CSR Initiatives, Communication Strategies and Social Licensing in the Mining Industry: The Case of Barrick Gold and the Host Community Relations in Tanzania
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Date
2023-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Daystar University, School of Communication
Abstract
In the last four decades, there has been a growing concern over the mine-host community relations. Whereas multinational mining corporations obtain mining permits through the formal regulatory processes, they hardly obtain the social license to operate through the informal processes. Consequently, tense relations ensue leading to invasions, deaths and litigations. Despite the CSR initiatives in place, the social license to operate remains elusive. This study sought to establish the relationships between CSR initiatives, communication strategies and social licensing through Barrick NMGM and the host community relations at Matongo Ward. Mixed research methods were used. In a cross-sectional survey, a sample of 450 participants was drawn through probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Data were analysed through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using SPSS and thematic content analysis. The findings show there is positive relationship, albeit weak, between CSR initiatives and the social license to operate; stakeholder communication strategies have varying effects on CSR performances towards social licensing; and mistrust, lack of mutual benefits, negative social, economic and environmental mining impacts and inadequate communication engagements impact negatively on mine-host community relations at Matongo Ward. Stakeholder involvement communication strategy was found to have the most significant influence on host community’s supportive attitude and behaviour, hence, recommended for social licensing.
Description
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
in Communication
Keywords
CSR Initiatives, Communication Strategies, Social Licensing, Mining Industry, Barrick Gold, Host Community Relations, Tanzania
Citation
Abayo, A. A., (2023). CSR Initiatives, Communication Strategies and Social Licensing in the Mining Industry: The Case of Barrick Gold and the Host Community Relations in Tanzania: Daystar University, School of Communication