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Solutions for SMEs Challenged by CSR: A Multiple Cases Approach in the Food Industry within the DACH-Region

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  • Angélique Catharina Elford

    (School of Business, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Riggenbachstrasse 16, 4600 Olten, Switzerland)

  • Claus-Heinrich Daub

    (Institute of Management, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Bahnhofstrasse 6, 5210 Windisch, Switzerland)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Angélique Catharina Elford & Claus-Heinrich Daub, 2019. "Solutions for SMEs Challenged by CSR: A Multiple Cases Approach in the Food Industry within the DACH-Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-31, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:17:p:4758-:d:262659
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Lance Wentzel & Julius Ayodeji Fapohunda & Rainer Haldenwang, 2023. "A Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Model to Achieve Sustainable Business Performance (SBP) of SMEs in the South African Construction Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-28, June.
    4. Concetta Nazzaro & Marcello Stanco & Giuseppe Marotta, 2020. "The Life Cycle of Corporate Social Responsibility in Agri-Food: Value Creation Models," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-18, February.
    5. Cosmina Lelia Voinea & Marcel Logger & Fawad Rauf & Nadine Roijakkers, 2019. "Drivers for Sustainable Business Models in Start-Ups: Multiple Case Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-25, December.

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