SMEs and corporate social responsibility. The perspective from Spanish companies

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.corporate social responsibility; CSR evaluation; performance; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; sustainability; sustainable economy; Spain; sustainable development.