An examination of social and environmental disclosures in Nigerian oil companies

A review of the Social and Environmental Disclosures (SED) literature reveals that this area of accounting has been the subject of various studies in different countries, particularly in developed countries. SED does not apply universally to all countries that are in various stages of economic development and to companies that have differing levels of awareness and attitudes. SED are often perceived as a tool for communicating the social and environmental effects of a company’s actions to its relevant interest groups and to the society as a whole. Stakeholders have become increasingly concerned about the way in which companies interact with society and the environment. Consequently, the increased interest in the social and environmental impacts of companies has resulted in heightened pressure from stakeholders for SED. This study seeks to: (1) identify Nigerian host communities’ (HCs) perceptions of SED by oil companies; (2) examine the quantity and quality of SED in Nigerian oil companies; and (3) distinguish if there are differences between local and foreign oil companies in regards to their SED. This study is divided into three parts. In the first part, identifying factors influencing and shaping HCs perceptions present fertile ground for a better understanding of community actions. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews from members of three HCs in the Niger Delta; Ogbunabali community in Port Harcourt (Rivers State), Biogbolo community in Yenagoa (Bayelsa State) and Ogunu community in Warri (Delta State). The interview data was recorded, transcribed and qualitatively analysed through content analysis using the NVivo 10 software program. The results show that HCs perceptions are largely informed by the contradictions of wealth generation through oil production amidst widespread poverty resulting in anger, frustration and hostility towards the oil companies. The companies are perceived as being responsible for the negative impacts of oil exploration and extraction. Perceptions regarding both the negative and positive aspects of the oil companies operations were identified. These included environmental concerns; lack of compensation; health effects; lack of social development; neglecting communities; not creating enough employment opportunities and infrastructure; and not providing community and educational support. In the second part, this study examined the quantity and quality of SED of the oil companies. Fifteen companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, as well as an additional three non-listed major foreign companies (Shell, Chevron and Agip), were selected for analysis. The latter were chosen because of the scale of their operations in Nigeria. Annual Reports (AR) from 1992 to 2011 were examined using content analysis. SED activities were reported by most of the companies and by quantity, employee information was found to be the most common type of disclosure. Most SED were almost always general and limited in nature, declarative (that is, descriptive) with non-monetary quantification in terms of financial impacts. Companies are engaging in impression management to convince stakeholders, government and the HCs that they are ‘good corporate citizens’. SED quantity and quality in the environment category was found to be overwhelmingly low despite the large scale public concern expressed about the level of environmental degradation caused by the operations of oil companies. In the third part, this study sought to distinguish SED levels by comparing local and foreign companies operating in the oil sector. It sought to identify differences between local and foreign companies’ SED practices. A Social and Environmental Disclosure Index (SEDI) was constructed to evaluate the contents of SED in AR. Furthermore, a dichotomous method was employed to identify SED sentences based on a checklist of 62 items in the SEDI. Local companies were found to provide more extent, type and nature of SED than foreign companies. However, local companies reported mostly general SED information. Results reveal that majority of the total SED in both local and foreign companies was positive news. This study enriches the existing SED literature by examining the state of voluntary disclosures made by companies in the context of a developing country. The findings of this study provide more insights into the current status of SED in an environmentally sensitive industry

Impact of Internship Programme on the Performance of Public Health Care Institutions

The study seeks to obtain the impact of internship programme on the performance of public health care institutions Contextual factors are sought that influence the relationship impact and effect between internship programme and performance of public healthcare institutions The research design adopted is descriptive survey through both qualitative and quantitative data This study is conducted in Kakamega County western region of Kenya The population of the study is 2225 with a stratified randomly selected sample of 444 respondents Primary data is collected through questionnaires while secondary data is sourced from official hospital records journals text books and internet articles Data is analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics The study concludes that internship programme influences performance of public healthcare institution

Theoretical issues on the African Stock Markets and Portfolio Performance

The study discusses the theoretical issues surrounding the African stock markets and portfolio performance. It examines the issues underpinning the perception of market inefficiency in African stock markets. It has been proposed that the solution to problems faced by African stock markets is to integrate their stock exchanges by merging the stock exchanges. The study adopted an exploratory research design so as to gather preliminary information and help explore theoretical issues surrounding the African stock markets and portfolio performance. Keywords: Africa, stock markets, regional integration, portfolio performance, savings, real secto

Effects of operational factors on organizational performance in Kenyan insurance industry

Performance of insurance firms has largely been influenced by operational factors. Insurance firms have continually performed poorly in the Kenyan market since 1985. So far, there is still limited information as regards this trend. The objective of the study was to establish the extent to which operational factors affect the performance of insurance firms. The study adopted a descriptive census survey design. The study location was in Nairobi and the population consisted of 40 registered insurance companies as at August 2010. Reliability of the results was determined by the test-retest approach. Validity of the research instrument was established by using two firms outside the target population. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The hypothesis was tested using simple regression coefficient at 95% confidence level. The study revealed that operational factors have no relationship with organizational performance

