Corporate social responsibility for solving the housing problem for the poor in South Africa

Purpose: This paper aims to integrate the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the South African quantity surveying firms (SAQSF) as an approach for solving the housing problem for the poor. Design/methodology/approach: A research methodology consisted of a literature review and field study designed to accomplish four objectives. Firstly, the literature review studied the housing problem in South Africa, the quantity surveying profession and the CSR concept. Secondly, the field study investigated the perception and application of the CSR concept by SAQSF. Thirdly, an innovative business improvement framework integrating the concept of CSR within SAQSF is developed. Finally, research conclusions and recommendations are summarised. Findings: There is a severe housing problem for the poor in South Africa. Government initiatives for delivering housing for the poor have to be supported by quantity surveyors through utilising their practical knowledge and expertise in social context. SAQSF are aware of the CSR and welcome the developed framework. The CSRF is recommended to be used as an innovative tool to assist in alleviating the housing problem for the poor. Research limitations/implications: This research focused only on the quantity surveying firms in South Africa. Practical implications: This research presents a practical solution to the housing problem for the poor through activating the social role of SAQSF towards supporting government initiatives. Originality/value: This paper presents an innovative business improvement framework integrating the CSR concept into SAQSF towards solving the housing problem for the poor. This ideology has received scant attention in construction literature. The developed framework represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.