Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in smaller enterprises: A comparison between micro and small businesses' perceptions of the importance and implications of CSR

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is used in the Edinburgh SME sector and its implications on employee job satisfaction and business survival. Methodology: Semi-quantitative questionnaire was used to collect data from micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Edinburgh. Data was collected through both email and personal distribution using snowball sampling and convenience sampling methods. The results represent the views of 36 SMEs from the City of Edinburgh, Scotland. Findings: Small businesses were more conscious about survival due to having a more strict control of their finance as well as showing a higher general awareness towards the concept of corporate social responsibility. In contrast, micro businesses were less reluctant to spend money on employee related activities but they were also less aware of the benefits of CSR which partially contradicts with the literature review. From the research project, an important theory to take away was offered by Ward and Smith (2006) who argued that CSR is not a one size fits all agenda. Practical Implications: This research explored one of the most recent topics in corporate social responsibility (CSR). The relationship between HRM and CSR has received small attention, especially in the SME sector. Originality/value: This dissertation project explored a new topic that has little or no research at all focusing on the implications in Edinburgh, Scotland.ba_busmanunpub2094_ethesesunpu