ASSESSMENT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PRACTICES OF MOHA SOFT DRINKS INDUSTRY: THE CASE OF SUMMIT PLANT

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility relates to the concerns of internal and external stakeholders in the economic, social and environmental impact of a business firm’s activities. Even though, fulfilling the CSR requires volunteering actions by the business firms, the role of government is also vital in regulating the required practices. Accordingly, the purpose of the research was to assess Corporate Social Responsibility practices of the Summit Plant of the MOHA Soft Drink Industry towards its employees, consumers, environment, society at large, other stakeholders and its philanthropic engagements. Descriptive research was used in this research and Interviews, questionnaire, review of documents and observation methods were applied in collecting relevant data. The systematic random sampling was used for selecting sample employees and convenience sampling was used for selecting sample regulatory offices. A one-to-one structured interview conducted with all department managers and the general manager of the company. The relevant qualitative and quantitative data collected through the selected tools were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed in order to compile major findings of the study. Major results of the study indicated that the objective of the company in undertaking CSR activities is marketing related; others related to community development, environment and voluntary activities are undertaken as responses based on the request of stakeholders concerned. The company has a full compliance to the CSR pertinent rules and regulations of the nation. The company is more of reactive, not proactive, in discharging its social responsibilities in terms of its contribution for community development, philanthropic engagements and natural environment protection activities, and its act of CSR is also used as a marketing tool. The main recommendation is that the company should be proactive in discharging its social responsibilities through an organized and planned manner.