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SMEs and corporate social responsibility. The perspective from Spanish companies

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Jesus Munoz-Torres
  • Maria Angeles Fernandez-Izquierdo
  • Luisa Nieto-Soria
  • Juana Maria Rivera-Lirio
  • Elena Escrig-Olmedo
  • Raul Leon-Soriano

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be understood as an instrument for the application of sustainability in business activity. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have participated less in the development of CSR management than large corporations. However, many of these companies recognise that they are accountable for much of their impact, and they also perform actions that could be considered as CSR. This article presents the main findings of a study developed for SMEs with respect to their CSR practices and policies. The sample comprises companies located in a highly industrialised area of Valencia region, Spain. A general evaluation of these companies was made in terms of CSR practices and policies. Key aspects were identified that could easily be included in their strategy to improve sustainability performance. Results show that these companies are at an incipient stage of CSR strategy development and that the concept of CSR is not clearly understood.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Jesus Munoz-Torres & Maria Angeles Fernandez-Izquierdo & Luisa Nieto-Soria & Juana Maria Rivera-Lirio & Elena Escrig-Olmedo & Raul Leon-Soriano, 2009. "SMEs and corporate social responsibility. The perspective from Spanish companies," International Journal of Sustainable Economy, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 1(3), pages 270-288.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijsuse:v:1:y:2009:i:3:p:270-288
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Back, Paula Regina, 2019. "On the relationship between corporate social responsibility and competitive performance in Brazilian Small and Medium Enterprises - empirical evidence from a stakeholders’ perspective," Thesis Commons bdumw, Center for Open Science.
    2. Edward T. Vieira, Jr. & Susan Grantham & Susan D. Sampson, 2021. "Corporate Social Responsibility and Its Reporting From a Management Control System Perspective," Managing Global Transitions, University of Primorska, Faculty of Management Koper, vol. 19(2 (Summer), pages 127-144.

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