Corporate Social Responsibility: A Case of the Provision of Recreational Facilities

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) connotes Government agencies and private enterprises services for effective change and in this regards the recreational provision. The inadequate provision of the recreational services thwarted recreation, resulting to unsuitable funding of recreational facilities and unsuccessful synergy between government and the private enterprises embarking on CSR. This paper examines the roles of government and the private enterprises in the services of CSR with the view to enhance their performances in the provision of recreational facilities. The paper applied the qualitative method using atlas ti.8 for the data analysis. The findings reveal inadequate facilities provision for recreation resulting from lack of funding, lacklustre attitude and poor synergy of the stakeholders. The paper recommends that government should be positive in implementing policies that promote recreational activities and improving the efforts of the private enterprises for CSR. With the effectiveness and efficiency of the provision of recreation facilities, CSR will be acknowledged as a case of Greater Jos. Plateau State, Nigeria.

1. Introduction

For effective achievement of CSR, the adequate and appropriate provision of recreational facilities necessitates the perception of the process of required strategies and approaches [1]. This influences research, most especially on the stakeholders’ activities towards the achievement of CSR, and beneficiaries of the facilities [2].

Influence to recreational facilities role of a stakeholder stakeholders play their roles by moderating to imagine and visualise optimistic scenes to either cope with problems or establish an ideal situation [3]. They are initiators of programmes, representatives of groups, and in some cases legitimacy enhancers of policies and programmes. They are also participants of government initiative programs, agents to improve collaboration between different interest groups of people, and decision-makers. Stakeholders contribute to all ideas and types of knowledge to deal with uncertainties and unforeseen risks, contributing to the planning process and design frameworks of projects. This skill brings to bear the research of all disciplines and to appropriately determine future events [4]. The implications of the skills and policies in relations to theories are developed for effective usage [5].

Among their roles, is to determine models that serve as a framework for effective management skills to influence high level of management which in turn ease the process of governance [6]. This act of governance is a prominent feature of the multi-stakeholder’s role, and so the processes involve all sector representatives in developing a framework of research [7]. Stakeholder requirements and the expectations of mitigating negative impacts have produced a significant demand over the periods, from the private sectors, social movements, and residents. This requirement is to enhance the development of society [8]. Hjerpe [9] observed that government agents recently do consider the benefits associated with public lands and the need to intensify outdoor recreation development.

Stakeholder’s role, in most cases, does agree on the most preferable and most likely scenarios with some scepticism. This led to a preference of situations, and vice versa towards others is closely linked with land use development [9]. Stakeholders find the spatial land use development of statistical models useful for management in discussing options. It also spurs a group of managers with a capacity for decision making to influence the provision of services, most especially recreational facilities [10].

Another key role is part of stakeholders’ involvement in monitoring and analysing survey data on community perceptions which reflect on the outcomes of the conduct of different professions [11]. The participatory approach is a chance for various stakeholders to provide input into the research process. It is about the contributions of experts with diverse backgrounds (business, policy, and academia) coming together to make an impact [12]. The new practice in stakeholder engagement was during land remediation activities, emphasising strategies overland in Europe [13].

In the area of planning their role is enhanced by involvement in developing and implementing plans that reflect community, goals and socio-economic potentials as well as resource deficiency. This helps stakeholders with scientific knowledge and information about the physical and socio-economic processes of development. It gives the ability to synthesise missing attributes in the process as well as evaluating strategies. The knowledge provides the stakeholders to assess performance concerning determining goal achievement, and ranking strategies considering priorities of having more goals [14].

The provision of the recreational facilities based on hierarchy, with regards to functions, size and distances of each facility, should be reckoned with. The idea of range facility provision can be achieved by the variety of tasks presented by the activity emphasising social principles to be equally accessible to all populace [15]. It is achievable with tactical approach, where recreation facilities are provided with regards to regional, community, and neighbourhood perspectives, considering accessibility, quantity and quality in provision [16]. Hence, the provision of the recreational facilities in terms of hierarchy considers, Community Parks and landscape features; Special Use Parks for single purpose e.g. a swimming pool; Heritage Parks for cultural, historic resource(s); Regional Parks as the preserve natural landscapes; Sports Complexes for high programme athletic fields and support facilities; School Parks and integrate school facilities, special use facilities for the disables; Reserves preserve significant natural, cultural, historic, and scenic resource(s) for buffering and Trails Network [17, 18].

