Challenges and Prospects of Corporate Social Responsibility on Infrastructural Development in Sub- Saharan Africa

Corporate institutions in different parts of the world have made tremendous efforts towards honoring their social responsibility in communities of operations. However, evidence of infrastructural development shows that MNCs actions have transformed many Africa nations. Although there is tangible evidences of structures established as a result of multinational corporations strategic actions towards community development and sustainability, challenges encountered in the process are enormous. Modern international enterprises have proven commitment in numerous ways that their social responsibility does not only benefit and inspire stakeholders to commend their operations but also lead to the development of infrastructure in different areas of operations. However, if programmers are judiciously implemented, infrastructural development will be of tremendous impact on the progress of numerous nations. Uncountable schools of thought and consultancy agencies have established that CSR innovation is a western philosophy. Nevertheless, there are quantum CSR activities corporate organizations undertake, depending on the nature of their operations and implementation strategies. The commencement of CSR activities began when multinational organizations paid little attention to environmental sustainability and inhabitants’ social wellbeing in localities where subsidiaries commence business activities. In addition, numerous complaints are filed by local citizens on the effects of hazardous substances, which negatively affect their health and further cause loss of lives. Inhabitants therefore implore corporations’ authorities to recompense their communities for values extracted from their environment. Initially, MNCs strategies on CSR was classified as charitable, which was contested by many practitioners that such donations ought to be translated to environmental sustainability and community development. As businesses progress, the scope of MNCs became a wider spectrum of resource exploitation rather than environmental sustainability.

Global perspectives on African countries indicate that such nations are least developed, despite existing outstanding nations like Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria etc. With the current ranking of aforementioned nations in the human development index, there is still a call for foreign direct investment in these nations to strengthen their political, legal, economic, sociocultural, religious and infrastructural developments Adeyeye [1]. Preliminary requirements preventing investment ventures in developing countries is the unavailability of basic social facilities needed to commence business operations. Since power supply plays a greater role towards the commencement of commercial operations, alternative systems such as generators, solar and inverters are extremely expensive and can only be afforded by well-established enterprises that determine to reach different classes of consumers in strategic markets Hopkins [2]. Nevertheless, with the limited supply of electricity and limited consumer spending in less developed nations, cost incurred in the production of certain products is extremely high, making output very costly Muthuri [3]. Luthans and Doh (2019) mentioned that multinational institutions could contribute towards nations development through their CSR initiatives. They added that, there are credible evidence that shows how organizations can achieve strategic objectives with appropriate CSR initiatives implemented. The CSR initiatives of multinational enterprises should not only focus on profit maximization but how such profits are made without exploiting environmental structures. Development of infrastructures requires collective responsibility between government and corporate institutions operating in their jurisdictions. This shows that, MNCs complement governments’ efforts towards community development and environmental sustainability Amponsah-Tawia and Dartey-Baah, [4].CSR considers ethics and moral values in its implementation to prevent violations of ethical standards set by developing nations. This makes stakeholders to merge differing philosophies stipulated as ethical social responsibility. The contentions are the description of CSR and MNCs activities implement that impacts enterprise profit maximization and environmental sustainability Adeyeye[1]. Theories propounded on business ethics established and clarifies elements that constitute ethical and unethical business activities. These theories further explained that there are certain MNCs activities implemented that are termed ethical but actually, they are contrary to actions instituted Hopkins [2]. Muthuri [3] explained that there has been intense pressure on multinational corporations’ subsidiaries in developing nations to maintain ethical values in their business operations. However, organisations perceptions of being ethically responsible or doing the right thing is relative because orientation on the subject matter has differing views from the home and host countries. Luthans and Doh [5] noted that, activists such as civil society organizations in collaboration with community stakeholders emphatically stated that numerous CSR activities claimed to be ethically implemented; however, some of these concerns indicated are unsatisfactory remunerations and poor working conditions, human right violations, inaccessibility of schools because of poor road network created by MNCs operations and environmental toxicology.

