Title: An appraisal of CSR in SMEs in a globalised context: an empirical study of a ceramic cluster in Morbi, India

Authors: Annapurna Vancheswaran, Vinayshil Gautam

Addresses: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road, New Delhi 110 003, India. ' Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110 016, India

Abstract: Globalisation has led to radical changes in the dynamics of business environment. Increase in geographical market access, better logistics and competitive forces have led to better efficiencies and sustainable operations within businesses. The emergence of numerous codes; standards and frameworks have also been facilitating factors. This has compelled the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to become efficient in their areas of operations. However, many SMEs are finding this a significant challenge. This paper attempts to study the unfolding state of SMEs in this context given the impact of globalisation on sustainable business practices. Taking a case study of an export oriented SME cluster in Gujarat, India, the study strives to determine the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a strategic tool for enhancing the efficiencies of SMEs and their social contributions and their key characteristics and attributes in the wake of globalisation.

Keywords: corporate social responsibility; CSR; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; standards; codes; framework; globalisation; India; exports; ceramics; industrial clusters; ceramic industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2009.032262

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2009 Vol.3 No.4, pp.441 - 462

Published online: 18 Mar 2010 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article