Corporate Social Responsibility in Small and Medium Enterprises Context

Abstract

The aim of the thesis is to understand drivers or factors that move SMEs towards the adoption of procedures in the frame of Corporate Social Responsibility. Specifically, the dissertation consists of three main parts: the first one explores the theoretical framework behind CSR, with a literature review that lead to a definition of what is CSR. Starting from that, we focus on CSR within SMEs perspective, trying to understand the different scope of actions between these enterprises and the bigger ones. Moreover, we search why could be important to adopt CSR initiatives even in a small-medium context, both from a strategic and a personal standpoint. The second part analyses the drivers of CSR and besides, what are the obstacles that preclude SMEs to follow CSR. Starting from the Green Paper of EU Commission we identify two main categories of factors that influence the choice of pursuing CSR programs: external drivers, related to the context in which the enterprise operates (local communities pressure, partners suppliers, Human rights, legislative standards, fiscal benefits..), and internal drivers, related to personal beliefs (responsible human resource management, health and safety in work environment, awareness of environmental impacts).The third part details how SMEs implement CSR processes. Elaborates and summarizes the different tools that stakeholders can apply to adopt CSR Programs and strategic initiatives: using innovation, through HR Management, using certifications such as SA8000, through Government Policy, through private associations. These premises could lead to an analysis of a real business case that could represent what written across the essay, identifying one or two example of CSR program adopted by a SME.