In relation to the foregoing concerns, some large-scale enterprises have decided to align their strategies with CSR initiatives. Nevertheless, stakeholders perceived such action to be crucial since aligning both components might not justify the facilitation of local infrastructural development and profit maximization for business sustenance. Other schools of thought indicated that aforementioned decision is just to adhere to government requirements about environmental sustainability Manikandan and Ramachandran [6]. International organizations namely Johnson and Johnson and other key players have aligned their initiatives with core values in order to demonstrate the significance of organisations operations and environmental sustainability Shaheen et al., [7]. Despite tremendous strides made by international institutions, inhabitants continue to submit complaints, which questions ethical and moral values of activities implemented. This unrest prompted international corporations to review their CSR initiatives to facilitate institutional growth and transform communities for environmental sustenance (Saxena 2015). Corporate social responsibility encompasses numerous activities that support the development of communities and preserve their environments. These actions are beyond the prescriptions of the law, which focuses purely on maintaining growth and sustainability, complement government effort towards community development and compensate communities for minerals extracted and inconveniences caused by MNCs operations Seyyed et al., [7]. Adherence to the code of conduct regarding CSR activities is significant towards mutual consent. Practitioners affirmed that ethical consideration should be shown on environmental sustainability, labor and human right issues Shine [8].

Amponsah-Tawia and Dartey-Baah [4] submitted that infrastructural development in developing nations are exclusively the responsibility of governments of those nations, however, such endeavour could yield dividend if development activities are jointly undertaken by government, MNCs and citizens residing in localities where joint ventures are undertaken. Interestingly, the aforementioned does not apply to sub-Saharan countries, as most CSR initiatives are philanthropic in nature. Luthans and Doh [5] affirmed that Western countries principal concern on CSR activities is environmental sustainability; therefore, MNCs operating there should be like-minded. Nevertheless, implementations in African countries should focus on alleviating poverty, deal with labour and human right issues and medical concern such as HIV/AIDS, rather than environmental preservation. Muthuri [3] explained that the practice of CSR in the western world makes provision for environmental protection for future generation whereas the contrary happens in Africa where emphasis on environmental preservation for future developments is not a priority. Countries such as Liberia, Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria and Sierra Leone do not have definite structures that ensures CSR initiatives intertwined with strategies encompassing organizational objectives and stakeholders’ expectation. Hopkins [2] indicated that MNCs existence in western countries considers the satisfaction of both institutional and stakeholders desires which includes profit maximization and reputation. Modern CSR considers compensating communities for the destruction of valuable environments rather than observing ethical issues, which enhances mutual benefit between them and communities of operations.

Adeyeye [1] emphasised that CSR issues in the sub region focuses on solving societal challenges namely political and sociocultural that hinders nations economic and infrastructural development. He added that numerous CSR activities implemented in Africa nations are either to show case multinational institutions strides to compensate communities for resources extracted from their environment or such actions are only to observe societal norms. Researchers noted that even though CSR activities may have transformed many communities in Africa, there is additional consideration for infrastructural development and environmental sustainability because developing nations strides are stifled by corruption related issues and the fight of such menace is endless Shurbagi[9] . Amponsah-Tawia and Dartey-Baah [4] noted that adopting CSR serves as a system of combating corruption. However, they refer to corruption in this context as international institutions unpleasant and illegal activities implemented in developing nations that are not in consonance with best practice and adherence to international business regulations. They added that these illegal business practices have affected countries’ political, economic, socio-cultural and infrastructural developments in sub-Saharan Africa.

The foregoing background information has laid the foundation upon which subsequent elements will thrive. The aforementioned deliberations have clearly discussed the focus of the subject matter, which demonstrates that this investigation revolves around countries within the sub region. As the general objective of this study seeks to examine the difficulties and prospects of implementing corporate social responsibility activities that enhances infrastructural development, specific objectives will comprehensively disclose relevant details that facilitate meaningful pieces of literature from numerous researchers and academic institutions contributions on CRS. In addition, subsequent components will critically discuss facts obtained from secondary sources, describe prescribed and suitable methods of data collection, analyze and compare our perspectives and published facts from other schools of thoughts on the subject discussed. However, this study will present conclusions drawn from analysis that will provide possible recommendations and suggestions for future research direction.

