Size Matters A Cross-sectional Study of CSR Practices in 10 Swedish SMEs

Abstract

Traditionally, small and medium sized companies (SMEs) have not been as closely identified with corporate social responsibility (CSR) as large corporations (LEs) have. LEs and their CSR activities have received a lot of attention, but less emphasis has been paid to the potential barriers to CSR adoption in SMEs. 99.9 percent of all companies in Sweden are SMEs and therefore more research is necessary. Previous studies have made important discoveries but are limited in quantity. The aim of this paper was to gain a better understanding of how different Swedish SMEs practice CSR, and what obstacles they may face. In order to achieve the purpose, a cross-sectional study with semi-structured interviews with ten different Swedish SMEs was conducted. The results were compared to theories, models, and previous research. In conclusion, the study’s results largely correspond to previous research, but with a few exceptions. There is a correlation between companies’ size and to what extent CSR is practiced, and the main obstacles to exert CSR are shortage of resources in the shape of knowledge, human and financial capital.