Abstract
D.Litt. et Phil. (Development Studies)
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a growing field in South Africa with companies
dedicating substantial financial and human resources to social, economic and
environmental development. However, limited research has been conducted of CSR as
an emerging field of enquiry and practise in Development Studies and of its contribution
to social and sustainable environmental development. The aim of the study was to gain
knowledge and understanding (verstehen) about how CSR is conceptualised and
implemented in South Africa with the view to making recommendations that could grow
CSR as an integral component of sustainable development in society.
In order to achieve this, a qualitative research design was adopted for the study which
was of an applied nature as the findings were to inform theory and practise. The study
was undertaken through the use of a non-probability purposive sampling method which
entailed study and analysis of ten multi-industry listed companies in South Africa. The
companies were selected based on pre-determined criteria and involved both nationally
based and subsidiaries of multinational companies. In view of the fact that CSR involves
active engagement of a diverse range of stakeholders, the perspectives of internal and
external stakeholders were solicited. Internal stakeholders involved CSR managers and
practitioners while external stakeholders identified were representatives from trade
unions, NGOs, Tripartite institutions, government officials, community leaders and the
actual beneficiaries of the companies' CSR initiatives. In total, thirty (30) respondents
were selected from the different stakeholder groups that were made up as follows: ten
(10) respondents from the companies, ten (10) from the external stakeholders which
included representatives from the following sectors: government, Non-governmental
Organizations (NGO), trade unions, Tripartite institutions and Business and lastly, ten
(10) representatives which comprised the community beneficiaries of the CSR
programmes.