Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility Activities of Rural Banks on Beneficiary Rural Communities: A Study of Techiman Municipality

Abstract

This study examined the effect of Rural Banks‟ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) operations on beneficiary rural communities in the Techiman Municipality. The study adopted the explanatory research design to research. A sample of 300 respondents were selected from a population of 12,321 individuals in the rural communities in the Techiman Municipality using the simple random sampling technique. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency tables and percentages) and inferential statistics (correlation and multiple linear regression analysis). The study found a significantly positive relationship between livelihood-related CSR activities and the quality of life of rural communities in the Techiman Municipality. The study found no significant relationship between environment-related CSR activities, education-related CSR activities, and health-related CSR activities and the quality of life of rural communities in Techiman Municipality respectively. The linear regression analysis showed that only livelihoodrelated CSR activities significantly affected positively, the quality of life of rural communities in the Techiman Municipality. Environment-related CSR activities, education-related CSR activities, and health-related CSR activities had no significant effect on the quality of life of rural communities in Techiman Municipality. Based on these findings, it is recommended rural banks adopt policies regarding the implementation of these CSR activities in such a manner that its effect on the quality of life of the beneficiary rural communities is felt. It is also recommended that rural banks engage the beneficiary rural communities in the design and implementation of their CSR policy programs.