“CSR-OHS: Expert Views, Analysis and Commentary on the two potent contrivances towards achieving MDGs”

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to trace the path to achieving the millennium development goals (MDG) in developing countries through the lens of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and organisation health and safety (OHS).

Design/methodology/approach – The paper employed discourse analysis of views of participants of the workshop on CSR-OHS project in Accra, funded by the British Council's Development Partnership in Higher Education (DelPHE). The analysis was shaped by the various theorizations and conceptualisations of CSR and OHS in developed and developing countries, in order to establish any link between CSR-OHS and the MDG.

Findings – The paper established some linkage between CSR, OHS and the MDG. Although the paper observed divergence in practice between the two concepts of CSR and OHS, Ghanaians viewed OHS as a key competing dimension of CSR. Problem areas were identified with respect to OHS implementation and regulations and standardization proposed for its improvement. The paper calls for the provision of effective and efficient OHS services and the introduction of OHS courses in the curricula of higher educational institutions as a national strategy.

Originality/value – The paper demonstrates the relevance of OHS in the CSR concept as a tool for achieving the MDGs.