The Political Economy of the Oil Industry in the Mena Region: The Case of Anglo Iranian Oil Company (AIoc)

This study explores the intricate relationship between politics, economy, and social communication within the oil sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with a specific focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It scrutinizes how the Anglo Iranian Oil Company (AIOC) handled the complexities of staff-related disclosures in their operations. Through the lens of political economy theory, the investigation unpacks the strategies AIOC employed to sustain societal approval and present their operations in a positive manner. Furthermore, the study probes into political-influenced narrative disclosures from AIOC's chairman and various political diplomats. It analyzes the potential usage of these disclosures as a strategic tool to safeguard and augment AIOC's political and economic dominance, particularly in relation to their competitive standing in Iran. Utilizing a theoretical framework rooted in political economy theory, it highlights disclosure patterns aligning with AIOC's policy and strategy to sustain shareholder trust. The research aims to cast light on employee-related press disclosures and the AIOC chairman’s statement. It seeks to discern whether these disclosures provide fact-based data that align with the critical realism viewpoint, or if they are components of a strategic "game" designed to preserve shareholder confidence.