Abstract
M.Com. (Business Management)
Corporate social investment is an important tool in meeting socio-economic challenges that are facing communities. Non-profit organisations play a key role in implementing corporate social investment initiatives. Their efforts to successfully implement these initiatives are hindered by various challenges. The aim of this study was to identify challenges experienced by non-profit organisations regarding the successful implementation of corporate social investment initiatives in South Africa. The study also sought to propose actions to be implemented by non-profit organisations to address the challenges encountered.
A qualitative study was undertaken to gain deeper understanding of the issues relating to the study topic and objectives. A sample of 13 participants from three non-profit organisations was selected using purposive non-probability sampling technique. These participants were involved in implementing corporate social investment initiatives and they included three senior managers and ten staff members. Data was collected from each participant using semi-structured face to face interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed as permitted by all participants. Data was subsequently analysed using qualitative content analysis.
The study has identified that non-profit organisations encounter a number challenges of challenges that hinder them from successfully implementing corporate social investment initiatives. These challenges relate to constraints in finances, human resources, monitoring and evaluation, governance and leadership, as well as lack of commitment by beneficiaries. Actions that can be implemented by these organisations to overcome the challenges encountered were also proposed.