Formal vs. Informal CSR Strategies: Evidence from Italian Micro, Small, Medium-sized, and Large Firms

Abstract

CSR strategies, Italy, large firms, micro firms, multi-stakeholder approach, small and medium-sized enterprises,

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

“…In contrast, SMEs reveal a stronger willingness to recognise the importance of responsible behaviour throughout the supply chain. Russo and Tencati (2008) distinguish between sizes of SME, and find that micro firms (with up to ten employees) reveal their CSR aptitude through strategies with a significant impact on the bottom line, for example, their commitment to eco-efficiency (i.e. reduction of consumption and pollution reduction strategies).…”

“…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.…”

“…Perrini et al, 2007;Russo & Tencati, 2008), the particular features highlighted above have historically influenced the diffusion of managerial tools and standards in Italy. A well-known example is the diffusion of the ISO standards on total quality management (ISO 9001, 1994) and environmental management systems (ISO 14001) and the voluntary environmental regulations such as EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme).…”

“…Moreover, they found that size explains the differences in firms' willingness to define and implement such specific social responsibility strategies, since formal CSR approaches still seem to be a prerogative of large firms. Regarding this latter point, Russo and Tencati (2008) provided evidence that firms still seem to approach social responsibility as an attempt to secure a licence to operate in their own community, therefore highlighting that differences exist between firms of different sizes at a twofold level: first, in the absence of formalising social responsibility strategies; and second, in the approach to responsible behaviours toward specific categories of stakeholders.…”

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).…”