When collective action drives corporate social responsibility implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises: the case of a network of French winemaking cooperatives

Abstract

Increasing attention has been given to the engagement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in corporate social responsibility (CSR), yet little is known about collective SME actions to implement CSR. We conducted 29 semi-structured interviews to investigate a network of 18 French winemaking cooperatives. These SMEs are particularly interesting because they have traditionally operated on values similar to CSR principles. The case study explores how collective action was able to drive CSR implementation in the cooperatives over time. Our results highlight the mechanisms of collective action related to social capital and their impacts on cooperative relationships with key stakeholders. We also provide managerial recommendations for this type of CSR network.