Overview of corporate social responsibility in sub- Saharan Africa

Although it is critical to establish facts, supporting CSR existence in the region, tangible evidences derived from academic gurus’ publications shows that multinational enterprises have begun linking institutional objectives and accomplishment to benefit inhabitants in communities of operations Silveira et al., [10] . In sub-Saharan Africa, activities of CRS are typically partially formalized systems that co-opts rights of people and alleviating poverty as pitiable strides to aid communities Smart and Creelman [11]. Management and environmental specialists disclosed that the intentions of MNCs is to enhance satisfactory profit and maintain credence in their operations. This shows a clear distinction between CSR activities implemented in the West and other parts of the world Smith [12]. Forstater et al., [13] mentioned that the peripheries of West Africa suffer from infrastructural development and environmental sustainability. They reaffirmed that with quantum mineral resources such as diamonds in Sierra Leone, gold in Ghana and oil in Nigeria, extracted or processed without effective monitoring and efficient management of such resources stifles infrastructural development in these nations. The foregoing researcher’s expression shows that unsatisfactory handling of such minerals precipitate long lasting conflict that stagnates the growth of these nations because proceeds of these minerals are personalized rather than institutionalized for the benefit of all citizens.

According to Dartey-Baah and Amponsah-Tawiah [14], most West Africa nations believe that CSR initiatives should be in consonance with best practices such as linking business strategies to environmental preservation and livelihood sustenance. They added that there are no available evidences of regulatory mechanisms that facilitate the adoption of CSR into subsidiary operations. Saxena [15] noted that the classification of corporate social responsibility as philanthropic in its operations in the sub-region emanates from economic growth and infrastructural developments evident in these nations. The primary growth objective of most West Africa nations constitute improvement in education, upholding human rights and maintaining dignity, transforming medical facilities through the construction of ultra-modern hospitals with sophisticated medical equipment and creating jobs through national organizations and foreign direct investment corporations. In this regard, it is believed that the foregoing will facilitate infrastructural development desired by these nations to enhance better standard of living. However, Popp [19] discussed and established contrary views about the foregoing information in his publication about CSR. Forstater et al., [13]explain that China-Africa relation has grown tremendously and Chinese corporations have flooded West Africa nations with the sole aim of maximizing profit with negligent consideration on dictates of social responsibility and environmental protection. Business orientation from Chinese corporations’ perspectives in the sub-region, contravenes CSR international best practice, since the bureaucratic style of Chinese corporations do not consider or adhere to prescriptions of CSR regulations about subsidiary operations. Therefore, adherence to nations CSR regulations will enable Chinese corporations to operate smoothly and achieve competitive excellence in the sub-region. However, deviation from the norms creates unhealthy operations for not only Chinese corporations but also other multinational companies. Although nations host diverse foreign direct investment corporations, such friendly accommodation does not preclude actions of breach of environmental and livelihood regulations Srinivas et al., [16].

African economies have experienced numerous problems associated with the implementation of CSR projects. Amidst the perplexing difficulties, sub-Saharan countries still desire the presence of multinational enterprises to strengthen their economies Stanislavov and Ivanov [17]. MNCs have made their CSR initiatives attractive for countries to build confidence in their reputation despite corporations intention to exploit developing countries natural resources. Some of these initiatives are in principle but implementation is altered by contrary actions of these foreign institutions Sufyan et al., [18] According to Popp [19], Ghana is one of the fastest growing nations in sub- Saharan Africa, which possesses resources namely cocoa, oil and gold. Further deliberations emanated from Popp’s publication indicated that improper handling and lack of effective monitoring of aforementioned resources limits the growth of infrastructure in the said country. Vimala et al., [20] noted that extraction of natural resources in the region intensifies local concerns about environmental sustenance and health and safety issues affecting inhabitants. However, challenges faced in addressing local concerns are inadequate financial resources for infrastructural development and provision of pure and safe drinking water for rural and urban consumption. Gubbi et al.,[21] indicated that even though many West Africa nations have established policies regarding CSR activities, Senegal as a country with unique culture that possesses cotton and peanuts have not been able to establish satisfactory CSR regulations for multinational enterprises operating in its domain. Being classified as a developing nation, there are numerous publications that present arguments about CSR lapses in the country. Unlike other Africa nations, Senegal is engulfed with challenges of medical facilities and unsatisfactory educational standards for its citizens Sreejesh et al., [22]. Similar problems that occurs in other West Africa nations such as environmental hazards caused by MNCs which does not guarantee better prospects for future generations is also evident in Senegal. Martin et al., (2015) mentioned that academic writings disclosed researchers’ findings on CSR issues in Liberia and evidences shows that such country owns many natural resources extracted by MNCs. However, further deliberations outline series of CSR projects implemented that geared towards addressing human rights issues, weak education systems, discriminations and violence against women and many more. The state of the country’s economic growth is appalling which makes it difficult for the enhancement of infrastructural development (Forstater et al.,. [13].

