Intercity Bus Performance and Corporate Social Responsibility among Operators in South-south, Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between the Intercity Bus Performance and Corporate Social Responsibility of operators in the capital cities of South South, Nigeria. The operation/management activities of Intercity Bus Service are carried out in a place owned and/or inhabited by people. These activities most times adversely affect the people and the place(s). The host communities expect some compensation for the consequent hazards or ill-experiences they and their environment suffer. This is the community perspective of performance, which unfortunately are often overlooked when business concerns are assessed in the developing countries, like Nigeria. A potent strategy by which the community perspective can be effectual or realised is the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility. In our study of 94 Operators, selected based on experience and functional Bus fleet, oral interview and observation formed the Primary data sources; while published-scholarly works and unpublished operational records at the operators’ head offices and outstations were the main sources of Secondary data. Analysis of data gathered were done descriptively. It was found that, although there was evidence of the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility projects; the host communities through their leadership, felt that the CSR projects were inadequate, less impactful, unsustainable and unsatisfactory. Conclusively, it was noted that, undermining the community perspective of performance could be tantamount to insensitivity, injustice, cruelty and unfairness to the dignity and welfare of the citizens; the growth and health of the environment of the host communities. Therefore, it was recommended that CSR implementation be more defined and made enforceable by law, amongst other things.