Stakeholders' Perception of Community Relations and Crisis Management Activities of Sterling Global Resources Limited in Akwa Ibom State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67487/ijprss.v2i3.259Keywords:
Sterling Global Oil Resources Ltd., community relations, crisis management, stakeholder perception, corporate communication, sustainabilityAbstract
This study examined stakeholders’ perceptions of the community relations and crisis management activities of Sterling Global Oil Resources Ltd. in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, with particular attention to awareness, interpretation, effectiveness, and long-term corporate community relations. Anchored on Stakeholder Theory and Situational Crisis Communication Theory, the research adopted a survey design to capture community voices. A total of 383 respondents were sampled using a multi-stage approach from the study population. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency distribution and weighted mean scores. The findings revealed moderate awareness of both community relations and crisis management initiatives, though visibility was uneven across sectors, with infrastructure projects being more recognized than skills or environmental programs. Interpretations of these initiatives reflected cautious approval, with stakeholders acknowledging certain benefits while questioning consistency and openness in corporate communication. Perceptions of effectiveness were mixed, while tangible contributions such as infrastructure and health projects were positively rated, critical areas such as employment creation, inclusivity in decision-making, and trust-building received negative evaluations. In crisis management, stakeholders acknowledged prompt responses, environmental restoration, and fairness but rated compensation, trust enhancement, and sustainability poorly. Overall, the study highlights a gap between visible interventions and deeper, intangible dimensions of corporate–community relations. The study recommends greater stakeholder participation, transparent communication, and fair compensation as pathways to strengthening sustainable corporate community relationships.
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