2. Public interest theory

The informed theory being the public interest theory assumes that regulation is formulated to correct various types of market failures and to improve social welfare, as seen in traditional welfare economics. Under this assumption, regulations are constructed by a government with the intention of maximising social welfare, and no other interest groups can intervene in the regulatory process.

The public interest theory believes that guideline is defined to address different kinds of market decline and to improve social welfare, as in economic welfare. Under this supposition, guidelines are developed by an administration with the goal of augmenting social welfare assistance, and no other vested organisations can mediate in the administrative cycle of the provision of welfare [19]. The public interest assumption depends on this cited example that the Public Service outfits commonly entrusted to advance public purposes as premise on constitution are relied upon to fill in as a regulator over government conduct. As the evaluation depends on the public interest theory, that social ideal size increases with an expansion in political rivalry. This is on the grounds that, in conditions of expanded political competitiveness, communities have advantage from the increase of political ideas, which adds to the successful observing of provides being the politicians [20]. Its concept and function differ country by country based on governing ideology of the society. Liberal states usually construe this theory by considering individual orientation and social states by society priority. The concept of public interest and the mechanism to achieve it in law and ethics philosophy in general and in Iranian Constitution is a disputing discussion. We assume that any school construes public interest by its selected ideology in law philosophy and political theory. Likewise, however, the emergence of this concept in governance and the mechanism to use it in society in well devised manner are the products of intellectualism. It is since this era that government has been obliged to purvey the interests of its citizens and nationals.

Summarily, the government regulation is to correct, flawed competition, unfair procedure, lacking processes of provision and adverse results. This is the perspective of justification regulation and to the government as omniscient, omnipotent, and benevolent regulator. Public interest theory explains regulations from viewpoints not restricted. Regulation can improve the allocation efficiency [21]. Where the government produces a good or service, regulation is a critical factor of consideration, whereas the private firm provides the same goods or services within confines and as defined by legislation, and the issue of regulation is also applicable [22, 23]. Hence, the control of the provision of public services with regards to recreational facilities with emphasis on the Greater-Jos.

2.1 Relationship between stakeholders, and the recreational facilities provision

Stakeholder activity is connected to the interaction among stakeholders in creating value for their different goals to be achieved. The identity of a stakeholder is in the process of interrelationships among groups that have a stake in such activities that make up a successful business or influences the development of a system [24]. They can be referred to a group of local agencies as well as operators (private providers) who engage in planning, provision and implementing programmes for the wellbeing of the people which they are part and parcel of the system. The effect is due to policy integration, and to influence the processes in the areas concerned [25, 26]. Though, Individuals as private providers formed a whole system in case of multi-stakeholders, creating grounds for ethical means of generating the required resources for expertise and knowledge. The knowledge is for different stakeholders to deal with issues comprehensively and, to express the strength of the approach for an effective outcome [27]. Thus, the knowledge is connected to a policy framework which usually seeks to meet the criteria of the assessed system scheme to decision-making, and views. The views are credit of stakeholders’ divergent values and beliefs, unbiased, and fair of a judgement of contrary interest [28]. The behaviour of stakeholders with regards to policy is highly infusing, because of time and space that eventually affects the development of the policies. While residents are direct beneficiaries, and their perception invariably influences the development of the policies and strategies [29].

2.2 Organisational involvement of CSR

The managerial perspectives, with regards to CSR performance largely related to stakeholders, government or privately-owned organisation and hence the interest of scholars in exploring the role of CSR in the stakeholders’ activities. Most importantly, accept tasks to accomplish activities resourcefully [30]. Managers use both CSR disclosure and dividends to signal sustainable future performance. Also, the progress and CSR is particularly cherished strategically in term of the sustainability of the organisational performance. For instance in South Asia, CSR is used to enhance performance at early stage of development, in environmental and provision of social aspects of CSR [31].

With regards to contribution towards social and environmental welfare such as the provision of recreational services, stakeholders are conscience to CSR. This informed the essence of CSR activities in improving the economy and social changed [32]. Invariably, the CSR concerns in strategies for provision by organisations through several applications, where the stakeholders’ challenges are optimally taken into consideration, having encouraging effect [33].

