PARTICIPATORY COMMUNICATION IN CSR: A STUDY OF TWO OIL AND GAS COMPANIES IN GHANA.

ABSTRACT 

This study investigates the use of participatory communication strategies in the 2016 CSR projects of Kosmos-energy Ghana and Total Petroleum Ghana. The study examined the operationalisation of CSR in these companies and investigated the use of participatory communication strategies in CSR execution. The study was guided by the participatory communication theory and the stakeholder theory. The approach was qualitative anchored on a multiple case study of the purposively selected participants. Data was collected using in-depth interviews and documents from the two companies were also used. The study found that 2016 CSR initiative of Kosmos-energy Ghana focused on social investment and relationship building while Total Petroleum Ghana operationalisation was empowerment of local talent and responsibility. Further the study revealed that both the 2016 CSR of Kosmos-energy Ghana and Total Petroleum Ghana 2016 CSR utilised the participatory communication strategies. This research will assist organisations to understand better some of the reasons for involving local stakeholders’ when planning, executing and evaluating their CSR initiatives.