Corporate social responsibility reporting of international oil companies in Nigeria:an historical materialism analysis

Purpose: This study aims to identify factors influencing corporate social responsibility reporting (CSRR) practices of international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria. It aims at distinguishing CSRR levels by examining both the quantity and quality of reporting. Design/methodology/approach: The paper analyses annual reports through content analysis. CSRR extent and type are measured by the number of sentences. CSRR are further classified into three subcategories according to whether they are negative, neutral or positive reports and then their proportions compared through descriptive analysis. Findings: For the extent and quality of CSRR, community was the most reported category. The majority of the total CSRR in the IOCs is positive with little evidence of negative news. None of the IOCs in the sample reported on the environment in their annual reports. Research limitations/implications: The measurement of CSRR focuses only on annual reports, without consideration of other reporting media such as standalone reports and corporate websites. CSRR are assumed to be voluntary for the companies and they may choose not to report any information in annual reports, as there are no regulations or reporting guidelines in Nigeria to be followed. Practical implications: The results reveal the absence of environmental reporting in the CSRR of IOCs in Nigeria suggests that they are less concerned with meeting local demands for accountability. The study recommends the need for regulatory intervention on the part of the Nigerian Government. Social implications: The findings of study indicate that predominant existence of positive CSRR news among all the IOCs suggests there’s an attempt to encourage stakeholders and the public to believe that they are conscious of society and the environment. Originality/value: The main contribution of this study lies in identifying the factors that have led to diversity and uniqueness in CSRR in IOCs. As such, this study seeks to contribute to the development of understanding multiple factors that could give rise to changing patterns of CSRR

Factors causing reversed bullwhip effect on the supply chains of Kenyan firms

The study sought to determine the factors that cause supply variability along the supply chain of organisations. The study location was Kenya Pipeline Company, Kenya where from a population of 7 depots, purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 5 depots. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires with both open and closed ended questions to capture the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the pipeline operations. Descriptive survey and a case study research design that encompasses both quantitative and qualitative methods to collect and analyse data were utilized. The findings suggested that capacity constraint was the major factor contributing to supply chain inefficiency.The conclusion was that the supply chain was inefficient because of capacity challenges and government intervention. Recommendations included capacity adjustment strategies, equipment upgrade, additional man and machine hours, reliable source of power and a non-disruptive government intervention. Keywords: Reverse bullwhip, variability, supply chain, Keny

Parameters of conventional and Islamic Bank’s profitability in Pakistan: Evaluation of Internal Factor

Financial sector is the perquisite for economic progress. In Pakistan from the past few years banking sector faces many challenges, it is mandatory to recognize the determinants effect the performance of banks. This study aims to analyze the key determinants of profitability of conventional and Islamic banks and to investigate the relationship between banks’ internal characteristics and performance in Pakistan. This study evaluates the effect of banks parameters and microeconomic meter on the conventional and Islamic banks profitability in the Pakistan for the period of 2006-2010. The results found that variables used in the model have sturdy effect on the profitability and higher total assets may and may not be positively related to higher profit. As the asset of the bank and network increases there may be inefficiency in the management of the banking sector. Key words:  Parameters, Determinants of profitability Financial Institutions, Banks, Profitability.

A GROUNDED THEORY STUDY FOR ANTENATAL CARE IN KENYA

The purpose of the study was to analyze nurse–client interaction processes in rural health facilities. This was an inductive, qualitative, grounded theory study. Constant comparative analysis of data was used to generate themes, concepts and theoretical statements. Six main concepts emerged from data: Willingness of mother to attend antenatal clinic, reciprocal exchange of information, nursing care and treatment, focused preparation of mother, evaluating readiness for delivery within the rural context and referral of client. These concepts were key to the generation of “Owino’s theory of nurse-client interactions for childbirth preparedness”. Nurse-client interaction processes in preparation for delivery by a skilled attendant is influenced by the complex rural context. High quality interaction should help the nurse and mother rise above contextual challenges

UPTAKE OF TASK SHIFTING AS A COMMUNITY STRATEGY IN KENYA

The objective of the study was to evaluate the uptake of task shifting as a community strategy in Kenya. This study adopted qualitative data collection methods in three different contexts; peri-urban, rural and arid Kenya. The results suggest that voluntary counselling and testing, community health education, hygiene, referrals and family planning services should be shifted to Community Health Workers (CHWs) and they should be trained to diagnose and treat some common childhood ailment. There is evidence that CHWs perform an important role in helping to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for health, particularly for child survival and treatment of TB and HIV/AIDS. Effective task shifting requires appropriate utilization of primary health care services, effective training and incentives for health workers to provide services