Another gain and effect of CSR the role of project financing decisions, as the financial institutions contributes to facilitate the provision of services in the environment. An impact funds on CSR with regards to project provision, and evidently the stakeholders’ concerns [34]. It informs how organisations manage valued variables that brings actions involve supplier selections, aiming at a more dependable performance and the development of projects and services [35].

Socially, much of the CSR assessment shows the inclusion of social and environmental responsibility that is distinct [36]. This is when looked into the study of employee voicing and satisfaction of management [37]. Also in tandem with the study that demonstrates the approaches that include the voices of various community groups [38].

The relationships between CSR and stakeholders, government and private organisations are critical as derived from the reviewed literation influencing managerial competency and strategy, as well as finance and social inclusion in the implementation of projects. This, paved way for this research in the perspective of the CSR in the provision of recreational facilities.

2.3 Methodology

The research adopted the qualitative phase of the study. This is important towards expressing the targeted population and the research questions addressed appropriately regarding the research problem. For this study, seven informants, three stakeholders of private operators and four of the government officials were covered for the qualitative phase because they were the ones that indicated interest and were interviewed. The study participants were well selected for this purpose, as discussed in the next section.

Whilst purposeful sampling is used to obtain information from the specific target, the best position to provide the information required is adequately represented in the study [39, 40]. The face to face technique was adopted, three participants representing the state government and one representing the federal, while one was an employee of a private organisation, the other two were operating on a leased area from the government.

2.3.1 Sampling design

Qualitative sampling is drawn from information factors rather than the number of participants [41, 42]. Elements involved in qualitative sampling: (1) setting the boundaries to define aspects of the subject under investigation within the limit of time and resources, and (2) creating a frame to discover, confirm, and qualify the basic construct on the foundation of study [43]. Purposive sampling was used for this qualitative study (Table 1).

Interviews focused on the following theme ministries, departments and age
Agencies
1	Vision in the provision of recreational facilities
2	Plan for recreation provision
3	Provision and distribution of the recreational facilities so far
4	Meeting the needs of the residents both now and the future
5	Recreational facilities that require more emphasis
6	Issues confronting the goals and expectations of the provision of recreational facilities
7	Role and responsibility of other providers (public and private)
8	Prioritise the locational characteristics for future recreation facilities
9	Any other ideas or comments
Stakeholders and group survey
1	Recreational facilities developed
2	Difficulties associated with recreation facilities
3	Comment on specific facilities needed to be included
4	Comment or ideas to share concerning the provision of recreational facilities
5	Contribution to the issue of the provision of recreational facilities
6	Directions fundamental in the development of new recreational facilities
7	Components of the facility programming (amenities) that you would like to see altered
8	Recommendation for next few years [5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] years,
9	Any other ideas or comments

Table 1.

Interview outlines.

(Source: Researcher, 2019)

2.3.2 Data collection

The interviews were conducted between 1st and 15th March 2019. The informants explained the scope of their work as well as the objectives and strategies implemented by their organisation in the public participation process. They were into two categories, the Ministries Departments and Agencies and, the stakeholders being the private providers/operators. The interviews were recorded by a recorder and each lasted between 40 min and 120 min. Most of the interviews were held at the interviewee’s office. The interviews were in English. However, the themes of the interviews were generally the same concerning the provision of recreational facilities according to their operational capacity, because all the interviews followed a list of issues decided by the researcher as can be referred to inTable 1.

2.3.3 Data analysis

The interview data analysis used a framework technique developed for applied Policy research [40]. A framework technique involves a systematic process with five stages of data analysis.

2.3.3.1 Familiarisation

In this process, all recorded interviews were transcribed into data transcripts. The interview tape was listened to more than once to ensure the validity of the transcripts and was saved on the computer. The transcripts were sent to the interviewees for comment to ensure they had been interpreted correctly. All interviewees agreed with the interpretation of their satisfaction. Then, all essential ideas and recurrent themes from interviews were placed on a list and were later used at the thematic framework stage [40].

2.3.3.2 Identifying a thematic framework

The thematic framework was developed from the transcribing and text reading during the familiarisation stage. It is the first version of the indexing process; all themes come from prior and emergent issues raised by the researcher and the respondents. This stage is important for ensuring that the research questions are fully addressed [28].

