| Abstract: | Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a topic that has gained much attention lately. Various studies mainly out of Ethiopian context attempted to study aspects of CSR and its value for both the community and the corporations. Dashen bank is one of the leading private commercial bank in Ethiopia. A number of studies conducted in different areas on the bank. However, little is done on exploring practices, challenges and benefits of CSR of this specific financial institution. Thus, this thesis was envisaged with objective of critically identifying the key practices, challenges and benefits of CSR in Dashen bank. In order to achieve the objective of the study, both primary and secondary data were generated by employing qualitative (using interview) and quantitative (mainly using survey questionnaires from employees of the bank) method. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select 151 sample employees respectively. The quantitative data was analyzed using frequency and percentage while qualitative data was used to substantiate the study. The research revealed that the bank is practicing the different aspects of CSRs which are business related as well as non-business related responsibilities. Similarly, due to its practice of CSR Dashen bank gained benefits in building trust of its customers, Enhance Employee Engagement & Productivity and Positive Customer Outreach that enhanced profitability. This study also finds challenges that hindered the bank from fully engaging in CSR programs. Challenges in relation to continuous Political instability and conflicts in the country, Macro-economic and political factors and COVID-19 pandemic outbreak which limited the bank from fully engaging in CSR programs. Based on the findings of the study possible recommendations are also suggested. Other similar financial institutions and profit making companies learn from the experience of Dashen bank. Peace and stability of the country should be guaranteed. Broader studies of CSR where the researcher investigate more than one company re-consider its role in Combating money laundering, corruption, and terrorism. |
