The Effectiveness of CSR in Sustainable Development: A Case-Study of Total's Oil Exploration Activities in the Niger-Delta Region

Abstract

This research was set out to assess the effectiveness of the design and implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a contributory factor to sustainable development (SD) in developing economies. The use of a case-study (Total’s oil exploration activities in the Niger-Delta region) allowed for a profound exploration of the subject. This was achieved by the use of documents and interviews. The sample comprised of two employees of Total Nigeria plc who were presented with a long list of in-depth and open-ended questions. The participants who work in CSR-related departments have vast knowledge about CSR and SD in Nigeria. The information provided by the respondents alongside data obtained from secondary sources were analyzed. It was concluded that the problem lies in the state of the external environment, the implementation of CSR as a result of the dearth in monitoring and regulation of CSR activities, and the lack of balance in social, economic and environmental investments in host communities.