ABSTRACT
The behaviour of companies in the 21st century is guided, in large part, by values as much as profits. It is the recognition that companies are active participants in the society in which they operate that has birthed the entwining of corporate conduct and social good. Arising out of this reality, companies globally have accepted that they can utilise different tools to enhance their public image, which may consequently increase their market share. The tools that can be used to achieve these social benefits are corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community engagement. Furthermore, an acknowledgement of human rights concerns surrounding practices and associates of companies can also impact the relationship consumers have with corporate entities. Beyond this autonomous realisation by companies, there is also a global recognition of the connection indigenous peoples have with the land and natural resources. This is seen in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Taking these factors into account, this chapter seeks to interrogate the ways in which companies involved in the extractive industries can utilise these tools and value propositions in promoting sustainable and conscientious natural resource development.