The thematic network is adopted which was informed by the processes of document sorting, quotation, coding and group coding, which themes by linking the associate codes. The validation is affected by groundedness and linkages, where the strength of linkages is determined by the number and appearance of codes from the number of quotations derived from the documents. The explanations thus;

Documents: This represented the data that were inserted into the software atlas ti for the project as text. Each document at entry point receives a successive number preceded by the letter D.

Quotations: quotations are selected parts of data, which the researcher deemed important for analysis, hence facilitated the coding.

Codes: codes integrate the data contained in a set of similar quotations. The code interprets information in more detail and also to summarise the data coded from each code.

Code Groups: groups indicate the group of information from codes forming codes group serving as theme. It can also be created based on content that has been coded.

Networks: this is the visualise of the links that have been created during the process of coding, which also incorporates some analytic functions as associates linking code groups or code, and expressed ability of importing neighbouring or co-occurring data.

Data Export: the processed information informed of network and the validation table were exported to text files for the report.

2.3.3.3 Indexing

At the indexing stage, now known as coding, the thematic framework was applied to data systematically by annotating the transcripts with numerical codes from indexing and supported by short text descriptors to elaborate index headings. The qualitative software Atlas ti. 8 was used for all indexing work. The transcript data also can be managed easily and systematically.

2.3.3.4 Grouping and networking

The grouping and networking stage is used to develop a visualisation of data by considering the familiarity of themes. During this process, the transcribed data was reorganised with the right theme references. Grouping and networking are setup with headings and subheadings in two ways: (1) thematic framework and (2) research consideration. After considering the research aims and questions, the arrangement of grouping was chosen to be thematic because of its ability to link characteristics of each case in the same order and make review easier.

2.4 Results

2.4.1 Plan for recreational facilities

The participants’ knowledge on the issues of policy, strategies, and proffers possible solutions to the provision of recreational facilities in Greater Jos. This section presents the finding regarding stakeholders’ involvement across the Greater Jos. The study evaluates the stakeholders’ involvement and gives a brief situation of the activities, which include initiation of plans, role of agencies and budgetary provision. The validity though with high response linkages does have great effect as presented in Table 1. Referring to Table 1, it shows that recreational facilities provision cannot be adequate without synergy among the stakeholders in the Greater Jos.

2.4.2 Vision established

Vision for the provision of recreational facilities is highly important because whatever concept that the Greater Jos Master Plan gives is leveraged to have a well let out recreational facilities. The master plan was supposed to contain where the vision lies principally. The model sectors, which were contained in the proposal for the provision of the facilities, are expected to be provided to standard. This entails the neighbourhoods and types of recreational facilities therein.

2.4.3 Master plan

The provision for the recreation facilities is a long-term plan because it is set out for 25 years in the Greater Jos Master Plan, which unfortunately is due for review and is yet to pass into law. Implementing it would be an ideal thing that spelt out in the sector types and hierarchy.

JMDB deliberately identified locations mostly in line with the master plan where they deem fit within existing settlements for government to acquire and, then provide some of the facilities so that neighbourhoods will have facilities for children and adults. The aim of the provision cannot be achieved when the government is lacklustre in this regard. The Director of Planning government agency (JMDB) (Informant 1) indicated that:

“Other African countries have gone a long way and, most of the high-end revenue is from that aspect, but ours not doing we’re not into tourism. They just pay lip service and, that’s all so whether you draw out a goal and objectives is all to rubbishness, because nobody will even do anything with it. But, hoping that it will have a listening government and then, they will provide money”.

The agencies of government do regularly write reminders informing the authorities about the need for the provision of the facilities but to no avail. The acceptance of the plan for the provision and funding lies in the hands of the authority. Plan for Future Provision: The plan depends on the legislation on the Greater Jos Master Plan with regards to how well it serves demographic, appropriateness with regards to assembly and evaluation of existing facilities. It is expected that when this law comes into effect and, the government considers it, then it will achieve its purpose. At the moment, there are no other active plans. The Director of Sports government agency (PSMOS) (Informant 4) indicated that:

“There was a proposal to host international camping group who at the age bracket of 18 to 25, it recorded low patronage because the information was not well disseminated and as well as the insecurity contribute”.