The development of Nigeria as one of the world’s oil giants is stifled by numerous factors caused by MNCs operations. Some of these elements are land degradation, which affects cultivation, road networks, food production and several other issues that cause unhealthy environment. The aforementioned is fuelled by acts of government officials that personalizes funds allocated for infrastructural development (Manish et al.,

[23]. An investigation conducted on the assessment of MNCs activities on environmental health shows that, most contaminations in environments are done by MNC activities. Data obtained from the study disclosed that existing regulations governing environmental activities are not effectively enforced to prevent unhealthy environmental toxicology and promote inhabitants wellbeing. It was discovered that government has made frantic efforts to curb such problems but improvement is delayed by some government officials negligence on national concerns Barai and Mohanty [24].

According to Luthans and Doh [5], the ethical principle, which state that do unto others, as you would like the same to reciprocate is an adage that MNCs should practice. This implies that enterprises or subsidiary operations should consider cultural and moral values of communities where they commence operations. In promoting business expansion and reaching shareholders desire, MNCs should bear in mind about maintaining their reputation for continued existence. However, codes of ethical conducts guiding their operations should not infringe into the dictates of environmental protection Shamshina [25]. Shaheen et al., [17] emphasised that deviations from prescribed ethical codes creates unhealthy relationship between subsidiaries and community stakeholders.

They recommended that for international enterprises to operate within stipulated rules, recruitment of inhabitants would minimize deviations since they are abreast with moral and cultural directives of such environment. However, this will prevent litigations on unpleasant acts of corporation violations. Shrivastava et al., [16] indicated that there are numerous intellectual debates on business moral values and most of these concerns stem from community stakeholders who expressed unsatisfactory feelings about ethics and corporate social responsibility. The ethical perspective of CSR is not just a mere expression but demonstration of moral values that promotes human dignity all over the world. Even though international actors make frantic efforts to address human right issues on equitable distribution of workload in organizations, reoccurrence of the glass ceiling concept continues in the sub-region Swathi [26]. In relation to aforesaid, exhibition of corrupt practices facilitates unethical business operations, which, affects the growth of many nations in the sub-region. .

To curb problems emanating from unethical business dealings, Senegal holds annual CSR conference to sensitise stakeholders about the implications of contrary business practices. However, medium scale enterprises also follow and adhere to ethical business norms in order to maintain their existence in the competitive arena Tan et al., [27] The practice of some international businesses are completely contrary to stipulations governing business dealings. This shows how these enterprises focus on maximizing profit at the detriment of communities sustainability. According to Venkatesan [28] there are human rights violations in the recruitment of child labour and unsatisfactory allocation of rewards as compensation for the production of cocoa in Ivory Coast and Ghana; and human rights organizations have been in close watch on the issue. It was also discovered that rewards given to farmers for the production of cocoa in the aforementioned nations only addresses necessities but not sufficient to finance educational activities. This situation leads to children dropping out of schools and engage in informal jobs for livelihood sustenance Seyyed et al., [29]. As a result of the unpleasant happenings, government in collaboration with international humanitarian organizations; devised mechanisms to increase farmers’ compensation and provide adequate resources for school going children Shine [8]. Shrivastava et al., [16] mentioned that the reality of CSR in the sub-region determines to transform political, social, economic, and infrastructural development. The foregoing information has repeatedly emphasised the different construct of CSRs focus, and these elements appears the same in different countries in the region. As explained by Shurbagi [9] many schools of thought questioned CSR practices in Nigeria because of unethical adherence to local norms. Extraction of natural resources such as oil has resulted to serious environmental problems like degradation caused by MNCs operations. Silveira et al., [10] indicated that although the country experience environmental issues, Shell Corporation claimed that it has contributed immensely towards infrastructural development in different areas in the country. Nevertheless, it is believed that CSR activities serves as compensation for damages caused in the extraction of natural resources and pollution of environments and such reimbursing elements constitute the construction of pipe borne water, medical centers and educational institutions Amaeshi at al. [30].

