July 22, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic and Corporate Social Responsibility: the Case of Ethiopia

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As the fight against the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus persists, different…

The coronavirus pandemic and Corporate Social Responsibility: the Case of Ethiopia
As the fight against the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus persists, different socio-economic issues are starting to emerge from this trying period. Even though the human cost of the pandemic is the primary issue of concern, as countries scramble to find a cure for the virus it is important to provide commentary on all issues emerging out of the pandemic and the race to contain it. One social issue that is proving its significance and growing is what is commonly referred to as Corporate Social Responsibility. A concept developed through years of interdisciplinary research, CSR is a management concept whereby businesses integrate environmental and social issues into their daily operations and interactions with stakeholders as well as customers. In the past, the engagement of businesses in activities considered to constitute CSR varied from company to company. CSRs and even human rights obligations of businesses do not form part of any legal instruments at either the international law regime nor in the regional systems. A glance at the provisions of The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights adopted by the Human Rights Council in 2011 showcases this reality. In the document businesses do not possess a duty, rather than a responsibility to fulfil CSRs. However, the pandemic has changed this reality as well. Professor Hongwei Ho and Professor Lloyd Harris of The University of Manchester and The University of Birmingham respectively claim that the global pandemic like many shocking global events will most likely lead to the way we see things changing. According to their assertion, like events such as 911 or the novel World Wars of the 1900s and the 1950s affected the way humanity perceives different issues, covid19 is also changing the way the human race lives, thinks and perceives the things around him. They also claim that the pandemic presents a great opportunity for the field of CSR to grow in theory and implementation whilst also contributing to the fight against the pandemic. In many parts of Addis Ababa and other parts of Ethiopia as well businesses have stepped up to the podium in spreading awareness about the pandemic and the precautionary measures that should be taken to avoid contracting the said virus. Noticing huge informative billboards and washing stations are becoming the norm. In most parts of Addis, one can see such initiatives erected against the pandemic almost every few steps. Though not as frequent, it was also common to see businesses participate directly or sponsor efforts of awareness creation. The fact that businesses in the capital and other cities of Ethiopia took the initiative to contribute to the fight against the pandemic is very encouraging. But as the infection and death tolls increase in the country, such initiatives are facing the test of time. Common to most things we do as humans - and the habesha community in particular - such initiatives could dwindle with time. The first reason for such a concern is universal. The pandemic is persisting. After nearly seven months after the first confirmed case was reported in Wuhan, the virus is still attacking on all fronts. With the total number of infected patients passing the 15 million benchmark and the number of deaths as a result of the pandemic reaching 619,647 persons, there are no signs of the pandemic slowing down. Even though there are researches being conducted in different countries to find the cure for the pandemic, there isn’t any concrete indication that such a cure will be discovered anytime soon. As such personal and communal implementation of precautionary measures towards the virus are the only means of avoiding the pandemic. Therefore, continued engagement with the matter is important. The persistence of businesses is the only way we can guarantee that corporate social responsibility grows in the context of the pandemic and as a norm for future issues as well.The second and final observation is contextual to Ethiopia. Like in all sectors in the country the shift of attention from the pandemic to local and international political issues could make the country pay a hefty price. The growth in the observance of CSR by businesses is no exception. As businesses are not immune from socio-political events that affect the whole nation, there is a reasonable fear that such initiatives could dwindle with time. As such the role of the government is crucial in ensuring the due attention that was given by businesses and corporations at the start of the pandemic passes the test of time and the socio-political obstacles of the nation. This could in turn guarantee the continued involvement of the business sector in the fight against the pandemic while at the same time contributing to the growth of the field of CSR in the country as well.