How do Argentine SMEs define CSR? Cases in educational social development

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the social responsibility approaches of six small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Argentina and their definitions of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory, qualitative study and part of a broader study. A sample of six Argentine SMEs from manufacturing, services and construction sectors was used to evaluate specific CSR initiatives in the areas of social development. A total of 23 interviews were conducted, and open coding was used to analyze and develop categories and themes from the data patterns. Findings Results provide a set of definitional dimensions for CSR from an Argentine perspective, and indicate that SMEs in Argentina frequently engage in education and training oriented initiatives as a primary emphasis for their CSR efforts. Commitment, community and employee orientations, the natural environment, and education/training represent key elements of their conceptualizations of CSR. Originality/value This research extends the literature related to CSR definitions. It also highlights elements of a growing trend around educational social development initiatives in developing countries. Additionally, it is one of only a few studies to focus on Argentina.

Assessing corporate social responsibility in South Africa’s built environment industry

“…Construction industry stakeholders show an understanding that it is beneficial to implement CSR initiatives for the benefit of all. Findings agree with Visser (2010), Claydon (2011), Abugre and Nyuur (2015), Massoud et al . (2019), Ebekozien et al .…”

“…Construction industry stakeholders show an understanding that it is beneficial to implement CSR initiatives for the benefit of all. Findings agree with Visser (2010), Claydon (2011), Abugre and Nyuur (2015), Massoud et al (2019), Ebekozien et al (2022a, b) and Aigbavboa et al (2024). Visser (2010) argued that CSR should be an integral part of the change needed for a society to enable sustainability of the planet and reverse poverty.…”

“…Abugre and Nyuur (2015) found that CSR initiatives are corporate donations aimed at capacity building for sustainable livelihoods. Massoud et al (2019) affirmed that CSR concerns corporations' ability to cater to social and economic challenges. Ebekozien et al (2022a, b) discovered that the infrastructure of higher education institutions in developing countries might be enhanced via expanded CSR via investing in the construction industry.…”

Sustainability reports: Differences between developing and developed countries

“…The present study also found that the topic of education was more prevalent in sustainability reports from developing countries than from developed countries, in agreement with previous findings (Chapple and Moon, 2005;Makka and Nieuwenhuizen, 2018;Massoud et al, 2019). The developing world is facing problems that, to a large extent, could be resolved by improving education (Kvasničková Stanislavská et al, 2020), making it logical for companies in developing countries to devote special attention to education in their CSR programs.…”

Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Media: Comparison between Developing and Developed Countries

“…Education is also recommended as the best way to raise awareness of the social and environmental role of businesses [105]. The importance of education in the context of CSR activities in developing countries has been further highlighted by Massoud, Daily and Willi [106] in Argentina. In a sample of small and medium-sized businesses, the authors identified employees, community, the natural environment and education as the key elements underlying the perception of CSR commitment.…”