Social responsibility in Small and Medium Enterprises: a study on Social Economy enterprises in Asturias

Abstract

This research analyses the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities undertaken by a sample of Social Economy enterprises in their relationships with clients, suppliers and society at large. The study seeks to provide empirical evidence regarding the actual social commitment of this particular type of organisations in the most visible area of CSR, which concerns the interactions with the external agents involved in the firm’s activities. Sample firms are also characterised by their low number of workers, which allows substantiation of the diversity and intensity of the CSR initiatives developed by the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The study also addresses the firms’ motivation in initiating CSR endeavours and their vision in the debate regarding the role of Governments in the development of business ethics. Results indicate that the firms analysed, taking into account their limited resources, make an important effort in the CSR area, and not exclusively driven by obtaining financial benefits. In fact, firms understand CSR as a result of a voluntary will to improve society which extends beyond the statutory obligation to comply with legislation; accordingly, further regulation is not deemed essential in this area.