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The Mauritian business sector and the fight against poverty: a NGOs' perspective

Nicolas Jean Francois Ragodoo (Lecturer at the University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius)

Social Responsibility Journal

ISSN: 1747-1117

Article publication date: 7 June 2011

1161

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyse the contribution of business organisations towards non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) engaged in the fight against poverty. Studies generally refer to figures and reports provided by business organisations themselves. This present research, however, aims to turn towards NGOs engaged in the poverty battle to have their views on the role presently being played by the business sector. It aims to study the case of Mauritius, a developing‐economy.

Design/methodology/approach

For data‐collection purposes, a research instrument, in the form of a structured interview schedule, has been devised and applied to a representative sample (50 per cent) of the 110 NGOs actively engaged in helping the poor in Mauritius. Data collected provide valuable information with regard to the NGOs' perception of business organisations and their engagement in the poverty battle through CSR initiatives.

Findings

From this work, it is clear that the perception of NGOs engaged in the poverty battle is generally negative towards business organisations. The range of CSR initiatives is considered as being poor, and the funding they received from the business sector is considered as being marginal. They are also of the opinion that their on‐the‐ground expertise is not presently being used.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the scarce literature on CSR in Africa by taking a deep insight into the business‐NGO relationship from an innovative angle. It analyses the present situation and identifies steps to be taken for this link to be strengthened so as to be more effective in the poverty battle.

Keywords

Citation

Jean Francois Ragodoo, N. (2011), "The Mauritian business sector and the fight against poverty: a NGOs' perspective", Social Responsibility Journal, Vol. 7 No. 2, pp. 152-165. https://doi.org/10.1108/17471111111141468

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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