Cultural Values and Corporate Responsibility as a Glocal Experience: The Case of Türkiye

Abstract

Classical narrative of the concept of corporate responsibility reflects cultural values of Anglosphere countries. Meanwhile, the understanding of corporate responsibility has been disseminated by the globalization and leads to culture oriented corporate responsibility interpretations from various geographies. This study investigates the multidimensional relationship between corporate responsibility and globalization, and aims to explore the impact of cultural values on the understanding of corporate responsibility. Within the scope of the study, 15 semi-structured interviews made with 15 SME representatives, who were identified through purposeful sampling. Research findings from descriptive analysis confirmed cultural dimension of individualism-collectivism has strong connection with the perception of corporate responsibility. SMEs in Turkey give priority to social issues implementing their corporate responsibility related activities, and they consider responding to the social needs of their surroundings, particularly to their employees as an ethical ideal. These approaches differentiate from the corporate responsibility of Anglosphere countries, which primarily focuses on seeking self-interest. This study illustrates that corporate responsibility simultaneously exemplifies cultural assimilation and hybridization effects of globalization, thus, it aims to develop an authentic approach by considering the concept of corporate responsibility as a glocalization experience. In particular, Ahi culture could be seen as an inspirational source especially for the corporate responsibility of SMEs, and SMEs could be encouraged to internalize the corporate responsibility as an idea in harmony with cultural values. With the help of this interpretation, the perception of CR could be prevented from being perceived as 'new' or 'imported from abroad'. In this way, SMEs in Turkey may internalize the idea of corporate responsibility more effectively and develop better practices. Similar studies are encouraged to determine the validity of the research findings in different regions and countries.