CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AS A MEANS OF IMPROVING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF A CORPORATE ORGANISATIONS

ABSTRACT Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained significant attention as a strategic tool for enhancing the sustainability of corporate organizations. This study examines the impact of CSR on the sustainability of Access Bank PLC, focusing on the challenges of measuring CSR’s effect on corporate profitability, the trade-offs between short-term financial performance and long-term CSR investments, and the barriers to effective CSR adoption. Using a survey research design, data were collected from a sample of 150 employees involved in CSR-related activities at Access Bank, Ado Ekiti. The study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing Chi-square analysis to explore the relationship between CSR practices and organizational sustainability. The findings suggest that CSR initiatives at Access Bank have a positive impact on the company’s sustainability, with significant improvements observed in stakeholder engagement, corporate reputation, and long-term financial performance. However, the study also reveals challenges in quantifying the direct financial benefits of CSR, as well as resistance within the organization to fully integrate CSR into the business strategy. Employees reported that CSR activities, such as environmental management and social investment programs, contributed to Access Bank’s competitive advantage and enhanced its social license to operate .In conclusion, the research demonstrates that CSR is not merely a cost to the organization but a strategic investment that yields significant long-term benefits, including enhanced corporate sustainability, improved stakeholder relationships, and strengthened market competitiveness. For Access Bank, CSR has proven to be an effective means of securing both financial growth and environmental and social well-being, making it a critical component of the bank’s overall sustainability strategy. The study recommends that Access Bank continue to integrate CSR deeply into its core business operations and develop more robust methods for measuring the financial impact of these initiatives to align both profitability and social responsibility goals effectively.