Abstract
With the global interest in corporate social responsibility (CSR), factors within and beyond a country can contribute to the shaping of CSR discourses. This research investigates the institutional factors influencing CSR in Kuwaiti Islamic and conventional banks as well as telecommunications companies. Utilizing institutional theory and in-depth interviews with 12 corporate communications practitioners, the study found varying, yet minimal, contributions of institutional factors to these organizations’ CSR. Islam did not exert a direct influence in a majority Muslim country like Kuwait but was found to be more of a framework these organizations operate within. Industry sector, peer pressure, the media, NGOs and the local community were also insignificant institutional factors. The environment exerted a mediocre influence due to the global awareness toward the environment rather than the country’s. The implications of the findings suggest the need for a governmental intervention to encourage the private sector to align its CSR with the country’s priorities. Corporate communicators need to strategically manage CSR where research and planning are conducted and local communities, NGOs, and company employees are involved.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, KUWAIT, PUBLIC RELATIONS, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
