| In this multiple-case study, the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies in 3 manufacturing firms in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) was explored. The problem studied was the lack of CSR awareness, transparency, and formality in Trinidadian firms, which has been detrimental to government's private-public sector partnership to build a caring society through human resource development and investments in business infrastructures. The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions of CSR among 18 supervisors and managers in their firms, activities they planned and executed, and their perceived social and financial results. The research questions included understanding how study participants perceive CSR programs and activities, and the types of activities they implement under their CSR programs. Two persons each from human resources, marketing, and production departments in each of the 3 firms completed in-person interviews. Analysis included organizing, coding, and sorting the data in common themes and relating those themes to the research questions. Data were analyzed from 4 perspectives involving impact on: Employees, external stakeholders (customers, suppliers, communities, and environment), firm performance, and firm image. Results indicated that CSR initiatives could be implemented effectively after structural and procedural foundations were established. Program efficiency was enhanced by inclusion of CSR in strategic planning and adapting structures for involvement of employees and relevant stakeholders. Implications for positive social change include facilitating CSR awareness and formal efforts to reduce the negative impact of manufacturing firms on employee development, environmental management, and community development. |
