Corporate social responsibility architecture and project alignments: A study of the Ghanaian construction industry

Abstract

Purpose

The developed world increasingly expects corporations to support the community under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) banner. For developing countries, the situation differs and CSR has yet to be fully embraced. This study aims to examine the CSR in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI).

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-stage methodology employs descriptive statistics, the t-test and χ2-test to analyse survey data.

Findings

Results highlight three broad classifications of CSR project typology: social; infrastructure; and environmental. Ghanaian firms are found more aligned to social/intangible CSR projects than tangible ones.

Research limitations/implications

The study is geographically focussed, but the findings hold relevance to all the developing countries. The findings hold implications for policy making and planning in terms of how Ghanaian communities might integrate corporations within their geographical catchments, to enhance sustainable, local development.

Originality/value

This is the first in a series of CSR research within the Ghanaian context. It holds value for others conducting similar work within the developing world.

Citation

Lichtenstein, S., Badu, E., Owusu-Manu, D.-G., John Edwards, D. and D. Holt, G. (2013), "Corporate social responsibility architecture and project alignments: A study of the Ghanaian construction industry", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 334-353. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-09-2012-0041