Existing CSR and infrastructural developments in the sib-region

Development efforts are evident in peripheral areas in Ghana where provision of purified water used for domestic consumption was undertaken. However, there is a satisfactory percentage, which shows that many communities have benefited from boreholes and hand dug wells facilitated by water corporations. Other facts revealed that in a bid to facilitate infrastructural development, proceeds from crude oil extraction are invested in communities to increase development activities in those localities Smart and Creelman [11]. The foregoing narrative was an effort made by the country’s local government to address inhabitants necessities. However, further steps were taken to attract foreign direct investment for job creation, strengthen the economy and complement government’s effort.

In a bid to forester community development, the German development corporation’s CRS activity implemented a system of improving the agricultural sector in the county for self-sufficiency and reliant on national produce rather than completely depending on imported essential commodities Smith [12]. The GDC also provided funds, which facilitated the development of small and medium scale enterprises for numerous communities in the country. The Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA), which operates in different countries in Africa, contribute towards major infrastructural developments in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and other nations within the sub-region Srinivas et al., [31]. These corporations focus on transforming medical facilities, educational institutions, and strengthening governance structures through capacity building expertise. Awareness on CSR initiative has enlightened the private sector and government institutions and such knowledge has prompted many tertiary institutions to include the concept of ethics and corporate social responsibility in their curricula at undergraduate and graduate levels Stanislavov and Ivanov [17].

Sufyan et al., [18] noted that Liberia’s economic challenges and political instability has led to the intervention of international humanitarian organizations in order to boost infrastructural development in the country. However, as the adage says, “not all hope is lost’’; numerous international corporations and development agencies namely OXFARM Liberia and Corporation American Relief Everywhere (CARE), have embarked on livelihood sustenance, gender equality, equity, and sanitation. In addition, CARE international also serves as recruitment centre for new graduates to acquire administrative and other relevant skills for effective job performance in the region Swathi [26]. The International Labour Organization undertakes road construction exercises as its CSR initiative in the country. Moreover, there is mutual agreement and memorandum of understanding between the Liberia government and enterprises such as Liberia Bank of Development and Investment (LBDI) and Monrovia Breweries to strengthen infrastructural development in the country. The agreement outlines specific responsibility of each institution but reinforces effective cooperation for national development Tafesse and Skallerud [32].

Although numerous strides are made to transform many structures in Nigeria’s economy, nevertheless, infrastructural development concerns are still prevailing. Government in collaboration with development agencies and multinational enterprises have made collective efforts towards strengthening different sectors to facilitate comparative advantage Tan et al., [27] Mutual development agreement between the country and other nations have transformed public sector operations such as electioneering process, law reforms, girl child education and renewable energy. In a bid to enhance competitive advantage and ensure sustainable community development, international corporations namely MTN and Nigeria Breweries have linked their strategies with CSR activities to facilitate community development, maximise wealth for shareholders satisfaction and maintain reputation in the competitive landscape Srinivas et al., [31]. The aforementioned organizations have also linked their operations with development corporations such as IMF, WHO and UNAID to remedy constraints in the health and education sectors, set up mechanisms for environmental sustainability and combat corrupt practices Stanislavov and Ivanov [17].

