The impact of CSR during the Lebanese economic crises : a case study of INDECVO group

Abstract

Lebanon's economic crisis has highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in supporting local communities and addressing socioeconomic difficulties. This field project aims to investigate the impact of INDEVCO Group's CSR initiatives throughout the Lebanese economic crisis, with a focus on identifying challenges, particular initiatives, and wider consequences for company resilience and societal impact. A qualitative case study technique was used to collect data via interviews with key stakeholders, including INDEVCO's CSR manager and community partners, as well as a thorough review of the company's CSR 2019-2022 sustainability report. The study outlines key challenges, such as limited resources, currency devaluation, and national instability, which impede CSR implementation. Despite these hurdles, INDEVCO's CSR initiatives, such as community support programs, environmental sustainability initiatives and economic growth efforts, have made a considerable contribution to addressing and alleviating Lebanon's socioeconomic challenges. The findings show that INDEVCO's strategic CSR activities have not only relieved immediate socioeconomic strains, but also promoted ongoing social resilience and environmental sustainability, thus aligning with all three components of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach. By incorporating CSR into its fundamental business strategy, INDEVCO has proved CSR's capacity to improve business resilience and social stability during times of crisis. This study offers actionable lessons and a practical framework for other firms looking to increase their societal impact and resistance through strategic CSR, emphasizing the importance of ethical and environmentally conscious operations in managing economic crises. It presents a reproducible approach for other firms who want to improve their social impact and sustainability through strategic CSR strategies.