3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item The effects of perceptions of corporate social performance on individual purchasing(2019) Koech, Roselyne ChepkoechAlthough some previous research has focused on consumer behaviour with respect to corporate social performance (CSP), few empirical studies have been done, especially in the African context. In particular, a highly under-researched topic is the role that corporate social performance (CSP) plays in South Africa. Due to the increasing public awareness of CSR globally, individuals in South Africa are becoming more aware of the need for companies to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and companies have realised that fulfilling social responsibilities has a positive impact on their overall performance and sustainability. In this regard, the current study examines the effects of perceptions of CSP in South Africa. Particularly, it investigates whether the perception of CSP plays a role on individual’s purchasing decisions, in enhancing reputation of a company, and the role that a company’s reputation for social responsibility plays during a corporate crisis.The study uses the exploratory model of surplus, break-even and deficit developed by Coldwell and Joosub (2014) and a modified version of Carroll and Buchholtz’s (2000) model to measure the perceived actual CSP of companies in comparison to what individuals expect a company’s CSP to be. To measure the effects of perception of CSP in relation to actual purchasing behaviour, Carroll’s CSR framework (1991), which takes economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic responsibilities into account, was adopted. To explore whether CSP influences the reputation of a company, Fombrun's, Gardberg, & Sever (2000, p. 253) 20-items RQ grouped into six pillars “(emotional appeal, products & services, financial performance, vision & leadership, workplace environment, and social responsibility)” was used. Finally, to investigate whether CSR-derived reputational capital plays a role in sustaining a company during a crisis, crisis scenarios from Dean (2004) were adopted and modified to suit the study. A qualitative follow-up study, through face-to-face interviews, was carried out to clarify the quantitative findings. A mixed methods technique that combines questionnaires, interviews and content analysis was used to explore the effects of perceptions of CSP on individual purchasing behaviour, reputation capital and crisis management. A sample of 145 students at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa was used for a quantitative study, and a sample of 30 for a qualitative study. The findings show that a company that fulfils consumer expectations of social performance generates positive perceptions of CSP that not only lead to actual purchases of goods and services but also generate desirable returns through enhanced reputational capital that is seen to sustain a company during a crisis situation. Aspects other than CSP that also influence an individual's actual purchasing behaviour at grass roots level are also described in the study. The study extended the theoretical understanding of CSR by interrogating Carroll’s CSR framework (1991) for empirical analysis and its applicability in an African context. The findings show that CSP plays a positive though relatively minor role in individuals’ actual purchasing behaviour. This study also enhances the theoretical knowledge of individual expectations of CSP and actual CSP of companies in South Africa. Our study validates Coldwell & Joosub’s (2014) exploratory model of surplus, break-even and deficit in the relationship between actual and expected CSP. Also, the study has managerial implications in that those companies that engage in CSR are perceived favourably than those that do not hence enhancing their reputational capital; and that prior CSP reputational capital played a significant role in a crisis situation. Future research could investigate aspects like culture, political settings and the economic foundations of different African countries to confirm the findings of this study.Item Financial markets value reputation for Corporate Social Responsibility : a study of the South African mining sector(2018) Munkuli, BonganiCorporate social responsibility (CSR) is the obligation of business to participate in sustainable socio-economic development. However, there are uncertainties as to whether active participation in CSR practices lead to increased market valuation for South African mining firms. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of corporate social responsibility practices on the market valuation of mining companies in South Africa. The study has five sub questions focussing on the variances in market valuation measures between mining corporations listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange’s Socially Responsible Investment Index (JSE SRI) and those that are not on the index over a period 2005-2015. A quantitative methodology was employed, utilising stata software to navigate through panel data that comprises observations on cross-section and time series. Both static and dynamic types of panel data approaches were employed as; ordinary least squares, fixed, and random effects models. The Arellano-Bond procedure were also used as a dynamic function to determine the long-run relationship between CSR and market value of a company. The sample include thirty eight corporations engaged in mining excluding those in exploration-only activities. Secondary data on market valuation measures was gathered from the Bureau of Financial Analysis database. As compared to the dominant qualitative research on CSR which shows a