The plan from the agencies and organisations with projects for recreation are targeting a long-term strategy that is social and economically viable. The Director of Planning government agency (JMDB) (Informant 1) indicated that:

“There's one at Shere hills which they showed interest, then the Marraraba side. They also wanted to go further to the Inland, but the present government didn't show interest. ABC shelters was a foreign company involving Americans, Indians and some Asians that showed interest”.

Plateau State entirely is blessed with good weather like that of Europe, where the natural potentials for recreation need can be harnessed. Considering this opportunity into reality, Greater Jos will stand out in Africa, but for the commitment of the government to provide funds for this long-time project. Furthermore, the available facilities are in the core city of the State instead of spreading to the grassroots.

2.5 Policy implementation

New recreational facilities are needed as found elsewhere like in the developed world. Hence, the need for the facility with advance technology. A lot of the facilities need to be updated and carried out in piecemeal fashion, considering water, electricity supply and, land space which are challenging. A projection of 5–10 years was considered, mindful of the world being dynamic, which warrant an update of technological changes. The Director of Planning government agency (JMDB) (Informant 1) indicated that:

“For Greater Jos Master Plan we picked some areas and wanted them to Implement. But funding was not there, and so we could not do anything”.

Major projects were thwarted because of the shortage of fund, like the sporting arena, the new Zaria road stadium not being completed. The idea of the construction of the stadium was to host many activities, both locally and internationally.

2.6 Stakeholder participation

The stakeholders do participate in facilitating the provision of the facilities, at times being part of a team of a committee to work on some recreational activities included in the plan. Some engage in organising outdoor recreational activities and, places where people occasionally come for 30 days, come for weddings, picnics and trying to grow the business through the stage to stage. A private operator/manager (Yelwa Club) (Informant 7) indicated his view:

“In fact, if need be either as a stakeholder in that plan. Oh as a personal developer. I wish to develop a recreational facility that will attract visitors to such a centre.”

"Well, I have personally run a recreational centre as a government worker for about 14 years, and that is the international tourism centre. So I'm highly experienced if I'm opportunity to run a personal one. I think I'll be able to meet up with the immediate requirement by the clients of the beneficiaries of such recreational centre".

“Using it, maybe I could manage it till March- April but all the people around me. They come to fetch the water. Sometimes they even fetch in the early hours of the morning before I come and I end up not getting any water. So I've dug three wells, but I'm getting small from one”.

Among the problems face by the stakeholders are space for those recreational activities, for instance, distance should also be considered so that people living in Zaria road need not come to Wildlife Park for events. This brought about doing activities in unconventional ways, atimes in schools, which does not all go well for such events.

2.7 Government participation

The government are to come to the aid of individuals who are making a frantic effort in this line of business by partnering together. It’s a dare needed synergy to boost the provision of recreational facilities. This is significant hence, geared towards job creation and promotes tourism which brings a lot of Economic Development. A Director of Planning government agency (PSMLS & TP) (Informant 2) indicated his view. She stated that:

“Government has not deliberately made provision especially within the neighbourhoods, so you will likely see the city growing without the recreational facilities within the neighbourhoods”.

The vision, as it has been captured in the master plan, needs to be sustained. The intention is for the agencies to deliberately identify locations mostly in line with the master plan and, within the existing settlements where the government can acquire and then provide some of the facilities. By this, the expected spread of facilities would easily be done if the neighbourhood is provided with the facilities for children and adults.

The quantity is grossly inadequate, though the existing ones are serving a great purpose, most notably the forgiveness centre which started as Faith Mediation Centre has been taken over by the Peace Building Agency. The framework for the management is said to be in process.

2.8 Fund capital

The prospective operators hardly secure loan to develop the space for the recreation, for the fact that most of the recreational facilities are capital intensive. The reason for applying for a bank facility or a loan elsewhere is for the business to grow, but the banks hardly support such ideas of a project. The main problem is the funding; lack of finance crippled the efforts in the provision and operation of recreational facilities. For instance, the main bowl of the stadium, the roofing of the stadium is yet to be completed. Issues confronting the provision of recreational facilities are funding, hence affecting the operation of the existing facilities. A Director of Planning government agency (PSMLS & TP) (Informant 2) indicated his view. He stated that:

"For Greater Jos Master Plan we picked some areas and wanted them…. What funding was not there, and so we could do anything".

