Community Relations Strategy for Curbing Conflicts between Multi-National Oil Companies and Host Communities in Delta State

Abstract

The study examined the Influence of Community Relations Strategy in Curbing Conflicts between Multinational Oil Companies and Host Communities in Delta State. The issues of high expectations by host communities from companies in their environment have often been the cause of conflict between organizations and their host communities. As conflicts emerge, there is a need to develop strategies to curb them in order to maintain societal stability. In line with this, a sample of four hundred (400) respondents was randomly selected from the different geographical blocs in the three Senatorial Districts of Delta State. The method of data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistical tools. Findings show that the residents of the host communities in Delta State have a negative perception of the community relations strategies adopted by multinational oil companies in their operational areas. The study concluded that provision of health facilities, scholarships, and partnering with host communities in stage managed events and activities as part of community relations strategies are not effective in resolving conflicts between multinational oil companies and host communities in Delta State. The study recommended that multinational oil companies should rethink their current community relations strategies in their host communities to focus on consultation with and in the interest of the host communities, rather than imposing their community relations strategies on the people.