correlation between CSR and market valuation, the findings of this study which employed a quantitative approach indicate no significant relationship between CSR and market valuation in the mining sector, nor significant variances in market valuations between mining firms on the JSE SRI and those not on the index. Active participation in CSR activities does not lead to increased market valuation. The study has made the following contributions. It has provided an empirically based mining sector specific study on the effect of corporate social responsibility practices on the market valuation in South Africa; an area presently under-researched. Few studies have undertaken a quantitative approach which attempts to find a correlation between CSR and market valuation in the South African mining sector. The study has also provided an understanding that maximising shareholder wealth is still an important business goal despite the need to fulfil social demands. The study has further contributed to the literature by proposing an integrated framework for conceptualising CSR practices by mining firms in a developing economy.Item Alignment between corporate strategy and social responsibility in the banking sector(2018) Naidu, KeshikaCorporate Social Responsibility programmes stretch into corporate strategy and are becoming pertinent strategic initiatives to which management are paying close attention to. This paper aims to display how the perceptions of the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives are viewed on behalf of the internal and external stakeholders in the banking sector. This paper states that CSR initiatives that are aligned to corporate strategy instil a greater sense of confidence and pride within the internal stakeholders from the directors to the CSR practitioners, to the strategy consultants, and all those who have an interest in the greater good of the community at large. The focus on corporate social responsibility in banking was decided upon to illustrate how CSR fits into a highly capitalised industry .There has been much debate concerning CSR in terms of whether it is a marketing ploy or whether it actually serves its purpose of fulfilling sustainable developmental efforts by improving the society in which it functions. Institutions face what is seen to be a double-edged sword in maximising stakeholder return and the interest of the investors; and responding to the social duties that surrounds them. It is imperative to note how banks decipher which element is more important. This study focuses on the impact of the CSR initiatives on business performance and why companies choose certain programmes to invest in. The theoretical aspects of CSR prove to be very different to CSR in practice. There are a wide range of corporates practising CSR as philanthropy, however there is also a fine line which exists and whether this can be viewed as an act of compliance or a nicety, such as a checklist to comply with regulations is debatable. Findings were reflective in that those CSR programmes that were closely linked to corporate strategy proved to be more fruitful than those that were not associatedItem Reinvigorating corporate social investment (CSI) with block chain technology(2018) Naidoo, DeshenItem South African small farmers’ and a multi-national corporation’s management’s perceptions of shared value: an exploratory study(2018) Matsebula, PhangisaThe private sector has largely been seen as being solely concerned with obtaining the best possible returns for shareholders above all else, usually not for the benefit of, and sometimes to the detriment of, society. With its origins in corporate social responsibility (CSR), where the private sector would partner up and budget for initiatives that would positively impact society and in-turn garner good will or brownie points from that society. Shared value (SV) has gone further in that the very initiative is engraved into the companies operating model and is not merely an item on the budget line. This case study investigated Porter and Kramer’s SV theory and looked at whether the theory works in the ‘real world’ by asking what the motives are for a Multi-National Corporation (MNC) to engage in SV, what the perceptions are from each side (the farmer & MNC) and lastly, by making recommendations based on the results. The study was an exploratory one utilising both Likert scale type questions and open-ended semi-structured interview sessions with farmers who are part of the ‘go-farming’ programme in The North-West and Kwa-Zulu Natal Provinces and MNC senior managers. The successes and failures of the programme formed the basis for the conclusion and recommendations, and the analysis of the data found that overall the programme has been highly beneficial (symbiotic), especially for the small farmer in the supply chain, with some structural issues that need to be addressed. With the addressing of the existing structural issues, the programme could be scaled and replicated in other parts of the business both locally and internationally. There is no doubt that SV has the potential to unlock serious value for businesses and society, however this depends on the mutual benefit of programme for all parties involved. There is much room for further critical evaluation and the studying of the SV concept in its practical application.Item Funding from the Gauteng department of social development: the experiences of project managers at non-profit organisations (NPOs) in Soweto(2018) Luthuli, Bafana Sfiso MaxwellNon-profit organisations (NPOs) play a vital role in contributing to social development in South Africa, however, funding to develop and implement projects appears to be challenging. The primary purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of project managers at nonProfit Organisations in Soweto about the funding from the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD). The study adopted the qualitative research approach and a multiple case study design. The study was undertaken amongst 15 NPO Project Managers from NPOs located Johannesburg South Region (Soweto) and two key informants from the Gauteng Department of Social Development. For the purpose of this study, the researcher used purposive sampling technique to select the research participants. Two different interview guides comprising of open ended questions were utilised as research instruments. Semi structured interviews were used as the method of data collection. