Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Gabriel Telleria

Abstract

The violence of the Niger Delta host communities against the international oil companies (IOCs) is rampant and dogged. The extent of violence that occurs is harmful to communities, individuals, and oil companies that provide a certain degree of economic stability to the region. The Nigerian government faces a major challenge of resolving community violence in Nigeria. This case study used social exchange theory to better understand the causes and consequences of the lack of community trust against the oil companies that is pervasive in the region. Purposeful sampling was used in the selection of 10 community members, 8 representatives of the oil industry, and 3 government officials. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and documents provided by participants. These were inductively coded and then analyzed using a constant comparative technique. Findings revealed that participants perceived a lack of adequate collaboration among stakeholders and the application of inadequate management strategies of the IOCs and government having an impact on the degree and frequency of community violence. The implications stemming from this study include recommendations to the Nigerian government and IOCs to precede policy formulation with thorough consultation, engagement, and negotiation with the stakeholders for their acceptance before implementation of policy. This collaborative action may encourage corporate engagement and management that is positively viewed by the communities in the Niger Delta.

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