Market-oriented CSR implementation in SMEs with sustainable innovations: an action research approach

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to identify and analyze critical mediating and moderating market intelligence challenges faced by the SMEs when implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) based on an applied market-oriented business model (MOBM).Design/methodology/approachFocusing on developing CSR-integrated market intelligence, this study uses an action research method by analyzing four case studies. Data is collected through interviews, interactive and knowledge-sharing meetings and on-site observations. The study is part of a larger European Union project using the developed MOBM to follow the four companies' CSR implementation and learning process over a 14-month period. The action research includes seven meetings; between these, the researchers introduced the SMEs to different business focus areas, where CSR is a vital part of the MOBM.FindingsThis study shows that the SMEs are too technology-focused and have little initial idea of how to integrate CSR advantages for market intelligence into their internationalization. The MOBM model offers insights and knowledge on the strength and weakness of the internal organization to meet challenges in internationalization.Originality/valueVia case study and action research, this study spotlights the challenges that SMEs face in the CSR implementation process and how they deal with those challenges to develop market intelligence competence internally. Instead of following a traditional research approach, the current study applies a CSR-based method where the SMEs go through a knowledge development process that originated from a theoretically designed MOBM.

Ethical leadership, corporate social responsibility, firm reputation, and firm performance: A serial mediation model

“…Given that several recent research papers address CSR's role in enhancing sustainable business (e.g., Samy et al., 2010 ; Sundström et al., 2020 ), the business environment's complexity and business capacity are inspiring more in-depth multi-dimensional studies. With the intention of expanding the literature of CSR, especially in the context of Vietnam, this study contributes empirical evidence by testing the mediating model of ethical leadership, CSR, firm reputation and firm performance.…”

“…It was found that CSR activities' firm reputation positively affects firm performance in both financial and non-financial terms. By correctly implementing CSR, firms can convert their reputation into increased profit, talent and customers to establish a sustainable competitive advantage ( Black et al., 2000 ; Sabate and Puente, 2003 ; Sundström et al., 2020 ). Finally, the analysis showed a correlation between CSR and firm performance.…”

Managing the Risks of Innovative Activities Focused on the Consumer Market: Competitiveness vs. Corporate Responsibility

“…Various aspects of the innovations management as a business process during building the SDGs in the corporate strategies are reflected in several works (Bolz and de Bruin 2019;Golini and Gualandris 2018;Kneipp et al 2019;Martínez-Mora and Merino 2020;Ogoh and Fairweather 2019;Severo et al 2020;Sundström et al 2020;Yaghmaei 2018).…”

Knowledge of Network-Based Market Orientation for the Internationalization of Disruptive Innovation in SMEs

“…Business models assist SMEs in taking initiative to anticipate, address, and push for efficient changes in market approach (Skarzynski & Rufat-Latre, 2011). Sundström et al (2020) suggest that network-based business models contribute to the otherwise unaquirable exchange of experience between different stakeholders. Our study investigated how SMEs can develop network-based MO knowledge for the internationalization of DI.…”