CSR implementation in French SMEs: an adapted framework

Abstract

SME (small and medium enterprise) engagement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) has recently emerged in mainstream academic research. Researchers are now beginning to recognize that CSR in SMEs may not be assessed on the basis of our understanding of CSR in large organizations. The unique characteristics of SMEs render it far from applicable for them to employ CSR theories and practices of large corporations. One important gap in this literature involves the lack of CSR implementation tools that are tailored to SMEs. The purpose of this chapter is to contribute to the literature by proposing a framework for effective CSR implementation in the specific environment and conditions of SMEs. Our recommendations are drawn from two projects for developing CSR implementation procedure for SMEs in France: the Global Performance procedure and the SD21000 implementation guideline.