Community Investment Programs in Developing Country Infrastructure Projects

Abstract

Private sector infrastructure companies operating in developing countries can positively affect the social, environmental, and economic fabric of local communities by providing infrastructure services and through community investment programs focused on economic development, poverty reduction, social inequality reduction, and environmental improvements. Community investment programs, as part of the corporate social responsibility concept, can take the form of philanthropy or charitable donations, employee volunteerism, and partnerships. The paper highlights how companies and communities benefit from these programs and presents an approach for designing, implementing, and reporting such programs. Program ideas for infrastructure projects and case studies are presented. Potential challenges, issues, and opportunities for community investment programs in developing countries are discussed. By going beyond the minimal requirement to mitigate project-related negative social and environmental impacts, private sector companies can be models of social responsibility and good corporate citizenship.