The intricate relationship between corporate organizations and their environment is one that is supposed to be based on mutual interdependence. This is because the organization depends on the environment for its inputs, while the environment also needs the organization for its sustenance. This therefore calls for a symbiotic relationship between them. It is this realization that gave birth to the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This paper tries to look at the application of the concept as it concerns the oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria within the ambit of the Niger Delta question. The study employs the systems theory as an analytical framework. It tries to situate the concept of CSR within the general neglect by successive governments of this region that sustains the entire Nigerian state. The implication of the above is that a better understanding of the problem of CSR in the Niger Delta region becomes easier when juxtaposed with the attitude of the Nigerian state towards the region over the years. It is the summation of the paper that the oil companies have not been very proactive in this regard and as such have been perceived by their host communities as enemies and exploiters instead of partners. The study concludes by insisting that while the oil companies should be more proactive, the government on her part should step up the tempo in ameliorating the deplorable condition of the golden goose.

The intricate relationship between corporate organizations and their environment is one that is supposed to be based on mutual interdependence. This is because the organization depends on the environment for its inputs, while the environment also needs the organization for its sustenance. This th...