Does size matter? The state of the art in small business ethics

Abstract

In this paper the exclusive focus on large firms in the field of business ethics is challenged. Some of the idiosyncrasies of small firms are explained, and links are made between these and potential ethical issues. A review of the existing literature on ethics in small firms demonstrates the lack of appropriate research, so that to date we can draw no firm conclusions in relation to ethics in the small firm. Recommendations are made as to the way forward for small firm business ethics research. Questions for investigation are suggested using micro, meso and macro perspectives. Much exploratory work needs to be done to lay the groundwork for this important area of social and commercial research in the future.

Do Entrepreneurial SMEs Perform Better Because They are More Responsible?

“…Several researchers have noted that a lack of financial, technical, and managerial resources may limit the ability of SMEs to integrate CSR into their objectives (e.g., Gadenne et al 2009;Revell and Blackburn 2007;Spence 1999Spence , 2007.…”

“…Similarly, although forming a multi-sectoral sample was seemingly a significant asset of this study, as it considers a wide range of contexts, these sectoral effects can now be studied in greater depth. Many authors have highlighted the utmost importance of considering the industrial sector when analyzing CSR issues (e.g., Moore and Spence 2006;Spence 1999Spence , 2007. On the one hand, sustainable issues can be evaluated effectively in terms of positive and negative externalities, which differ greatly according to the nature of the activity (Russo and Perrini 2010); on the other hand, the firm's influential stakeholders and their expectations also differ (Courrent and Gundolf 2009).…”

Practice and politics: Ethics and social responsibility in SMEs in the European Union

“…Jenkins, 2006;Tilley, 2000). Nevertheless, the CSR of SMEs has received relatively little attention (for exceptions see Grayson, 2004;Moore & Spence, 2006;Morsing & Perrini, 2009;Perrini, 2006;Perrini et al, 2007;Russo & Tencati, 2008;Spence, 1999;Spence & Lozano, 2000;Spence & Rutherfoord, 2001;Thompson & Smith, 1991;Vyakarnam et al, 1997). This is not only a challenge in the study of social responsibility, but is endemic in management research more generally, where small businesses are often considered a minority activity, contrary to the evidence.…”

The Role of an SME’s Green Strategy in Public-Private Eco-innovation Initiatives: The Case of Ecoprofit

“…For eco-innovation and broader sustainability issues in SMEs, extant research shows a range of advantageous and disadvantageous characteristics (Bos-Brouwers 2010;Del Brío and Junquera 2003;Jenkins 2009;Perrini 2006;Russo and Tencati 2009;Spence 1999). For instance, resource constraints (lack of time, personnel, financial capital, or knowledge) may result in a reluctance to invest in and implement ecoinnovations (Noci and Verganti 1999).…”