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The main findings of the study, were that Non-Profit Organisations from Soweto had challenges in accessing funding from the Gauteng Department of Social Development and such findings included delays in payments of subsidies in the beginning of every financial year, inadequate funding that does not cater for all their programmes as the funding criteria are not working in favour for the NPOs. It is hoped that these findings will create a platform for the Gauteng Department of Social Development and Non-Profit Organisations to work together in reassessing funding policies in respect of NPOs in Gauteng and their contribution to efforts of Social Development at large.Item An investigation into the Implementation of corporate social responsibility programmes of construction firms with regard to sustainable SMME development: the case for Kimberley(2018) Dikgale, Selatswa PaulSubsequent to the boom in mining, Kimberley remained very dormant in terms of construction and infrastructure activity which led to very little or no training, skills development and ownership of businesses and a steady decline in economic activity. The Government has identified the deficit and is investing approximately R 10 billion over a 10-year period in construction (DHET, 2012). Central to the Governments plan of redressing this deficit, the construction of Sol Plaaje university is the cornerstone of addressing the skills shortage through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. The program will result in established more experienced contractors utilising local SMME contractors in the construction program to train and develop the SMME contractors to aid to the sustainable development of the SMME contractor (www.newuniversities.ac.za).Using a qualitative approach, the study explores the challenges associated with the implementation and roll-out of CSR programmes with the integration of SMME’s into the Sol Plaatje university program in Kimberley. Interviews were conducted with key personnel in the Sol Plaatje university project who are stakeholders in the university construction program. Major findings revealed that the study revealed that the program does not aid the necessary implementation and roll out of CSR programs necessary to sufficiently allow for the participation and integration of local SMME contractors. This in turn does not allow for adequate training, transfer of skills and knowledge gaining by the SMME contractors and thus does not develop or grow the local SMME contractors.Item Exploring the culture of corporate social investment within a multinational corporation: a Gauteng-based case study(2018) Sewram, KomcillaThe South African government impels business to contribute to the country’s transformation through corporate social investment (CSI) to accelerate social development. The study focused on the sub-element of CSI as part of the broader corporate social responsibility CSR frame. CSI in South Africa assumes a vastly different dimension from that of global practices, founded predominantly on the country’s historical disparities. Post-apartheid legislation makes CSI an obligatory practice. A business’s commitment reflects in company policies, operations and organisational culture. The case study of a multinational corporation (MNC) used face-to-face interviews and a semi-structured interview schedule with eleven purposively sampled employees. Via a qualitative, interpretive paradigm, the study examined participant perspectives on the prevailing corporate culture on CSI. Corporate culture by way of the shared values and beliefs of employees as significant stakeholders was analysed and the New Institutional Economics (NIE) framework was applied. Thematic analysis concluded that over time the company made notable progress in its CSI practices. The MNC continues to instil a CSI culture across its operations, so social responsibility embeds as an essential element of its corporate culture. A key outcome of this research is an adapted CSI model. The pivotal role of leadership and the positioning of the CSI department within the MNC are a priority for entrenching a CSI culture. Related themes were the importance of marketing and communication, employee volunteering, policy and sustainability. The commitment of MNCs is fundamental to the dependency discourse articulated by state and civil society that business invest in social development to facilitate access to the economy for vulnerable communities. A strategic social contract between private sector, government and civil society is pivotal for a well-functioning state – a synergy, central to tackle widespread inequality and poverty in South Africa. CSI is a vital conduit to propel social development.Item Who benefits? Exploring cause related marketing (CRM) in a South African context(2017) Zitha, Arthur BonganiArts organisations have found it difficult to survive in an economic climate that offers