Also, the issues of maintenance which requires funding usually come from government. Sometimes it is not forthcoming, while sometimes it would not be regular and sometimes nothing throughout the year. This necessitated the undergrowth of the provision and the operators incapacitated, which affects patronage and participation in the recreational activities. The visitor faced with disappointment in terms of choice and dilapidation of the available facilities.

2.9 Promote tourism development

Private sectors are partners in progress with government and, there should be parks whereby visitors from outside the countries and within the States could come for holidays, but none now.

2.9.1 Foreign investors

An investor known as ABC Shelters (a foreign company involving Americans, Indians, and some Asians) came with a laudable presentation to the government for the operation of some recreational facilities, as the Kura falls to the National tourism site. Also interested in Genco one, then Genco two, Genco three and the generating plants which are potential tourism areas, but to be developed.

There is another site at Shere-hills which they also showed interest, together with that of Marraraba Jama’a side. The intention was to further the space to the Inland, but the present government do not show interest in the investment, and so the effort was thwarted.

2.10 Recreation provisions

Meeting the standard expectations suitable for providing recreational facilities is the focus here. Inadequate Provision: Issues confronting the provision of recreational facilities is funding, and it is a hindrance for the personnel to manage the recreation centres. The Director of Planning government agency (JMDB) (Informant 1) indicated that:

“The provision, the available ones are not enough. A big city like Jos needs more recreational areas because sooner than later like immediately before the rainy season comes you start seeing events coming and most of the events. You will find out that they are not enough to contain all these”.

Considering the different activities like the passive and active recreation are lacking presently, with only one stadium and the new one is still under construction is a pathetic situation. Thus, compensation of the land has not been done, and the landowners are on the neck of the government to pay them, or they would take over their land.

The Wildlife Park and Zoo belonging to the state and federal governments respectively are being run by the governments and so the lackadaisical behaviour in managing the facilities. This is the reason private individuals having the interest to develop them and would make provision of all sorts of animal available. It is coupled with the fact that the existing facilities that government provided are grossly inadequate, and only the inherited ones over the years are available. Government has not deliberately made provision especially within the neighbourhoods and, with the pace of development.

The agency (JMDB) deliberately identified the areas to get space for the government to acquire, if not individuals may find it very difficult to acquire space in such areas. There has to be a budget because, largely, there is over-concentration of the facilities within the central areas to the detriment of the neighbourhood and, the available ones are not to the required standard. The Director of Planning government agency (JMDB) (Informant 1) indicated that:

So, in most cases, there are difficulties that are associated with developing recreational facilities and most of which are issues of security and roads network, while some are the issues of the provision of electricity, and most especially in this modern poor or no internet facilities and insufficient network coverage. So some visitors will be scared of moving to such places. So, these are some of the difficulties associated with recreational facilities in certain areas.

2.10.1 Insecurity issue

Insecurity is a serious issue in Greater Jos which hampered development of all sorts, hence affecting the provision of the recreational activities. The incessant tribal and farmers-herders attack marred recreational activates so seriously. The whole town need to be secured, where both young and old will be safe and have a sense of belonging to participate in activities that will rejuvenate their spirits. The unending killings in Jos scares-off investors and visitors that would like to go out to enjoy the recreational facilities. The crises led to the establishment of the Peace Building Agency. The Director of Sports government agency (PSMOS) (Informant 4) indicated that:

“And also, another thing is that issue of insecurity in such areas. Sometimes the influx of visitors or beneficiaries will be low because they are scared of the area”.

A proposal to host international camping group age bracket of 18–25, recorded low patronage, reason that it was affected by the incessant ethnoreligious crises, which led to the stoppage of hosting the camp up till date.

2.11 Need new technology

The dynamic of the world goes with changes and taste, events also change, and so individuals recommend the elimination of the obsolete facilities in the system. Hence, the projection for an update for technological changes proposed for the next 5–10 years. Also, there is hope that as time goes by the system would be up and doing. The Director of Planning government agency (JMDB) (Informant 1) indicated that:

“Well, as time goes on, some are not in good shape should be removed so that it would be part of the plan”.

