Perceptions and practices of corporate social responsibility among SMEs in Pakistan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions and practices of corporate social responsibility (CSR) among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. To examine the perceptions and practices of CSR in Pakistan, this study used the data collected through two different sources: a survey instrument (questionnaire) and qualitative interviews. The findings of this study reveal that SMEs’ approach to CSR in Pakistan is unstructured; however, they are practicing CSR activities in an informal manner with mixed (internal as well as external oriented) methods in most cases. However, few SMEs are also practicing CSR activities in formal manners with external oriented dominant methods over internal methods. The findings of this study will assist SMEs, supporting groups, policy makers and researchers to identify the present state of SMEs regarding CSR practices in Pakistan. The findings might provide important guidelines for the other developing economies in the region as well, as the concept is also emerging in these economies. The finding of this study will also help to formulate future CSR policy for SMEs in Pakistan.