CATHERINE W GICHUKI

DOHA THE banking sector has the highest rate of Qatarisation – over 25 percent – according to the findings of a study on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and Qatarisation, conducted by the Social Development Center (SDC).

Speaking on Wednesday at the Qatar National Convention Center, Deena al Kaabi, the senior researcher in social services and studies department who led the study, said, “The banking sector has the highest rate of Qatarisation of above 25 percent, followed by the services sector, and then industrial and real estate companies. The profit-making sector has the lowest rate of below 20 percent Qatarisation.” Kaabi was speaking on the sidelines of a workshop where senior officials and researchers from SDC discussed the recently completed research project that explores the relationship between CSR and Qatarisation.

Kaabi suggested that a regulatory body be established to oversee the strategies employed by companies to prioritise CSR and include it as an integral element of their operational plans. This move would also be in keeping with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

However, she pointed out, “Forty percent of companies here have not outlined strategies according to Qatar National Vision 2030.” Kaabi said that a majority of the Qatari workforce is not ready to work in the private sector due to long working hours but agrees if the timings are adjusted.

The results from the study suggested that Qatarisation be a part of CSR strategies across public and private sector organisations in Qatar. It pointed out that deeper understanding of CSR must be brought about in the general public to differentiate it from charity – which is what CSR is often perceived to be.

The report also suggested that CSR relate to corporate self-regulation in terms of social issues, like environment, consumer protection, and labour rights.

Dr Khalid Mohamed al Horr, assistant professor of management and marketing department in the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University said the lack of a regulatory body to implement and monitor Qatarisation was the greatest hindrance to the drive.

“Some organisations have not realised the importance of having nationals in their companies. If they were able to recognise how a Qatari can benefit those organisations in terms of connection, networking, local knowledge, sustainability, which is more affordable in long term,” Horr said.