INDUSTRIALIZATION AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: THE CASE OF 7UP BOTTLING COMPANY AND MOUKA FOAM LIMITED IN IGUOSA, OVIA NORTH-EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study examined industrialization and corporate social responsibility: the case of 7up Bottling Company and Mouka Foam Limited in Iguosa, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State. The objectives of the study were to; determine the impact of industrial location of Mouka Foam and 7up Bottling Company on the development of auxiliary industries in Iguosa community; identify the categories of corporate social responsibility offered by Mouka Foam Limited and 7up Bottling Company to their local community; determine the extent to which the different community corporate social responsibility of Mouka Foam Limited and 7up Bottling Company affect the local community; and to examine the factors affecting the delivering of corporate social responsibility by Mouka Foam Limited and 7up Bottling Company in the study area. Using the survey design method, questionnaire was used in the collection of data for the investigation. The result shows the presence of Mouka Foam Limited and 7up Bottling Company has led to the growth of auxiliary industries and improved the economy of Iguosa Community. The categories of corporate social responsibility engaged in by both companies include provision of pipe-borne water, employment, and scholarships to local residents. Both companies were found to have contributed in reducing unemployment level in the community. Factors such as lack of interest by the companies’ management; level of profit margin made; misappropriation of funds meant for corporate social responsibility, were found to inhibit to Mouka Foam Limited and 7up Bottling Company’s effectiveness in carrying out their corporate social responsibility. Based on the findings, the study recommended a community-company partnership to help facilitate and enhance social projects that would significantly improve Iguosa community socio- economically and environmentally. Factors that hindered the implementation of CSR projects should be assessed and addressed while focus should be placed on implementation of CSR policies and projects.