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Exploring the relationship between CSR and innovation: A comparison between small and largesized French companies

Author

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  • Rachel Bocquet

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

  • Caroline Danièle Mothe

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

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and innovation and seeks to identify potential specificities related to small-sized companies. We analyze the complementarities between stakeholder and social capital theories on the one hand, and strategic management and evolutionary theories on the other hand, in order to determine whether and how CSR practices can lead to technological innovation. Seven French case studies show that, contrary to theoretical predictions, large companies are not the only ones that can create value through innovation driven by strategic (and formal) CSR. Indeed, small companies can also introduce radical innovation based on their CSR involvement.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel Bocquet & Caroline Danièle Mothe, 2011. "Exploring the relationship between CSR and innovation: A comparison between small and largesized French companies," Post-Print hal-00919326, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-00919326
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-00919326
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Suyun Chen & Yu Ji, 2022. "Do Corporate Social Responsibility Categories Distinctly Influence Innovation? A Resource-Based Theory Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-25, March.
    3. Saiz Álvarez, José Manuel & Mendoza Macías, Marlene Mariluz, 2015. "Innovación y creatividad como motores de desarrollo y RSC. El caso de las empresas de Guayaquil (Ecuador) [Innovation and Creativity as Engines for Development and CSR. The case of firms in Guayaqu," MPRA Paper 86611, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. Véronique Bon & Alain Lacroux & Pierre Teller & Corinne van Der Yeught, 2012. "Les pratiques de développement durable et de RSE en région PACA : la spécificité des petites entreprises en question," Post-Print hal-00689826, HAL.
    5. Ferauge Perrine, 2013. "The Complementarity Of Corporate Social Responsibility And Innovation: Evidence From Belgian Firms," Global Journal of Business Research, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 7(5), pages 99-113.
    6. Jaroslav Belas & Gentjan Çera & Jan Dvorský & Martin Čepel, 2021. "Corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(2), pages 721-730, March.
    7. Gizem ARAS BEGER, 2024. "How Competing Institutional Logics Affect Corporate Social Responsibility Benefits: the Mediating Role of Paradox Mindset and Multi-Stakeholders," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(1), pages 1913-1951, March.
    8. Chkir, Imed & El Haj Hassan, Boushra & Rjiba, Hatem & Saadi, Samir, 2021. "Does corporate social responsibility influence corporate innovation? International evidence," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 46(C).
    9. Nur Faliza, 2016. "CSR and Islamic Banking Performance in Aceh: The Role of Innovation as Mediation ," GATR Journals jmmr116, Global Academy of Training and Research (GATR) Enterprise.
    10. Subhan Ullah & Di Sun, 2021. "Corporate social responsibility corporate innovation: A cross‐country study of developing countries," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(3), pages 1066-1077, May.

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