Csr Perceptions in Uganda

This research paper tries to examine the Corporate social responsibility perceptions, approaches and needs of companies in Uganda.

Summary of key observations that this research identified:

Section Three: CSR awareness and perceptions

• Managers interviewed drew an ideal picture of what CSR should include.

• They are convinced of the relevancy of CSR in the development of Uganda.

• Most managers define CSR in terms of giving back to the community and stakeholder management.

• Managers interviewed are convinced that all companies should pursue CSR regardless of company size.

Section Four: Methods and approaches to CSR

• Especially SMEs were not aware that CSR also includes workplace, environment and marketplace aspects. When companies think of CSR they mainly concentrate on community aspects. It is clear that while many of the companies interviewed had not "branded" their activities as CSR, when disclosed and briefed about the broader issues involved with CSR, they realized that they were already doing CSR. In this respect the research was also a learning tool for companies.

• Out of all four CSR areas environment scored by far the lowest.

• Managers rated their engagement in workplace and marketplace rather high. Here it would be interesting to also get the view from employees, customers, suppliers, business partners, competitors and to compare the findings.

Section Five: CSR drivers

• The majority of drivers mentioned relate to community aspects, which is again a strong indication that companies define CSR mainly in terms of "giving-back-to community." It appears that philanthropic motivation and keeping the license to operate go hand in hand.

• Financial profitability and increased competitiveness were not directly cited as motivators /drivers, but can nevertheless be considered to play a vital part in motivating companies to engage in CSR.

Section Six: Managing CSR

• There are good best practice examples available for companies to instill CSR behavior among companies.

• Monitoring and measuring of success: larger companies are doing more market studies and impact studies, but often face problems as they do not have the expertise in measuring the impact of their CSR activities. SMEs face difficulties in measuring their CSR activities. Companies of all sizes indicated that there is a need for simple planning, monitoring, and evaluation systems/tools.

• Most companies were hesitant to disclose