Relations Between Positive Impacts Of CSR, External Support, CSR Knowledge And The Degree Of CSR Practices In Thai Small And Medium Enterprises

Abstract

This article investigates the relations between positive impacts from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), external support, knowledge about CSR and the degree of CSR practices according to international standards in the viewpoint of small and medium enterprises in Thailand. The survey among 262 small and medium enterprises in five sections in the northeastern region of Thailand reveals that positive impacts of CSR on internal issues have shown to be positively related to the degree of CSR practices in small and medium enterprises. While there is no clear evidence supporting the positive impacts of CSR on external issues, external support and knowledge of owners/managers of small and medium enterprises about CSR have influenced the degree of CSR practices. The results indicate that, for CSR practices according to international standards, Thai small and medium enterprises are more interested in internal issues providing tangible benefits for them. In addition, external support for Thai small and medium enterprises in CSR engagement may not be enough to have a noticeable effect on the degree of CSR practices in Thai small and medium enterprises.