Study on Corporate Social Responsibility Motives and Challenges in Ethiopian Private Higher Education Institutes

Abstract

The study aimed to discover CSR motives and challenges in Ethiopian private universities. The study utilized descriptive research and survey strategy following quantitative and qualitative approach pursuing mixed method. Purposively three private universities selected. Stratified and convenience sampling technique used to select respondents across the universities. 405 semi structured questionnaire were utilized for the analysis. In addition in-depth interview conducted with 9 management officials. Primary and secondary data was utilized. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with help of SPSS 23 and thematic analysis. The result confirms overall CSR practice particularly in fulfilling stakeholder expectation including CSR disclosure as well as encouraging staffs and students towards CSR is perceived positive. Moreover universities are motivated due to internal motive to engage in CSR practice mainly in order to create strong reputation and sustainable competitive advantage than mission of institutions, economic success and customer need. Further, concurrently external motives such as government legislation and stakeholder expectations in order are also CSR motives. Limited resource allocation (fund, manpower and time) and government aspects (inadequate cooperation, high regulatory criteria) are the most challenges hindering factors in the CSR practice. It assists management how CSR strategically implemented by notifying the advantages and difficulties in the practice that can be addressed proactively, this in turn simplify the implementation of CSR practice of the universities.