PLANTING THE SEEDS OF GRATITUDE FOR SUSTAINABLE CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

The study sought to determine the implementation of CSR activities and their effects on the beneficiaries' quality of life. A mixed-method type of research was used in this study, combining quantitative correlational and qualitative analysis. It utilized statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, weighted mean, and regression analysis. The research instrument was standardized and adopted from the study of Kim, Uysal, and Sirgy (2012) entitled" How does tourism in a community impact the quality of life of community residents?" The interview used guide questions to direct the responses of the respondents. The study's subject is the 400 beneficiaries of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA). The findings revealed that PBGEA's CSR activities regarding economic, social, cultural, and environmental were implemented to a moderate extent. On the other hand, the beneficiaries' quality of life regarding life satisfaction on various conditions, level of life satisfaction, and satisfaction level on health and safety were categorized as reasonably satisfied. The CSR factors such as economic, social, and cultural were not statistically significant to claim their influence on the community's quality of life. However, though environmental factors significantly influence the community's quality of life, the extent or magnitude of its influence cannot have a significant effect as its beta coefficient is at 0.65, indicating a weak effect. Considering the findings and conclusions of the study, the following recommendations were suggested: 1. To give seminars on the preservation of the natural environment. 2. To conduct regular tree planting in the community to help reduce temperature, produce clean air, reduce greenhouse gasses, and prevent flooding and soil erosion. 3. To teach the community proper waste disposal at home through Green Alternatives, the Five R's Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Rot, Recycle. 4. To figure out program services that will change and expand the community/students' needs. 5. To conduct a workshop on CSR's goals and objectives to increase the level of awareness of the beneficiaries on the accurate picture of CSR in their lives, (6) For the administrators to apply the proposed strategic approaches in enhancing the CSR programs of PBGEA to their beneficiaries.