Title: Development of SMEs in an emerging economy: does corporate social responsibility matter?

Authors: Masoumeh Doshmanli; Yashar Salamzadeh; Aidin Salamzadeh

Addresses: Farabi Institute of Higher Education, Mehrshahr, Karaj, 3185865961, Iran ' Farabi Institute of Higher Education, Mehrshahr, Karaj, 3185865961, Iran ' Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, 16th Street, North Kargar Avenue, Tehran 1439813141, Iran

Abstract: Despite its importance in development of firms, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is rarely studied in the literature of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, the present study aims at investigating the correlation between CSR and development of SMEs to find a way to develop SMEs in a more responsible manner. This study followed a survey research design, and the statistical population of the study included 720 owners/managers of SMEs. The results indicated that there was a significantly positive correlation between all four dimensions of economic, legal, ethical and discretionary social responsibility and development of SMEs. Moreover, facilitating legislation and giving more authority to SME owners/managers for developing their enterprises are highly advised.

Keywords: corporate social responsibility; CSR; enterprise development; small and medium sized enterprises; SME; Iran.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2018.090827

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2018 Vol.17 No.2, pp.168 - 191

Received: 14 Dec 2016
Accepted: 28 May 2017
Published online: 28 Mar 2018 *

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