CSR activities and practices in small and medium-sized accountancy firms in Australia and Malaysia

Abstract

Research into the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) relating to large corporate and multinational organisations has gained momentum in recent years. However, there has been a lack of attention in the existing literature in relation to the extent of the application of CSR practices and activities in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). There is also an assumption that SMEs do not engage in any sort of CSR-based activities due to the size of their businesses. This study presents findings from an Australian and Malaysian perspective by collecting data from 34 qualitative in-depth interviews from practicing accountants in Sydney and in Kuala Lumpur. Results indicated that the extent of adoption of CSR activities and stakeholder identification varied across four firm structures defined as micro-sized, family-owned, small-sized and medium sized accountancy firms.