Effects of Community Relations on the Corporate Image of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, Ubeji

Abstract

The Corporate Social Responsibility of any public organization such as the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company can be effectively improved by its Community relations efforts The study investigates how effectively the WRPC community relations programmes have helped in enhancing its corporate image and providing solutions to potential problems that help in the creation of mutual understanding and cordial relationship between the WRPC and its host communities. The survey descriptive research method was employed, using the questionnaire instrument to elicit responses from a sample of   400 respondents with a return rate of ninety eight percent (393). Findings include the fact that there is a significant relationship between the community relations activities, practices and strategies of the WRPC and the corporate image of the WRPC. Efforts of effective community relations activities and practices lead to the acceptance and patronage of public organizations such as the WRPC by its host communities. The conclusion of the study is that effective community practices and activities improve the corporate image of public organizations. This study recommends that the WRPC should spend more on its community relations effort in order to enhance its already established corporate image as a responsible corporate citizen.