Business’ expectations of corporate social responsibility spent in education

Abstract

M.Com. (Business Management)

The primary objective of the research was to investigate what business expects from its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contribution to education, with the secondary objectives being the establishment of a sustainable partnership, and the solicitation of more funding to attain the strategic goals of the Education Department. To achieve these objectives, research was conducted with the research population consisting of 15 targeted companies. The sample comprised of CSR practitioners from the respective companies. Out of the 15 companies targeted, only 12 responded. A survey was utilised to collect the data, and the completion of the questionnaires was followed by in–depth interviews for clarity where necessary. The findings revealed six major expectations by business from its CSR contributions to education, namely: 1. Delivery of quality education 2. The need to form partnerships 3.Sustainability 4.Skills development 5. Leadership 6. Measurement, evaluation and reporting. It was also established that the six aspects identified by the participating companies were not only critical for CSR, but were also pivotal for the transformation of education, socio-economic development, and for the return of investment in the form of human capital.