Practices Practices and Challenges of Corporate Social Responsibility in Dangote Cement Factory: Adaha Berga District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State

Practices and Challenges of Corporate Social Responsibility in Dangote Cement Factory: Adaha Berga District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the way organizations integrate social, environmental and economic concerns in a transparent and accountable manner. Studies done in the past overstressed the financial aspect of corporate social responsibility and provided less attention to the environmental and social perspectives. The study was aimed to assess practices and challenges of CSR in Dangote cement factory of Ethiopia. Accordingly, it was intended to address issues pertaining to environmental protection, social services provision and challenges of its implementation. Respondents (employees, FGD discussants and KII) were selected using a simple random, convenience and purposive sampling techniques respectively. Questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussion guide were used to collect data. While the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and presented using tables, qualitative data were thematically organized, transcribed and descriptive account of respondents were quoted. With regard to environmental protection, the findings of the study revealed that ‘fog of dust’ which was not emitted from the plant during normal cement production however, covered all over the area during transportation. Large number of vehicles and workers continuously flowed to the vicinity of the cement factory also overcrowded the local environment which increased the volume of wastes. Concerning employment, though the company created employment opportunities for the local community, most of the employment opportunities were found to be low-profile and less attractive. Furthermore, the findings indicated that lack of commitment on the part of the factory’s top management and over-ambitious expectations on the side of the local community were the major challenges to implement corporate social responsibility. Generally, the company owners, management bodies and the government need to work jointly in order to properly implement corporate social responsibility.