CSR in conflict prone areas: An empirical investigation in Lebanon

Abstract

We have witnessed in recent years the ascendancy of a heated debate about the link between business activities and conflict around the world. This debate, which is increasingly being framed in the context of a broadened CSR agenda, focuses on one hand on instances of complicity of corporations in violence and human rights abuses, and on the other hand on identifying ways to strengthen private sector involvement and investment in responsible business management, conflict prevention, peace building, and post-conflict reconstruction. This paper aims at shedding light on the multidimensional role that MNCs can play in conflict prone areas in light of the changing context of business through a review of the existing literature about conflict and the linkages between business and conflict. An empirical investigation of business-conflict linkages in a developing country context is then presented. The paper capitalizes on in-depth interviews with a sample of MNCs operating in Lebanon to gauge their perceptions of business-conflict relationships, and actual measures and actions adopted before, during and after conflict situations. The findings are fleshed out and relevant implications drawn regarding the role of MNCs in conflict zones in the context of a broadened CSR agenda.