Researcher Batoul Ahmed Hamad, a student in the Master’s Program in Strategic Planning and Fundraising, has defended her thesis titled "Enhancing Corporate Social Responsibility Practices and Their Impact on Sustainable Development in The Banking Sector in Palestine".
This study aimed to assess the degree of application of social responsibility in the banking sector in Palestine, and its impact on sustainable development. A quantitative approach was followed to answer the research questions and test hypotheses to summarize the dimensions of enhancing corporate social responsibility practices and their impact on sustainable development in the banking sector in Palestine. The researcher relied on the questionnaire instrument. As such, questionnaires were distributed to 275 employees working in the main headquarters of nine banks in Palestine (the West Bank), the population of the study.
The results of the study revealed that there is a statistically significant relationship between the dimensions of corporate social responsibility practiced by banks in Palestine and sustainable development in terms of (economic, social and environmental development). As the increase in the extent to which the banking sector in Palestine practices social responsibility from a moral, altruistic and strategic perspective, indicates an increase in sustainable development at the level of (economic, social and environmental development).
The researcher recommended the need to directly diversify the social activities of banks, strengthen partnerships between banks, non-governmental organizations and relevant community organizations, in addition to improving communication with stakeholders, as well as creating a clear framework for corporate social responsibility so that it is consistent with the unique needs and challenges of the banking sector in Palestine.
The thesis was supervised by Dr. Attiya Musleh. The committee of examiners included Dr. Ihab Al Qubbaj and Dr. Sherif Abukarsh.