Solutions for SMEs challenged by CSR: a multiple cases approach in the food industry within the DACH-Region
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Author (Corporation)
Publication date
2019
Typ of student thesis
Course of study
Collections
Type
01A - Journal article
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Parent work
Sustainability
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DOI of the original publication
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Volume
11
Issue / Number
17
Pages / Duration
4758
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Publisher / Publishing institution
MDPI
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Basel
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Abstract
Antecedent research has recognized a difference in the participation in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices between big companies and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Certain characteristics of SMEs create challenges which influence the manner with which they treat the CSR topic. However, literature has failed to provide solutions as to how these challenges can successfully be overcome or avoided by SMEs. In an attempt to contribute to these solutions, this paper explores the reasons why some SMEs face challenges as well as how such problems can be mastered. Furthermore, this article provides input that could encourage more SMEs to incorporate CSR practices into their business strategies. The research follows a qualitative approach; data being collected in 2018 through a total of 12 interviews with managers of SMEs in the food industry within the DACH-region as well as with experts in the field of study. The paper reveals that if the managers and owners of SMEs become committed towards CSR and if sufficient resources are allocated and advice on how to implement CSR is obtained, the opportunity certainly exists to persuade larger numbers of SMEs to adopt CSR practices as a core company strategy.
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ISBN
ISSN
2071-1050
Language
English
Created during FHNW affiliation
Yes
Strategic action fields FHNW
Publication status
Published
Review
Peer review of the complete publication
Open access category
Gold
License
Citation
Elford, . C., & Daub, C.-H. (2019). Solutions for SMEs challenged by CSR: a multiple cases approach in the food industry within the DACH-Region. Sustainability, 11(17), 4758. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11174758