EXPLORING CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY IN OMAN – SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS AND PRACTICE Flora Minnee Curtin University, School of Marketing, GPO Box U1987, Perth Western Australia 6845 Email:
[email protected] Tel: +61 8 9266 2839 Fax: + 61 8 9266 3937 Tekle Shanka * Curtin University, School of Marketing, GPO Box U1987, Perth Western Australia 6845 Email:
[email protected] Tel: +61 8 9266 2839 Fax: + 61 8 9266 3937 Ruth Taylor Curtin University, School of Management, GPO Box U1987, Perth Western Australia 6845 Email:
[email protected] Tel: +61 8 9266 2287 Fax: + 61 8 9266 7987 Brian Handley Curtin University, School of Marketing, GPO Box U1987, Perth Western Australia 6845 Email:
[email protected] Tel: +61 8 9266 4389 Fax: + 61 8 9266 3937 * Corresponding Author Page 1 EXPLORING CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY IN OMAN – SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS AND PRACTICE Abstract Purpose – This paper explores social expectations and practice of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Oman. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, 153 respondents (45% Omanis and 55% expatriates) shared their expectations which were compared with documentary evidence from core large and medium-sized enterprises CSR practice in Oman. Findings – On average CSR mean scores exhibited similarity for most respondent groups except for Omanis, young people, and those with high school or lower education who scored less indicating a general lack of awareness of CSR. Society in Oman seems to expect corporations to provide ‘safe and reliable products/services’, ‘appropriately treat employees’, ‘behave ethically’, and be ‘committed to social responsibility’. Research limitations/implications – While there is limited generalizability of the findings of this exploratory study per se due to sample size limitations, a clear pattern emerges to facilitate more in-depth studies on CSR in Oman, and furthermore in other emerging market economies and transitional economies.