Monitoring and evaluation of corporate social responsibility programmes in Zimbabwe : a case of the mining industry

Abstract

Zimbabwe like any other developing country, invests funds in supporting the upliftment of communities and in social programmes that enhances community development. The increasing rate of unemployment and low skills level poses a threat to sustainable development. To support a strategic shift towards impactful results, organisations need constructive and efficient monitoring and evaluation, which is simple and user friendly. This can assist project managers and company managers to improve effectiveness and efficiency of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. Monitoring and evaluation frameworks play a pivotal role in planning, allocating and utilising resources for optimal CSR projects. This study reviewed literature and theories within South Africa and from the international front that were significant to monitoring and evaluation and CSR. To achieve the objectives of the study, two questionnaires were administered. The first questionnaire was administered to 120 benefiting community members and the second questionnaire to 20 employees of mining companies. Structured interviews were also conducted with selected management from the CSR department of the mining companies. Focus group discussions were conducted with the benefiting community members. Findings from the study revealed that mining companies are involved in CSR projects around the communities they operate in, however companies are facing challenges including limited financial resources and lack of participation from benefiting communities. Employee involvement in CSR and stakeholder participation, are factors that stimulate CSR implementation in Zimbabwe. Findings further revealed that there are no monitoring and evaluation guidelines to guide the companies when implementing CSR. Based on these findings, the study developed a monitoring and evaluation framework and guideline to assist and guide CSR managers on strategies that may be applied to overcome challenges associated with monitoring and evaluation and CSR implementation.