusion of societal stakeholders in organizational structure to improve legitimacy. Going further, to develop a business case of social engagement and relationships, a firm may seek discretionary allocation of corporate resources (Barnett, ; Rowe et al, ) in a way that generate valuable societal stakeholder's knowledge.…”