Multinational Corporations: Sustainable Action for Poverty Alleviation

Abstract

What can multinational corporations (MNCs) perform to improve poverty conditions in the host countries? This paper presents two critical points: (1) sustainable action to alleviate poverty by MNCs and (2)key challenges for MNCs in executing CSR for poverty alleviation strategy. The data were collected from key managers and staff from MNCs and international governmental organisation in Lao PDR and Thailand. The results confirm that MNCs need to share resources and engage with local stakeholders in order to improve economic and social conditions. Issues such as economic, health, education and governance are regard as sustainable actions to alleviate poverty. MNCs require links with key local and international resources and strong long-term commitment to improve the condition of poverty in the host countries. More importantly, MNCs need to fully understand the condition of the host countries, be flexible and can engage with local stakeholders in various circumstances.