The Role of Social Responsibility Management at Petrolines Company in Developing the Local Community in the Eastern Sector – Sudan

Abstract

The study examines the level of awareness among members of the local community regarding the impact of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs implemented by Petrolines for Crude Oil Ltd. in the Eastern Sector during the period from 2014 to 2024. This is explored through a set of indicators related to the development realities across areas affected by the company's presence. The study aims at investigating  the role of CSR management by analyzing the policies and practices of a petroleum sector institution in Sudan, focusing on main areas of responsibility such as health, education, water, capacity building, and support for scientific research. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, relying on questionnaires distributed to a sample of beneficiaries and employees. It focuses on measuring community responses concerning the extent to which these programs contribute to improving living conditions, supporting community projects, and achieving public benefit. This axis is considered one of the fundamental components in evaluating the effectiveness of these programs, their alignment with the aspirations of local communities, and their impact on sustainable development in its various dimensions. Furthermore, the study recommended aligning corporate CSR initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure that institutional efforts are consistent with global development frameworks. It also emphasized the need for the governments to play a more active role in regulating CSR activities in companies and institutions, through the enactment of binding legislation that defines CSR frameworks. The study called for systematic support to be allocated within corporate CSR budgets to promote scientific research in Sudanese universities, through the establishment of joint research funding mechanisms. Additionally, the study recommended allocating budgets for emergencies and disasters, and transforming CSR from a developmental arm into an existential sensor for society.