Title: SME corporate social responsibility and competitiveness: a literature review

Authors: Eleni Apospori; Konstantinos G. Zografos; Solon Magrizos

Addresses: Department of Marketing and Communication, Athens University of Economics and Business, Patission 76, 10434 Athens, Greece. ' Department of Management Science and Technology, Athens University of Economics and Business, Evelpidon 47A & Lefkados 33, 11362 Athens, Greece. ' Department of Marketing and Communication, Athens University of Economics and Business, Evelpidon 47A & Lefkados 33, 11362 Athens, Greece

Abstract: The importance of SMEs to the economy and society and their special characteristics relevant to the adoption of CSR principles, the implementation of CSR activities, and the study of the relationship between SME, CSR behaviour and competitiveness, have stimulated the interest of both practitioners and academicians. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature addressing SME CSR behaviour and competitiveness. The paper summarises the major trends emerging from the literature review and provides recommendations for further research.

Keywords: small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; SME CSR; corporate social responsibility; competitiveness; CSR impact assessment; literature review.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2012.045786

International Journal of Technology Management, 2012 Vol.58 No.1/2, pp.10 - 31

Published online: 06 Apr 2013 *

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