Nattavud Pimpa - School of Management, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University), Australia

Most multinational corporations (MNCs) are engaging in various roles in poverty alleviation programs and projects that aim to improve the well-being of low-income groups and the socially excluded. This paper explores managerial perspectives on poverty alleviation from MNCs and other stakeholders in international business in Lao PDR andThailand. By interviewing CSR managers from six organisations, the results show that contributions by MNCs in the form of economic, health, and educational development require support from regulatory and community stakeholders in the host countries. Several other factors, however, promote unsustainable, fragmented and disengagement practices among stakeholders in business and community. This study suggests that MNCs and stakeholders in international business should focus on preventive strategies to mitigate chronic poverty in the host countries

International Business, Poverty Alleviation, Sustainability, CSR