The Concept of Corporate Social Responsibility in Small and Medium Sized Regional Accountancy Firms

Abstract

The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility has been well researched in the domain of large organisations and has gained greater momentum for the past two decades. However, there has been a lack of attention to the application of CSR in relation to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). This paper therefore presents the findings from an Australian perspective through 31 qualitative in-depth interviews in order to overcome the aforementioned research gap. The aim of this study specifically is to uncover the understanding of the concept of CSR, to gain insight into the motivations for CSR, to identify the opportunities from engaging in CSR, and to assess the barriers experienced for embedding CSR in Australian regional SMEs operating in New South Wales (NSW). This study provides initial insights and therefore provides a possible avenue for enhanced SMEs engagement in CSR-based activities and strategies.