Perception of Corporate Social Responsibility of Lafarge Mfamosing Plant in Calabar Metropolis

Abstract

Abstract This study evaluated public perception of the corporate social responsibility of the Mfamosing Plant of Lafarge Africa PLC in Calabar metropolis. The broad objective of the study was to ascertain the extent to which the corporate social responsibility of the cement manufacturing company influenced public perception, and this led to the formulation of some research questions, among which was to identify the extent to which Lafarge was performing its corporate social responsibility to its host communities. The theoretical framework applied was the social responsibility theory while descriptive survey approach was adopted, and questionnaire used as the instrument for the gathering of data for the work. A sample size of 200 respondents was used, with the application of stratified sampling technique. Data collected were analysed using simple percentages and tables. Findings revealed that while the company’s corporate social responsibility activities were applauded, its attitude towards consistency, equality, etc. with the host communities was questioned. The study recommended inter alia that the organisation should improve on its overall attitude to the host communities by creating a balanced industry-community relationship, which would enable the company to continue enjoying the goodwill of the people.

Keywords: Community relations, corporate citizenship, corporate social responsibility, goodwill, host communities, Lafarge, public relations.