CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The analysis of the impact of the Deshidratados Churopinto project, implemented by Aglomerados Cotopaxi S.A. in the community of Santa Catalina de Churopinto, within the framework of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) applied to community development, begins with the recognition of CSR as a strategic component that, when aligned with social work, can generate profound transformations in territories marked by historical tensions between companies and communities. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach with an exploratory-descriptive design, incorporating interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and document review. Community workers, local leaders, and social work professionals directly involved in the project were interviewed. The findings show that CSR, when it includes genuine and sustained participatory processes, becomes a bridge for local empowerment, gender equity, and social sustainability. Notable outcomes include the strengthening of women’s leadership, job creation, the restoration of trust between the company and the community, and the valuing of dialogue as a tool for transformation. Social work played a key role as a strategic support that maintained both the connection and the legitimacy of the process. The conclusions indicate that the project represents a replicable CSR model with positive impact, although challenges remain regarding economic autonomy, the inclusion of broader population sectors, and the institutionalization of community participation within corporate policies. This study provides meaningful evidence on how collaboration between companies, communities, and social work professionals can become a driving force for sustainable development