The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Community Development: A Study of Kasapreko Company Limited.

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Ghana has, to a large extent, been campaigned by civil society as focused on how companies could contribute to solving pressing social and environmental problems by acting on a voluntary basis through partnerships with other stakeholders. This study set out to examine the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in community development using Kasapreko Company Limited as a case. This is qualitative research that used purposive sampling method to select from management of Kasapreko, five (5) research participants from the marketing department. Data for this study was collected through in-depth interviews with the management staff of the company. The study reveals that CSR projects form the core mandate of operations of Kasapreko Company Limited. And so, the company over the years has executed projects like the “One for life project”. The Easter orphan projects, construction of the Wassa Amenfi hospital etc. as a means of giving back to the community as well as supporting national development. These CSR projects have contributed to the goodwill of the company, increased customer base, contributed to customer retention as well as making the brand a house hold name in Ghana. Though there have been challenges like inadequate funds, economic instability, inability to reach very remote communities among others, the company has intended to continue with its CSR activities. And so, CSR is very relevant in an industry like the manufacturing industry because implementing it gives a company a competitive advantage over others.