AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

COMMUNITY RELATIONS AS PANACEA FOR PEACEFUL CORPORATE-COMMUNITY CO-EXISTENCE: THE INDORAMA PETROCHEMICALS COMPANY MODEL IN AGBONCHIA-ELEME COMMUNITY

Author:  DR. ERIC GBENEKA GODAM & DR. SAMUEL KPENU

Abstract
Over the years, industrial disharmonies and irreconcilable infractions between multi-national organisations and hosts communities in the Niger Delta have been a recurrent decimal. This happens as a result of suspicions and accusations by host communities alleging that multi-national organisations operating in their neighbourhoods do not honour memoranda of understandings signed with them. In the light of the foregoing, this study investigated the community relations model used by Indorama Petrochemicals Company Limited in Agbonchia-Eleme Community to unravel the reasons for the seeming industrial harmony between the community and the company. The objectives of the study were: to examine the community relations activities/programmes of Indorama-PCL in Agbonchia community; ascertain the level of acceptance of the community relations programmes of Indorama-PCL by the Agbonchia community among others. The research design for the study was survey. The instruments used were questionnaire and interview. A sample size of 318 was used for the study. Simple percentages and average mean scores were used in the data presentation and analysis. The study found out that Indorama-PCL has performed creditably through the implementation of agreement on employment of indigenes, payment of royalties, free health care services, scholarship awards, road constructions/rehabilitations, arts and culture promotion, skills acquisitions and other empowerment schemes. Based on findings, the study recommended the need for institution of a joint project monitoring team from the community and the company and adoption of one community trusted communication channel between the company and the community.