Sustainable Amazonia: evaluation of corporate social responsibility in the oil sector of Ecuador
Keywords:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), stakeholders, sustainable development, local communities.Abstract
This study evaluates the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the oil sector of the Ecuadorian Amazon region. Using a systematic literature review and a survey of current employees in the sector, the study identifies areas of CSR practice, its challenges, and opportunities for improvement. The literature review analyzes academic publications from 2014 to 2024, focusing on CSR in the industry. The survey, administered to 41 employees of private and state-owned oil companies, provides insight into workers' perceptions of CSR efforts in their companies.The results indicate that, although 82.9% of respondents state that their companies have a CSR department, employees perceive varying levels of impact from the implemented initiatives. Local employment programs are valued positively, while those related to education, health, and infrastructure receive mixed perceptions. The findings suggest that CSR strategies in the Ecuadorian Amazon require greater transparency, community engagement, and long-term sustainable planning. Given the exploratory nature of the study, it is recommended to conduct research with a larger sample to delve deeper into the effectiveness of CSR in the Ecuadorian oil sector.
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