An Insight into the Modalities and Protocols of Choosing Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility Projects by the Commercial Banks in Bauchi.

Abstract:

This study looked into and provided insights into the procedures and guidelines commercial banks in Bauchi's metropolitan area use to select environmental CSR initiatives by exploring the preferences of commercial banks in Bauchi Metropolis regarding environmental Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, an area underrepresented in Nigerian CSR activities compared to health and education. Staff members from 18 commercial banks (representing 28 branches) were given a standardized questionnaire. Responses on the choice, prioritization, and execution of CSR projects were examined using descriptive and inferential methods, such as ANOVA. Of the 180 responders in the sample, 39.4% were women and 60.6% were men. 60.6% of participants had more than ten years of experience, and the majority (61.1%) had a university degree. ANOVA results revealed statistically significant preferences for project types, with the highest prioritizing going to waste management (p < 0.05) and public sanitation (p < 0.05), suggesting a common understanding of the city's environmental degradation. Green spaces and landscape beautification initiatives, however, were given less priority, indicating a preference for initiatives deemed more urgent or useful. The study found that although commercial banks in Bauchi are becoming more involved in environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR), the scope of these programs is narrow, prioritizing short-term, noticeable effects over long-term sustainability activities. To enhance urban aesthetics and encourage environmental stewardship, it was suggested that commercial banks broaden their CSR offerings to incorporate green infrastructure, such as urban beautification. Barriers to promoting green initiatives and tactics to promote wider environmental involvement in commercial banks' CSR efforts should be the subject of future research.