The impact of corporate social responsibility initiatives on rural community development: the case of TITAN - Sharrcem in Kosovo

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an integral part of firms' strategies in their effort to increase their positive impact on society. This study investigates the impact of a CSR initiative, known as "The LAB Project'', implemented by the TITAN -- Sharrcem Company, on the rural community of Hani I Elezit in Kosovo. The LAB project aims to support the establishment and operation of agricultural and food related start-ups and, most importantly, to ensure their sustainability. The sample of the study consists of 174 area residents. This research examines local residents' perceptions about a) the TITAN-Sharrcem operations in the area, b) the LAB project's main contribution to the local community, c) the project's overall performance, d) the profitability of the start-ups created by the project, and e) the project's effect on the community's quality of life. Overall, the results reveal that the project has set the foundation for the community's sustainable development. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first research on the effect of such initiatives in the region.