There is the quest for new recreational facilities of all kinds as can be seen elsewhere like in the developed world. There is the need to advance a lot of facilities which the agencies are planning to achieve in a piecemeal, as well as developing gradually other facilitating services like water and land which are challenging issues. It would be easier to attract visitors from all walks of life to participate and patronise social, recreational facilities wherever it is located.

2.11.1 The problem of compensation

There was a plan for modern golf courses and recreational areas within the Greater Jos, but up till date, compensation has not been paid, and the company that was to carry on the work is still waiting for the conclusion of the deal. The previous government had agreed and signed MOU, but when the new government came on board, there is laxity to continue with the agreement and, so the project left hanging.

2.12 Thematic and validity

The thematic network (Figure 1) is the visual presentation of this variable which shows flow, connections and understanding of each of the attributes as presented in the text. Table 2 focuses on the validation of the findings, more so that, the genuineness of any research is the validation of the main findings. It expresses the novelties and contributions to the body of knowledge in the research by considering the criteria of a qualitative approach. It substantially contributed to the study in assessing the plan for recreational facilities with elements of funding, government participation, Master Plan, policy implementation, promote tourism development, recreational provisions, stakeholder participation, vision established and visitor’s response. By rating the provision of recreational facilities provisions, it tends to have the highest occurrence of 34 times contributory factor based on the number of appearances (grounded), while stakeholder’s participation has the highest attributes in terms of linkages (density). It is worthy to note that other variables that do not make substantive contrition were deleted, while others of the same category were merged to make a significant effect.

Figure 1.

Thematic network of plan for recreation.

Table 2.

Validation of recreational plan data.

3. Discussion

Cavnar et al. [44] asserted that the quality of recreational facilities helps to create involvement in recreational activities in developed areas. Abdullah and Mohamad [45] also asserted that the quality of recreational facilities appeals to individuals to utilise them. Concerning the benefits of recreational facilities, the findings inferred those recreational facilities were of great significance to the social life of the residents. A similar research by Eigenschenk et al. [46] found that recreational facilities, most especially those related with outdoor recreation, have a high impact on the social life of a community. In addition to appropriateness [47] argued further that recreational areas are valued more for their benefits than for any other social environmental benefits, most especially the greens. With regards to the stakeholder’s involvement Table 2 shows the facilities depicting high proportion being privately owned and run at small scale with the few owned and by the agencies of the government are run at higher (Complex) level. This finding is liking to that of [48] who provided the impact of the stakeholders on the provision of recreational facilities in a community in terms of social integration. This involves and informs the appropriate stakeholders and decision makers in Salzburg that are already in the conceptual stage and contribute to the citizens’ quality of life. In the same vein the study of [49] showed how knowledge, skills and values from other field of disciplines and active research are brought forth towards advancing the decision-making process in sports and recreational provisions. This involves the stakeholders in taken ownership of the plan outcome, which is different with the system in the Greater Jos where decision emanate from the government being the politicians. Therefore, the governments need to look beyond policies but lead in the provision of recreational facilities to meeting the need of the communities of the Greater Jos that now expands progressively from the core city of the two-local government of Jos-North and Jos-South to the other four local governments that now make up the Greater Jos.

This aim of the provision cannot be achieved when the government is lacklustre in this regard. This agrees with the findings of [50]. Their findings provide helpful information for planning in order to ensure an adequate recreational facility provision and, to eliminate environmental inequalities in Germany. They identified inequalities in the provision of the recreational facilities across German major cities and, relating that to the statistical analysis of the socio-economic background of households and individuals shows the differences in the provision to the income, age, education, and children.

The finding from the study identified weak government participation in the provision of recreational facilities which resulted to the inadequate number to meet the ever increase population and spatial spread. The government responsibility through the agencies are funding and provision of space and management. The finding from [51] figure out that there is a gross deficiency of recreational facilities which has denied urban dwellers from participating actively in recreational activities, hence, affecting the liveability of the city. This informed the recommendation for the establishment of an agency that takes on development and management of recreational facilities in the city. Thus, the need to set aside politics and ensure the radical intervention within the Greater Jos by politicians being the heads of the government to ensure proper policy implementation. Thus, complement the efforts of the private operators in the provision of capital, since the provision is capital intensive. This is similar also to [52]. He asserts that state and non-profits funds tend to favour middle-income communities and fail to equalise spending. Therefore, the suburbs with large minority populations, and low-income suffer from disadvantage of low expenditure. Government intervention in increased localization of service provision high distribution of resources for parks and recreation, for local populations as well. This disagrees with the findings of [53] whose statistical analysis indicated rejection of the hypothesis of proximity principle to recreational facility, contradicting the internationally accepted theory of paying more for visiting and using the facility when it is of distance, but that residents are willing to pay more for such facility in close proximity.

