Influence of corporate social responsibility on performance of financial institutions in Kenya:A case of Barclays Bank in Nairobi county
Abstract
This research aimed to assess the influence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the
Performance of financial institutions, a case of Barclays bank of Kenya in Nairobi County. In
relation to organisational performance, firms have varied reasons for involvement in CSR;
ranging from a long term strategy of creating and gaining competitive advantage to also
include concern for society. This study will provide a broad understanding of the influence of
CSR on performance of financial institutions. Objectives of the study were: to assess the
influence of corporate philanthropy on performance, assess the influence of staff
volunteerism on performance, and examine the influence of workplace policies and the
influence of supplier sourcing diversity on the on the Performance of financial institutions.
The study adopted a descriptive research design that made us of both descriptive and
explanatory methods aimed at establishing the influence of Corporate Social Responsibility
on the Performance of Barclays bank of Kenya (BBK). The target population for this study
was 300 staff of the management cadre who undertakes their work within Barclay’s branches
and head offices geographically located within Nairobi County. Stratified random sampling
was used to select the sample for the study by dividing the study population into: top, middle
and lower levels of management. There after simple random sampling was used to select the
sample in proportion to the size of each stratum for the study. By using this method, 40% of
the study population was selected giving a sample size of 120 respondents. So as to ensure
that the data collected is free from bias, the study made use self-administered questionnaires
to collect primary data from the sample. This structured questionnaire only had close ended
questions. The questionnaires were distributed to the sampled respondents and collected three
days later, this was done so as to give room and time to the respondents to fill. The validity of
the research instruments was ensured by conducting a pilot test using fifteen respondents
chosen outside the sample. Review of the research instruments was done following the
outcomes of the tests. To ensure the questionnaire captured the information required, expert
advice was sought from the supervisor. Completed instruments were assembled, edited,
coded and interpreted in relation to the research objectives. Data analysis was done using
descriptive statistics by the aid of Statistical Package of Social Scientists (SPSS) version 18
software program. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics; frequencies and
percentages. The researcher checked the data for completeness and correctness then coded
the data and summarized the responses into frequency tables. The study had a response rate
of 80%. The findings of the study revealed that corporate social responsibility has a bearing
on the performance of financial institutions. It highlighted that Staff involvement aids in
marketing the institution as well as reinforcing the brand image. This contributes to increased
profitability. The symbiotic relationship between stakeholders – the institution, the suppliers,
customers, staff as well as the community plays a key role in enhancing performance of the
financial institutions. A CSR foundation was also found to be one avenue that can help
organisations have coordinated corporate social responsibility (CSR).