Amidst numerous challenges encircling sub-Saharan countries economy, socio-cultural development also constitute one of the elements of infrastructural development in the region. Comparative analysis about CSR activities implemented in western countries and the sub-region shows clear distinction between both continents because of differing needs Sufyan et al., [18]. While some development institutions strategies co-opt CSR plans, others still separate their aspirations from CSR activities. Although uncountable discussions have supported the narratives about CSR being a charitable cause, there is a critical sensation to connect theoretical perception, analysis, discussion and practical implementation Swathi [26]. Some MNCs in the region implement and finance certain projects in different communities whereas; others give lump sums of financial resources to support projects undertaken by local communities. As the foregoing discussion about CSR is emphasised, many schools of thought reaffirmed that activities of CSR serves as compensations for communities exploited. In a research conducted by Adeyeye [1] about CSR contributions towards community development, results shows that multinational enterprises have done little about infrastructural development. Descriptive discussion shows that resource exploitation is more evident than positive transformation and there are further comments noted that degradation is on the increase and it has rendered many plots of land infertile.

CSR initiatives for future infrastructural developments in sub-Saharan Africa

Numerous researches conducted about different countries economy in the region shows that Nigeria’s status is growing increasingly. However, some sectors in the country experience growth whilst others’ progress is stagnated. Some of the investigations included workforce income distribution, which indicates adverse variance amongst job classifications Tafesse and Skallerud [32]. According to Tan et al., [27] there are arguments forwarded by inhabitants about socio-cultural issues like education and health care. They added that government negligence on the effective implementation of environmental policies on foreign institutions, has led to resource exploitation and environmental hazards. Le et al., [33] noted that data of previous investigations shows that agricultural activities are drastically reduced because of toxic elements, which destroys soil nutrients and prevent effective cultivation. This causes a drop in the country’s export and rely on foreign imported commodities for local consumption. Lebedev et al., [34] mentioned that reforming laws governing multinational enterprises and development corporations in the region is significant to ensure thorough scrutiny of CSR activities. Conclusion of the foregoing investigation emphasised that even though community resource exploitation cannot be quantified, nevertheless, government should put measurable strides to equate compensation to exploitation. Lee et al., [35] mentioned that fact-findings have revealed quantum issues about MNCs and CSR activities in the region. They emphasized that a broader spectrum of the concept of CRS shows that there are evidential facts of infrastructural development undertaken by different MNCs and development corporations in the sub-region. Gubbi et al., [21] noted that analysis from different research perspectives on the subject matter established that CSR is beneficial to the region; despite the notion and opinions of other schools of thought about its charitable drive. However, results of previous publications suggests that for better cooperation between nations in the region and international organizations, CSR activities should demonstrate western practice and adhere to local policies to enhance sustainable development on both sides.

Research Design

Effective and efficient investigation requires constructive and structured research design for organizing outstanding business research projects, which facilitate suitable methods for gathering, quantifying and analyzing information that enables the researcher to discuss, address gaps and related issues identified in the study Silveira et al., [10]. Significant features of a research design constitute efficiency, flexibility, adaptability and economical, which minimizes bias and maintain accuracy of primary and secondary data obtained without errors and omissions Lebedev et al., [34]. Examining a research problem from a constructive and wider perspective requires adequate information that enables the investigator to assess and analyse pertinent issues that lead to meaningful conclusion. For a researcher to select suitable method(s), he should be abreast with basic principles of various research methods and differentiate their functions and relevance to a specific study undertaken Shaheen et al., [7]. According to Swathi [26] qualitative research method explore attitudes and experiences through discussions or group dialogue, acquire descriptive information from respondent’s attitudes and capabilities in situations where sample units are not in quantum. In this case, interactions with selected sample could be comprehensive in nature. Silveira et al., [10] indicated that research strategies should be seen correlated but distinct from prescribed methods employed in the study and methods selected must be properly recognized i.e., archival research, experiment, case study, examining theories, assessments etcetera. Such an outline does not exhaust the list of methods but serves as reference for numerous engagements in academia. Martin et al., [37] mentioned that it is expedient on researchers to choose suitable methods that enhance satisfactory results. They emphasised that a study may obtain information from primary or secondary sources and employ either qualitative or quantitative or possibly use both methods. Nevertheless, whichever method used, should be effective to achieve informed judgement for policy recommendation. Considering the foregoing description of a research design, this study is conducted on a qualitative perspective, which led to the retrieval of secondary information from different schools of thought on the subject matter.

