Corporate Social Responsibility Activities in Australian Small and Medium Sized Accountancy Firms

Abstract

The present study makes an attempt to explore the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Australian Small and Medium Sized (SMEs) Accountancy Firms. CSR is a well researched topic in multinationals and large corporate businesses. However there exists a gap within the existing literature in examining the role of SMEs in embedding CSR activities. Therefore the current research study included in-depth face-to-face qualitative interviews with 17 owner managers of the Sydney-based accountancy firms. Results obtained indicated that the firm size, firm structure, CSR meaning, CSR activities and stakeholder management significantly varies across four different firm types such as micro-sized, small-sized, medium-sized and family-owned accountancy firms. Results obtained from this study are important in formulating effective strategies for SMEs by way of including specific strategies to micro-sized and family owned firms in devising their responsible business practice activities.