Title: Collaborative CSR strategies for very small business enterprises

Authors: Isabelle Calmé; Marion Polge; Charbel Salloum; Hajer Jarrar; Matteo Rossi

Addresses: IAE de Tours, University of Tours, 50, Avenue Jean Portalis, 37200 37261 Tours, France ' University of Montpellier, Espace Richter, Rue Vendémiaire, 34000 Montpellier, France ' Métis Lab, EM Normandie Business School, 20 quai Frissard, 76600, Le Havre, France ' CERIIM – Research Center in Managerial Intelligence and Innovation, La Rochelle Business School, 102 Rue de Coureilles, 17000 La Rochelle, France ' Department of Law Economics Management and Quantitative Methods, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy; WSB Merito University, Poznan, Poland

Abstract: This study explores the impact of regulatory changes on the entrepreneurial practices of very small enterprises (VSEs) in the building trade, particularly focusing on the shift towards collaborative or grouped actions. With the increasing emphasis on energy performance due to regulations from the Grenelle Environment Round Table, craftspeople are compelled to adapt by forming strategic partnerships. The research identifies different profiles of craftsmen based on their motivations, priorities, and capacity for collaboration. By employing a co-construction methodological approach, the study reveals the challenges and opportunities that arise from grouped actions, such as navigating legal frameworks and fostering trust among collaborators. The findings highlight the diversity of entrepreneurial strategies and underscore the necessity of developing actionable tools to support effective group collaboration. The study concludes that while grouped action presents a promising pathway for addressing the evolving demands of the sector, it also requires a nuanced understanding of individual and collective dynamics. These insights provide valuable implications for both practitioners and policymakers aiming to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of small enterprises through collaborative efforts.

Keywords: collaborative action; very small enterprises; sustainability; entrepreneurial strategies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2026.153132

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2026 Vol.58 No.1, pp.64 - 84

Received: 29 Oct 2024
Accepted: 10 Dec 2024
Published online: 23 Apr 2026 *

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