3.1 Practical implications

Though, the qualitative findings showed the weaknesses of the provision with regards to accessibility relating it to the immeasurable provision in consonant with the rate of development. This shows the bridge in the implementation of the policy and strategy as enshrined in the previous plans. Despite that, the benefit is the reformulation of policy and strategy from part of the solutions rendered by the informants. This is in view of developing synergy between the government and stakeholders in a bit to encourage the government to aid individuals and organisations to access funds and space with other basic facilities like water, electricity, good roads, and security.

3.2 Relevance to public interest theory

The public interest theory as discussed is based on assumption that, regulations are made by a government with the aim of taking full advantage of social welfare, and in this case in recreation activities. Here the provision of recreational facilities is dependent on the regulated provision of the facilities to meeting the desire of the participant. The recreational facilities are the same as any resource and said to be scarce in nature as well as being insufficient in provision. The resultant effects are the inadequacy in the provision to population threshold, appropriateness, and location.

Secondly, this study substantiates the claims of adherence to policy of the resources as one of the essential constructs as supported by [54] where provision of recreational facilities is dependent on policy regulation, hence the adequate provision. This is also to support the framework that stakeholders, private providers and agencies are also a determinant to the provision of recreational facilities, hence, the Corporate Social Responsibility.

3.3 Study strengths

Thirdly, the study provides valuable knowledge and suggestions on the stakeholders’ involvement in view of the provision of recreational facilities. The stakeholders have a stake in the provision of the recreational facilities judging by the support of the empirical analysis, and which concerns both private and the MDAs. The information gathered from the interview reveals the role played by both, though on different level the circumstances are basically the same. The government agencies would find this study as essential means of information to apply for the way forward in the provision of recreational facilities, among such information is the support for the private providers to secure fund/capital to make easier the provision of the facilities, the management of the government owned recreational facilities be intensified to over-weigh the excessiveness of the operations of the private recreational to making profit, planning ahead to dealing with the incessant conversion of other land uses for recreational purposes, emphasis on bringing budget to reality that facilitates land compensation and obtaining sophisticated recreational equipment equating to the contemporary statuses. and, to be a determinant and a force to relating to the government through the agencies the challenges from the perspective of the users and atmosphere for operation considering essential services that complement the provision of the recreational facilities.

3.4 Limitations of the study and suggestions for further research

This section focuses on the research limitations and suggestions for further studies. Even though the current study serves various insightful findings empirically, the study is without limitations. This, which future scholars can embrace for critical examination and to enhance further work.

First, this study only focused on the provision (distribution) of recreational facilities in the Greater Jos and conducted a face-to-face interview for seven informants and. Therefore, further studies should investigate critically each facility with their attendant facilities with regards to residents’ demand assessment within the Greater Jos. Also, face-to-face interviews could be conducted in future research regarding more of the private operators (enterprises) that may convincingly and willingly to be interviewed for result so that the operations of the private providers views with regards to their contributions and challenges (funding facility) can be understood flawlessly. Furthermore, there are other issues in the context of provision that should be investigated but not covered by this study, for example, the identification of the potential recreational centres, the natural and historic sites available across the Greater Jos, and hence the need for future research to investigate the management of the MDAs of the state and federal by comparing their responsibilities in CSR in the Greater Jos and also the modification to critically examine the study with focus on the demand for further empirical analysis for validation purpose CSR.

4. Conclusion

Therefore, this study will be of benefit for the government and other private providers to consider as a current document for use to correcting the inadequacies of the practice and non-adherence to the policies with regards to the provision of recreational facilities in the Greater Jos. The synergy between the two would help immensely in reformulation of policy and strategy and, charting the way forward as a checkmate to the effective provision of the recreational facilities as CSR.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to extend their appreciation to the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia for their Fundamental Research Grant Scheme [Grant No. FRGS/1/2018/SS06/USM/01/1], without which this study and paper would not have been possible.