Mann-Whitney U Test of Corporate Social Responsibility Practices of Telecom Companies in Sub Saharan Africa: The Case of MTN Nigeria PLC and Africell Gambia Limited.

Abstract

The increasing global interest and discourse on CSR has led to several changes in the way corporate organisations do business in the global market. This study comparatively examined the CSR practices of two market leading telecom companies in Nigeria and the Gambia. Survey research design was used in the study. Data for this research was obtained from primary sources through the aid of a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Mann Whitney U Test while the hypothesis was tested at 0.05 alpha levels. Findings revealed that there is statistically significant difference in the level of CSR sustainability practices of MTN Nigeria PLC and Africell Gambia Limited. All probability values were found to be less than 0.05; economic (0.037), social (0.034) and environmental (0.044). Based on the findings, the study concluded that with CSR practices and initiatives, companies can obtain a valuable tool that provides competition advantage. The study recommended that there is need for the enshrinement of the CSR philosophy in all organizations in order to achieve a sustainable development that the 21st century demands. Organizations, regardless of the sector, industry or country should ensure that their developmental objectives are in consonance with the triple bottom line. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Development, Mann-Whitney Test, Sustainability