The Link between Corporate Social Responsibility Practices and Sustainability Performance of Oil and Gas Companies in Rivers State

Splendorpeace Dunbo Agara 1
1Department of Business Management, Faculty of Administration and Management, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

International Journal of Management and Operations Research (IJMOR)
Volume 1, Issue 1, Pages 12 - 22
Published: 28 August 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices and sustainability performance among multinational oil and gas companies in Rivers State, Nigeria. Anchored in stakeholder theory and the Triple Bottom Line framework, the research focuses on three core dimensions of CSR—environmental, economic, and ethical responsibility—and their impact on organizational sustainability outcomes. A correlational design was employed, targeting 146 management-level HR staff across five prominent firms using structured questionnaires. After achieving a high response rate (82.9%) and ensuring reliability through pilot testing (Cronbach Alpha: 0.842–0.972), data were analysed via Spearman rank correlation using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics indicated a strong organizational emphasis on environmental stewardship, ethical conduct, and economic prudence. Correlational results revealed significant positive relationships between each CSR dimension and sustainability performance, with ethical responsibility showing the strongest association (r = .675, p < .01), followed by environmental (r = .637) and economic (r = .516) dimensions. These findings underscore the strategic importance of CSR as more than philanthropic activity; rather, it is a fundamental driver of corporate legitimacy, stakeholder trust, and operational resilience. The study concludes that integrating CSR into core business strategies enhances organizational sustainability in volatile socio-political environments like the Niger Delta. It recommends embedding CSR in strategic planning, promoting transparency, strengthening ethical oversight, and aligning operations with international environmental and governance standards. The research offers practical insights for policymakers, corporate leaders, and development stakeholders seeking sustainable business practices in resource-dependent sectors.

Keywords:
Corporate Social Responsibility Organizational Survival Ethical Responsibility Sustainability Performance Oil and Gas Industry Ethical Responsibility Stakeholder Theory
APA Referencing Format

Agara, S. D. (2025). The Link between Corporate Social Responsibility Practices and Sustainability Performance of Oil and Gas Companies in Rivers State. International Journal of Management and Operations Research (IJMOR), 1(1), 12-22.

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