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Strategic CSR for innovation in SMEs: Does diversity matter?

Author

Listed:
  • Rachel Bocquet

    (IREGE - Institut de Recherche en Gestion et en Economie - USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry] - Université Savoie Mont Blanc)

  • Christian Le Bas

    (ESDES - ESDES, Lyon Business School - UCLy - UCLy - UCLy (Lyon Catholic University))

  • Caroline Danièle Mothe

    (IREGE - Institut de Recherche en Gestion et en Economie - USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry] - Université Savoie Mont Blanc)

  • Nicolas Poussing

    (LISER - Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research)

Abstract

Both corporate social responsibility and diversity influence firms' innovation, yet their relationship and links to innovation remain uncertain, especially among small to medium-sized enterprises. Relying on strategic and institutional CSR perspectives and a value-in-diversity approach, this study examines the mediating roles of gender and nationality diversity on the CSR–innovation link at the organizational level. With a sample of 1,348 SMEs from Luxembourg, the results show that strategic CSR can promote both types of diversity, but only nationality diversity triggers technological innovation. Nationality diversity emerges as a partial mediator of the relationship between CSR and SMEs' technological innovation. Thus, strategic CSR, through the genuine pursuit of such diversity, can help SMEs attain positive returns on their product or process innovation. These results have important theoretical and managerial implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel Bocquet & Christian Le Bas & Caroline Danièle Mothe & Nicolas Poussing, 2019. "Strategic CSR for innovation in SMEs: Does diversity matter?," Post-Print hal-02380559, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-02380559
    DOI: 10.1016/j.lrp.2019.101913
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-02380559
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    Keywords

    diversity; gender; innovation; nationality; strategic CSR; responsive CSR;
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