Poverty alleviation: CSR approaches by multinational corporations in Lao PDR and Thailand

Poverty has long been an endemic problem in developing countries. The role of multinational corporations (MNCs) in fostering or undermining development within poor local communities in developing countries has been a subject of intensive debate within academic and practitioner circles. MNCs are not only considered an obstacle to development but also as sources of solutions to some of the pressing social and environmental problems facing these communities. To examine these points, this paper explores the contribution in poverty alleviation from MNCs in two South East Asian countries, Lao PDR and Thailand, in the form of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The key focus is given to the nature and types of CSR activities from MNCs in an effort to (1) create social engagement among local actors and, (2) fight poverty and improve living conditions in both locations. The researchers collected data from 3 MNCs in Lao PDR and Thailand. The results identify three key themes: (1) economic contribution and poverty alleviation, (2) social development and poverty alleviation, and (3) human rights and poverty alleviation. Data also supports that there are both similarities and differences in approaches by MNCs, roles they play in developing countries, patterns of CSR strategies and challenges from the host countries in conducting poverty alleviation activities