Multinationals, CSR and Partnerships in Central African Conflict Countries

Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, Forthcoming

19 Pages Posted: 28 Dec 2011

See all articles by Ans Kolk

Ans Kolk

University of Amsterdam Business School

Francois Lenfant

Cordaid

Abstract

Attention has increased for the potential role of Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) in helping address conflict issues and/or furthering peace and reconciliation as part of their corporate social responsibility policies. However, while existing literature emphasises the importance for MNEs to collaborate with various stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), research on the scope, peculiarities and impact of such cooperation has been limited, particularly in those countries in Central Africa with a fragile state and weak governance structures. Furthermore, until recently, MNEs and NGOs in conflict countries had antagonistic relationships, which has created impediments for positive engagement. This article examines MNEs and conflict issues, including interactions with NGOs, and sheds light on possible MNE contributions to peaceful societies by highlighting a few innovative partnerships of MNEs and non-business partners in Central Africa. Innovative partnerships take the conflict context into account, have a learning or capacity-building component, are part of a more comprehensive development plan yet are embedded at the community level, and tackle issues directly related to the conflict, such as governance, human rights, artisanal mining and transparency. The article also discusses implications of such activities for the role of the state in fragile contexts.

Keywords: Conflict, Multinational Enterprises (MNEs), NGOs, Stakeholder engagement, CSR, Central Africa, Partnership

JEL Classification: D21, F23, G38, H7, I39, L2, L31, L71, L72, M14, M1, M4, O1

Suggested Citation

Kolk, Ans and Lenfant, Francois, Multinationals, CSR and Partnerships in Central African Conflict Countries. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1977456

Ans Kolk (Contact Author)

University of Amsterdam Business School ( email )

Plantage Muidergracht 12
Amsterdam, 1018 TV
Netherlands
+31 20 525 4289 (Phone)
+31 20 525 5281 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.anskolk.eu

Francois Lenfant

Cordaid ( email )

Lutherse Burgwaal 12
Den Haag
Netherlands

HOME PAGE: http://www.cordaid.nl

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