The Communicator’s Role In Corporate Social Responsibility: A Study Of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited And Gold Fields Ghana Limited

ABSTRACT This study explored the role of the communicators of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited and Gold Fields Ghana Limited in the execution of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals of their companies. It was based on the logic of the excellence theory and stakeholder theory. These suggest, in effect, that symmetrical, participatory engagement with community members best enable the determination, promotion and implementation of appropriate CSR initiatives. Also important to this study were the challenges the communicators encountered in their involvement in executing the CSR goals of their companies. The qualitative in-depth interview was used as the primary method of gathering data. The findings of this research revealed that the communicators were highly involved in the decision-making process that led to the institution of appropriate CSR interventions for communities. They were able to influence decisions on CSR initiatives by making suggestions on what the companies could do to improve the livelihoods of community members, improve the companies’ relationship with communities, renew social license for operation, and enhance their reputation. Based on their knowledge of stakeholders, communicators played key roles in promoting community identity with, and support for, CSR initiatives. In addition, they played varied roles in the implementation of decided initiatives and also supported the entire process with the suitable communication strategy, messaging, stakeholder profiling, and engagement approach to employ. Their overall roles and involvement in the CSR chain contributed to corporate effectiveness and successes, although challenges were also acknowledged. The study therefore, concluded that Newmont Ghana Gold Limited and Gold Fields Ghana Limited were able to realize the benefits of their CSR goals because communicators were involved from conception to finish. It was therefore recommended that other companies and sectors should involve their communicators in the execution of their CSR goals to ensure maximum success.