Corporate social responsibility practices from stakeholders' perspectie: a case of BP Tanzania Limited

This research aims at studying BT Tanzania stakeholders views pertaining to BP Tanzania limited corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. The study specifically endeavors to establish stakeholders understanding of CSR phenomenon, identifying prioritization given by the company stakeholders regarding CSR components and finding out how stakeholders rate BP Tanzania CSR performance. Qualitative research methodology was applied to study the CSR phenomenon, interviews, personal observations and focus group discussions were key means of data collection. Analysis was done at the same time to give room for investigating emerging concepts. A qualitative analysis software "qualrus" was applied to analyze the data. The study findings indicate divergence of CSR understanding but majority of BP Tanzania's stakeholders are looking at CSR through a philanthropic lens rather than its broader context encompassing four CSR aspects namely; economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic responsibilities. With that understanding, the stakeholders have high regard for the company's CSR performance. A call for the company to engage in more social programs especially in education and health sectors has been echoed as room for improvement exists. Furthermore, a growing significance of CSR in Tanzania society is noted much as is in other parts of the world. This study recommends that business corporations need to balance their economic need and the social need of the surrounding communities. CSR need to be an integral part of business operations and not a sideway or cosmetic ingredient. Globalization will make requirements to fulfil CSR obligations more intense. Hence businesses, especially local companies need to institute measures to ensure that they allow CSR programs in their corporate and strategic plans