CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND FAMILY FIRMS: A STUDY OF SELECTED FAMILY BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS IN ENUGU METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT The study aimed to explore the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in selected family-owned businesses in Enugu metropolis. The population of the study comprised 750 employees from three prominent family-owned businesses: Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Juhel Nigeria Limited, and Roban Stores. Using a simple random sampling technique, 261 staff members were selected. The study was geographically focused on Enugu metropolis, with content scope focusing on CSR practices and its impact on the local community. The study employed a survey research design, with a structured questionnaire as the data collection instrument. The data gathered were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analysis. The instrument was validated by three experts, and its reliability was confirmed through a pilot study, yielding a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.78. The study found that family-owned businesses in Enugu generally exhibited moderate awareness of CSR concepts and actively participated in CSR activities such as community development and employee welfare. The study also highlighted that CSR initiatives positively impacted local communities, especially in healthcare and education. However, challenges such as financial constraints, lack of expertise, and internal leadership conflicts hindered the effective implementation of CSR. Based on these findings, the researcher recommends that family-owned businesses formalize their CSR practices, allocate dedicated budgets, enhance CSR training, foster external partnerships, and address internal governance issues to improve CSR effectiveness.