This study encompasses components of difficulties encountered and prospects corporate social responsibility activities brings to communities in sub-Saharan Africa nations. The desire of this investigation stems from concerns raised by different scholars and practitioners about CSR implications in communities of operation. As this study carefully assessed aforementioned issues of MNCs actions on CSR, the said study was conducted within the region to ascertain realities of international institutions contributions towards infrastructural development in West Africa nations. Within the sub-region, there are evidences of multinational enterprises and development corporations presence and it was initially presumed that these organizations have exploited localities without equivalent compensation for afflicting communities with toxic elements. However, the area selected for this investigation is deemed appropriate since the different writers involved in compiling facts about the subject studied are abreast with issues of CSR in the region.

An investigation of whatever activity, inductive or deductive, conducted for academic purpose; necessitate continuous assessment of published information that can be effectively reviewed, which prevent adoption of individual or specific writers’ opinion or perception Tan et al., [27]. This study descriptively reviewed, obtained and adopted information from secondary sources such as books, magazines, journal articles and other periodicals written by management practitioners, research institutions and MNCs operating in the sub-region. However, the process prevented centralization of this study on authors opinion, rather, extraction of information from various sources enhanced effective analysis and discussions. According to Sufyan et al., [18] academic assignments or engagements require cautious appraisal of different views and perceptions on ideas expressed in order to establish meaningful facts of an argument. In order to respond to critical research questions and proffer solutions, it is vital for investigators to be consistent in the search for professional standards from sources relevant to their engagements. The foregoing facts describe the significance of primary, secondary and tertiary sources. Since secondary sources are easily accessed in unrestricted areas, this investigation extracted information from published works, which serves as credible literature that facilitated discussion and conclusion.

Secondary sources analyses and interprets specific events or happenings and often describe or explain primary sources. Some secondary sources such as books and journal articles may include first-hand information. However, if research requires secondary facts, the writer should first consider the appropriate sites to obtain such information and retrieve relevant data that supports his endeavor Saxena [15]. Review of pieces of literature documented by scholars, intellectuals and practitioners should be obvious, methodical and technically reproduced for further assessment. Every researcher should possess the ability to carry out effective and efficient review of pieces of literature because it establishes his work on a comprehensive perspective or numerous intellectual discoveries that allows valuation and provide background for future investigations Shaheen et al., [7]. Data used in illustrative and expressive findings constitute quantitative and qualitative process, which exclusively enhanced credible results. This study absolutely derived its facts from secondary sources, which enhanced satisfactory and meaningful conclusion.

Economic development in Africa nations absolutely depends on local/internal revenue mobilisation and foreign aids to enhance effective and efficient management systems of state institutions. In a bid to reinforce governments effort for speedy growth, CSR operation is one major factor that transform these nations through the establishment of infrastructures and address other community felt needs. The thrust for structured government systems is the path nations in the sub-region desires; however, accomplishing standards set for MNCs to conform to community activities, engulfs uncountable challenges. Extract from numerous secondary sources shows that current CSR initiative is seen as humanitarian action to rescue underdeveloped nations from deplorable conditions, particularly those in the sub-region. Reviewed facts established that nations magnanimity to accommodate foreign businesses deprive communities of consistent growth. Despite different policies across nations in the region, facts shows comprehensive values that are evident; though not necessarily of equivalent benefits. Infrastructural development in these nations differ, depending on the number and strength of multinational enterprises operating in each country. Considerable elements such as environmental degradation, education, unemployment, human rights and health challenges are predominant in all countries within the region. Additional reflexion rest on absence of transparency and prevailing corrupt practices, which precipitate political instability. Nevertheless, uncountable debates emanating from intellectual discussions emphasized that government in collaboration with development corporations and MNCs should uphold ethics in implementing social responsibility.

