CSR and fashion SMEs: Do sustainable development goals matter?

Abstract

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been in place since 2015 to address global challenges at the social, economic, and environmental levels. Nowadays, the fashion industry plays a significant role in contributing to these issues. The study examines the SDGs’ importance and presence in the case of Hungarian fashion SMEs. This research used semi-structured in-depth interviews and investigated seven Hungarian fashion SMEs’ operation and business activities to reveal and understand the environment they function in, their CSR, and their interpretation of their responsibility. Although the analysed SMEs’ mission and vision involve specific elements of corporate social responsibility and ethical values, their day-to-day activities do not include impact assessment: they focus on value for money, maintaining and promoting quality products rather than running their internal audit systems or developing their reporting habits. The research focuses on the corporate sector’s interpretation of sustainability and corporate social responsibility concepts, specifically on SMEs, to help to understand the environment and circumstances and identify barriers and possible future ways to develop their sustainable and responsible operation. Based on the findings, the author suggests some practical recommendations to help businesses improve their CSR and SDGs engagement. Although SMEs are not expected to engage in CSR activities in Hungary, the European Union is constantly working on the future mandatory introduction of CSR. Preliminary research may make it easier to link CSR and the SME sector.