Corporate Advertising and Public Perception of Oil Companies (A Case Study of Shell & Chevron in Niger Delta Region of Delta State)

This study examines corporate advertising and the perception of host communities of oil companies with relations to their CSR strategies in creating a beneficial mutual relationship with host communities in the Niger Delta Region. Qualitative approach was used by engaging respondents with interviews techniques to arrive at the findings. 200 copies of questionnaires were distributed with a total of 174 returned. An overview of the concept of CSR, CSR practices in the Niger Delta host communities understanding and interpretation of their relationship with oil companies and perception of oil companies CSR practices are presented. The findings of this study shows that oil companies engage in corporate advertising thorough CSR. That the impact of oil companies CSR strategies are more negative than positive. That the perception of host communities towards oil companies is that oil companies are using CSR to cover up with their irresponsibility. And finally, the possibilities of corporate advertising creating a mutual beneficial relationship between oil companies and host communities in the Niger Delta Region.