Abstract

The positive impacts of some key developmental strides around the third world countries are a function of Corporate Social Responsibility CSR, as we envisage in this article these strides are achieved through the auspices of CSR. However, CSR currently plays diverse roles in corporate relations and development depending on the intention behind it. In fact for some corporations, it might range from host community or public pressure on the corporations on issues of development, human rights abuses and environmental degradation. On the other hand, it might be the genuine effort by businesses to demonstrate their commitments and goodwill towards the society on which their business operations depend. This makes CSR a tool which has been used differently by both the government and corporations. This article explains the meaning, nature and scope of CSR and how it is received as a tool for enhancing corporate operations. The focal point of this discourse shall be Nigeria and incidental issues like the legal status of CSR in Nigeria shall be critically analysed.

Keywords: Corporate social responsibility; Corporate operations; Oil, gas and environmental protection