The practice of ethics revolves around all organizational activities whether profit making or not; however, upholding moral and ethical standards is incumbent upon all multinational corporations to ease the smooth flow of their operations in different communities. Even though MNCs deems expedient to replenish communities because of purported inflictions on their soils, such act should be done in accordance with stipulated moral values. For foreign corporations to implement activities in harmony with community values, it is better to employ skilled local personnel that are abreast with societal norms to prevent breach of prescribed regulations. Knowledge of ethical social responsibility in the region seems to be insufficient to enhance infrastructural development. This causes escalation of uncountable problems such as negligence in enforcing regulatory mechanisms on foreign and local enterprises, which has resulted to numerous corrupt practices that have caused loss of lives and properties. Ethical social responsibility encompasses human rights and human capital welfare issues as strategic elements, which affect MNCs operations negatively or positively. Amidst the challenges associated with infrastructural development in different countries, there are substantial benefits evident in the region, which shows that development corporations effort have established legacies that future generations will appreciate. The German development agency operating in Ghana has supported small and medium scale business units dealing in agricultural products to contribute to community development. There is factual indication from different publications about Monrovia Breweries contribution to the country’s current growth. The foregoing developments are translated to improvement in infrastructural developments such as better medical facilities, job opportunities, transparency and access to education for the less privilege. Notwithstanding the aforementioned progress made by nations because of MNCs presence, further improvements are required from a wider spectrum of environmental protection and sustainable community development Collective efforts by sub-Saharan nations and development corporations will enhance reputation, maximize companies wealth and facilitate harmonious diplomatic and business relationship.

The prevailing reason for multinational institutions adoption of CSR ensures unlimited operations of their activities in communities. Inclusion of CSR in organizations strategies brings mutual benefits to corporations and communities where they operate. This situation transforms a country’s economy for a better standard of living for its citizens. Mutual benefit between corporations and developing nations brings healthy and harmonious relationships and causes long lasting agreement between the parties. Adoption of CSR in the region brings added value to a nation’s economy through infrastructural development and environmental protection. Even though numerous activities are implemented in different communities in the region, organization’s should consider ethics in all operations to prevent violations of principles enshrined in CSR agreements. Although there have been challenges encircling CSR in the region, however, there is still room for improving and strengthening the process to ensure sustainable growth in the sub region. The achievement of such a process is fostered by reviewing existing policies governing monitoring and control, which provides accurate feedback of activities implemented for transparency purposes.

Fact-finding missions are brought to a temporary close at this stage; however, further exploration requires extensive investigation to address unexamined concepts. Careful assessment of difficulties encircling corporate social responsibility on infrastructural development in sub-Saharan Africa and benefits derived from ethical implementation have been clearly seen in this undertaking. However, analyses of different sources extracted from published works made it abundantly clear that with multinational corporations’ engagement in the region, many communities have been transformed through infrastructural development with the aid of development corporations and international enterprises. Though challenges identified are enormous, nevertheless, prospects of communities outweighed difficulties and that makes this research distinctive from other investigations. Different nations in the region shows evidence of multinational corporations presence and their contributions towards community development, environmental sustainability and citizens livelihood. Facts derived from this study disclosed that ethical consideration in the implementation of MNCs activities is of considerable significance, which ensure conformity of local norms that prevents violations of principles governing CSR implementation. For better improvement on infrastructural development in the region, this study recommends that MNCs include community development aspirations in their strategic plans and also conform to nations policies on environmental sustainability and livelihood. Considering the theoretical compilation of this study, it creates opportunity for further intellectual discuss from comprehensive perspectives, which will unveil the realities of life regarding community development and livelihood sustenance. However, having carefully analyzed issues from secondary sources perspectives, this investigation could be further examined through empirical assessment, obtain first-hand information and analyze issues from respondents contributions rather than from published works on the subject matter. In this situation, facts about ethical CSR on infrastructural development will be established.

None.

No conflict of interest.

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