limited resources towards the arts. Vansa points out that Corporate Social Investment (CSI) funds have become limited thus this has prompted arts organisations to look for funding elsewhere (http://vansa.co.za). This paper explores how arts organisations can benefit from Cause Related Marketing (CRM) as a possible alternative and solution to the problem of funding. Through empirical evidence from a case study of the SHOUT campaign, sponsored by Kia Motors, this research outlines the distinct features of CRM & CSI and also the roles of both arts organisations and corporates in the collaboration. The main findings of this research highlight that there isn’t a clear definition of CRM in a South African context. This poses as a challenge for the development and implementation of the technique in a South African context. Furthermore, some arts administrators were reluctant to implement CRM due to the fear of compromising the integrity of the artistic product. There are vast possibilities for both arts organisations and corporates to benefit from CRM. However it is important for these CRM partnerships to clearly align their products in order to fully benefit from the advantages of CRM.Item Communities, sustainability and corporate social investment projects: are they but white elephants?(2018) Stander, JovitaABSTRACT Set against the backdrop of one of South Africa’s coal-fired power station construction projects, this study looks at the sustainability of corporate social investment (CSI) infrastructure projects and the means of the communities involved in such projects in maintaining the infrastructure. There has been much discussion in literature about the sustainability and sustainable development of CSI projects, yet the literature has offered very little to support the notion that CSI projects in general, and CSI infrastructure projects in particular, are indeed sustainable. Literature from the private sector suggests that there is no shortage of funding, as billions of rand are spent on CSI projects. However, if this money is spent on projects which are not sustainable, the funding will eventually go to waste and not have the desired long-term effect of benefiting the intended communities as well as generations to come. The study seeks to address the question of how sustainable infrastructure projects are in practice and whether the communities involved are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, financial resources and management acumen to sustain them. The study’s specific objectives are to ascertain how the various stakeholders understand the term ‘sustainability’, identify the types of CSI project that stakeholders are involved in, define the involvement of government in CSI infrastructure projects, and establish whether local communities have the means to maintain and sustain CSI infrastructure projects. The study has taken into consideration six CSI infrastructure projects among a rural community situated within the sphere of influence of a power station construction project. The research methodology took the form of a case study, as this approach allows for the investigation of a situation within real-life circumstances. Qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques were used to collect the research data from the three groups identified as playing a role in the CSI projects covered within the context of the case study. The results of the study show that companies donate second-hand materials, such as furniture, IT equipment and stationery, and make once-off financial contributions. They also fund and build infrastructure such as clinics, schools and community halls. In addition, companies are involved in the training of graduates and the funding of study bursaries for non-employees. Sustainable projects are projects that require no further external funding for the project, organisation and/or community involved once it has been completed. The most sustainable projects are education and health projects; infrastructure projects; and projects which entail job creation, revenue streams and empowerment. Government’s involvement in CSI projects is deemed not to be sufficient. This may be ascribed to the absence of controls and accountability, a lack of funding, and varying development strategies, with one strategy focusing on pro-poor development while another focuses on independent development. This scenario can be improved by aligning the CSI agendas of the government and the private sector towards a concerted effort. Although the communities indicated that they were able to maintain CSI projects by following an ad hoc approach rather than a sustainable one, the results suggest that recipient communities are unable to sustain CSI projects due to a lack of education and not having a basic understanding of the reasons why projects fail. Furthermore, the study shows that communities do not have the means to maintain and sustain CSI infrastructure projects without the assistance of donor companies. Without donations, infrastructure projects are bound to become white elephants in a state of disrepair until such time as a donor company is willing to commit funding for their maintenance. Due to the lack of participation by companies identified in the donor group, it is recommended that further research be done among this group in order to obtain data on how donor companies view their involvement within the communities after the donated infrastructure projects have been completed and handed over. The research did not explore the reasons why government’s involvement in CSI projects is perceived as being lacking, and further research into this matter is recommended.
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