Abstract
Our paper analyses the link between the adoption of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and competitiveness performance among small and medium enterprises operating in the fashion industry. The study refers to a sample of 213 SMEs (Small and Medium sized Enterprises) located in Italy and France and is based on a correlation analysis between competitiveness variables and the CSR practice adopted. The results show a significant correlation with regard to the innovation process, both from the technical and the organizational point of view, and the intangible performances. On the other hand, another competitiveness macro-category, which is the market performance (measured as demand trend, turnover and business attraction), presents deceptive results, although a positive correlation with the adoption of market-oriented CSR practice emerges. The study is explorative and represents a relevant basis to future studies concerning the nature of the emerged co-relations.
Highlights
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) represents one of the theoretical frameworks aimed at clarifying the role of business in society [1,2,3,4]
We identify specific categories of corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies and competitiveness, the results of which could form the basis for further studies
Our analysis highlighted that innovation performance is the most direct and effective competitive implication originating from CSR initiatives
Summary
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) represents one of the theoretical frameworks aimed at clarifying the role of business in society [1,2,3,4]. In the late 1990s, a wide debate developed around the business case for CSR and its real capacity as a driver for improving competitive performances. Research in this field has produced mixed results [14,15,16], and the impact of CSR practices on competitive performance is still unclear [17,18,19]
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