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Measuring the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility initiatives in diamond mining areas of Sierra Leone

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  • Wilson, Sigismond A.

Abstract

Although some scholarly attention has been given to assessing the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the mining industry, this study provides a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of CSR initiatives towards the development of diamond mining communities in Sierra Leone. It utilizes a CSR framework that encompasses a social license to operate (SLO), accountability and community engagement. Household survey, key informant interviews, and secondary sources provided data for the study. The results indicate that the degree of effectiveness of the three dimensions of CSR towards meaningful development in the mining communities were generally low. The economic dimension of CSR was the highest (54%), followed by the social dimensions (48%), while environmental effectiveness was the lowest (27%). Lack of active community involvement in the planning and implementation of CSR programs and local political structures undermine the effectiveness of CSR initiatives in host communities. Moreover, the study reveals that extant CSR approaches are not the most optimal in ensuring meaningful development of mining communities as they are for the most part not community-driven. The study also demonstrates that even though the industrial mining company maintains its SLO through laudable ventures such as road maintenance, allowing women to engage in stone mining, and constructing a health care center, its recent handling of educational support was questionable. Furthermore, company-led development projects may not always be the priority needs of diverse groups within the host communities. The study calls for community-driven CSR in the true sense (including representatives of youth, women, elders, disabled, civil society) not just the views of powerful and influential traditional leaders.

Suggested Citation

  • Wilson, Sigismond A., 2022. "Measuring the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility initiatives in diamond mining areas of Sierra Leone," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:77:y:2022:i:c:s0301420722001003
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2022.102651
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