Social Responsibility: Attitude and Awareness of Executives of Medium Scale Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi

Abstract

This study sought to determine four objectives in relation to the concept of social responsibility of business. First, it sought to determine the extent to which executives in medium scale manufacturing firms are aware of basic issues in the concept of social responsibility. Secondly, it sought to determine the attitude of executives toward social responsibility. Thirdly, it sought to determine the extent to which medium scale manufacturing firms have implemented social responsibility. Fourthly, the study sought to determine whether extent of implementation of social responsibility is related to the level of awareness and attitude. The study also sought to determine barriers to the implementation of social responsibility. The population of interest included all medium scale manufacturing firms in Nairobi. The information sought in the study was collected using a questionnaire. Twenty six executives from various medium scale manufacturing firms completed the questionnaire. In regard to the issue of executives awareness of the social responsibility concept, it was found that executives in medium scale manufacturing firms were generally aware of basic issues of social responsibility concept. Concerning the attitude toward social responsibility, it was found that execullvee in medium scele manufacturing firms, In generai had positive attitude, although it was weak. . As far as impleme.ntation of social responsibility is concerned, prevention of pollution was found to be the most implemented aspect of social responsibility. Eighty-five percent of the companies we [e.found to have implemented it. In relation to the extent of relationship between implementation and attitude, it was found out that there was a strong association between them. On the relationship between implementation and awareness, there was found also a strong association. In regard to the barriers of implementation, lack of financial resources and competition were found to be the major barriers. They were cited by ninety and eighty two percent of respondents respectively.