Vol. 13(2), pp. 44-50. , 2025.

ISSN: 2384-6151

https://doi.org/10.14662/ijebm2025100

 

 

Full Length Research

 

Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Administration: A Conceptual Sociological Framework for Strengthening State Business Relations in Nasarawa State..

 

1Yusuf Ombogutsa Kigbu, 2Douglas Samson Iya and 3Odonye Osekweyi Yakubu

 

1Department of Public Administration, School of Administration and Business Studies, Isa Mustapha Agwai 1 Polytechnic Lafia Nasarawa State. E-mail: kigbuyusuf12@gmail.com 2Department of General Studies, School of General Studies & Pre-ND, Isa Mustapha Agwai 1 Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa. E-mail: Douglassmson79@gmail.com 3Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Administration, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State. E-mail: odoyaks@gmail.com  

Corresponding author: anyeshaamos@yahoo.com  

 

 

Accepted 27 September 2025

Abstract

 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is increasingly recognized as a governance mechanism in developing countries where public institutions face limitations in delivering essential services. In Nasarawa State, Nigeria, CSR remains largely philanthropic, often fragmented and poorly integrated into state development priorities. This study develops a conceptual sociological framework to explain how CSR can strengthen state–business relations by fostering trust, legitimacy, and participatory governance. A conceptual and qualitative approach was adopted, drawing on secondary data from CSR, sociology, and public administration literature. The analysis employed thematic and content analysis to synthesize perspectives on CSR’s governance role. The framework proposes a causal pathway in which CSR initiatives generate social trust, which enhances cooperation between businesses and government, thereby improving service delivery. Theoretically, this extends CSR beyond image-building, positioning it as a sociological construct embedded in governance processes. For practice, the study recommends the institutionalization of CSR policies in Nasarawa State that align corporate interventions with government development priorities. Public administrators should also establish participatory monitoring systems to foster transparency and community inclusion. These steps will promote legitimacy, strengthen state–business relations, and enhance inclusive socio-economic development. Embedding CSR into public administration can transform it from a voluntary corporate gesture into a governance tool for sustainable development. Future research should explore CSR integration in other sub-national contexts for comparative insights.

 

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Public Administration, Sociological Framework, State–Business Relations, Nasarawa State.

 

Cite This Article As: Kigbu, YO., Iya, DS., Yakubu, OO (2025). Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Administration: A Conceptual Sociological Framework for Strengthening State Business Relations in Nasarawa State. Inter. J. Econ. Bus. Manage. Vol. 13(2), pp. 44-50.