Exploring corporate responsibility in Oman – social expectations and practice

Abstract

2 EXPLORING CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY IN OMAN -SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS AND PRACTICE AbstractPurpose -This paper explores social expectations and practice of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Oman.Design/methodology/approach -In this study, 153 respondents (45% Omanis and 55% expatriates) shared their expectations which were compared with documentary evidence from core large and medium-sized enterprises CSR practice in Oman.Findings -On average CSR mean scores exhibited similarity for most respondent groups except for Omanis, young people, and those with high school or lower education who scored less indicating a general lack of awareness of CSR. Society in Oman seems to expect corporations to provide 'safe and reliable products/services', 'appropriately treat employees', 'behave ethically', and be 'committed to social responsibility'.Research limitations/implications -While there is limited generalizability of the findings of this exploratory study per se due to sample size limitations, a clear pattern emerges to facilitate more in-depth studies on CSR in Oman, and furthermore in other emerging market economies and transitional economies.Practical implications -The study demonstrates a need for additional research into CSR awareness, philosophy and practice in the small and medium enterprise sectors, and other industry sectors.Originality/value -The paper presents findings from an exploratory empirical study investigating social expectations of CSR in Oman, and highlights the practice of CSR in Oman. It also compares these findings and other studies' on the philosophy, nature and practice of CSR in emerging market and transitional economies.

Adaptations of CSR in the Context of Globalization the Case of the GCC

“…The Omani market enjoys joint ventures and a majority natural resources sector. This has had a significant effect on shaping CSR expressions in the country, where they are found to be consistent with other emerging economies with similar characteristics [27]. The best type of CSR practiced in Oman is through philanthropy; this could be due the traditional charitable activities.…”

“…Oman is an emerging mixed market economy that also highly relies on the oil and gas sector with a salience of joint ventures with international corporations [27]. Private sector partners along with the civil society are expected to collaborate with the government to maintain national competitiveness and equality.…”

“…Private sector partners along with the civil society are expected to collaborate with the government to maintain national competitiveness and equality. The state has set local development targets through the national socio-economic development plan (Vision 2020), launched in 1996; these collaborations are also in line with national inclusion, where all sectors are expected to be involved in steps for development planning [27].…”

“…Similar to other countries in GCC, Oman is a Muslim nation characterized with philanthropic practices to low income groups, which has contributed to the assimilation of CSR concepts [27]. There is evidence of a merger in Oman of traditional philanthropic traditions with strategic CSR practices integrating economic, social and environmental challenges [27].…”

“…The best type of CSR practiced in Oman is through philanthropy; this could be due the traditional charitable activities. However, it is argued that economies that are highly dependent on natural resources conform to 'CSR as philanthropy' philosophy [27].…”