An exploration of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a lever for employee engagement in the mining industry: The case of Metallon Gold Mining Zimbabwe (Mazowe)

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has attracted wide attention and debate throughout the world in recent years. Various stakeholders have developed increased expectations from corporations and employees as one of the key stakeholders are not an exception. Employees now expect their companies to be sensitive and considerate of their social concerns through different employee oriented CSR packages. Previous studies on CSR focused on what mining companies should do for the community and the environment of their operations. Minimal research in the context of Zimbabwe with regard to establish the relationship between CSR and employee engagement has been conducted. Recently the government of Zimbabwe through the MYIEE enacted legislation with effect to the establishment of ESOTs and CSOTs by all mining companies operating in Zimbabwe as part of their CSR packages. This development however was received with mixed feelings amongst mining companies with some even perceiving it as a threat to their operations and investment. There are still questions amongst different companies in the mining sector on how such CSR investment benefit their companies. The quantitative research study focused on establishing the influence of CSR on employee engagement. The study analysed the CSR practices conducted by Metallon Gold Mine (Mazowe) in the period 2002-2012, evaluated employee engagement and organizational reputation within the mining company in view of its CSR practices.100 questionnaires were used to collect data on how Metallon Gold Mine leveraged its CSR to influence its employees’ engagement. The researcher reviewed literature on CSR and employee engagement in conducting the study. The findings of the study discussed with reference to this literature although suggested that CSR practices by mining companies in Zimbabwe are still grounded in philanthropic responsibilities to the community, however they influence employee engagement in the mining industry. From the findings of the study it can be recommended that Mettallon Gold Mine should improve its focus on internal CSR, improve on CSR communication to employees and increase employee participation in CSR.The research also recommended that government should formulate a CSR policy framework for the mining industry.