CSR AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF CSR INITIATIVES ON THE HOST COMMUNITY OF GUINNESS PLC IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives on the host community of Guinness PLC in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Through a simple but detailed data analysis, the study examines residents’ perceptions of CSR initiatives, including awareness, effectiveness, perceived impact and satisfaction with community engagement efforts. The study was anchored on the Stakeholder and Institutional theories, its methodology consisted of a descriptive survey research design, a questionnaire as the instrument for data collection and descriptive statistics and likert scale calculations as the techniques for data analysis . The population of the study, as obtained from local authorities was approximately 30,000 residents. As a result of resource, time and logistical constraints, the researcher adopted a sample size of 100. Findings reveal a moderate to high level of awareness of Guinness PLC’s CSR initiatives, with positive perceptions of their impact on infrastructure development and job creation. However, challenges remain in effectively addressing education and healthcare needs. Recommendations include enhancing stakeholder engagement, prioritizing education and healthcare initiatives and fostering long-term sustainability. The study underscores the importance of ongoing research to further explore the complex dynamics of CSR and community relations within the Nigerian context