Abstract
There is a plethora of research indicating that Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in accelerating the growth of the South African economy. Yet, there is a paucity of research showing ways in which the potential of SMEs can be harnessed to contribute to the social development agenda through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in communities within which they conduct their businesses. Hence the aim of this research study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices of 10 owners of Medium-sized enterprises operating within the City of Johannesburg regarding CSR. Guided by a social development lens, this study adopted an exploratory research design located within a qualitative paradigm. Semistructured interviews were used and thematic analysis was employed to inductively analyse the data collected. Among the main findings was that in terms of knowledge, nine out of 10 participants claimed to understand the meaning of CSR and their understandings included sustainable social development/empowerment over profit, ubuntu, skills transfer and a marketing strategy. In terms of attitudes, SME owners regarded CSR as relevant for all businesses irrespective of size. They were aware of the challenges of lack of support for SMEs which were offset by the benefits of boosting their BBEE scorecards. They also favoured a neoliberal approach over an undue regulatory policy approach to CSR in the market place. In terms of practice, CSR was practised through donations and philanthropy; empowerment and skills transfer; provision of services and information; and collaborative ventures, but was impacted by COVID-19. The main conclusion reached was that most of these owners considered their SMEs to be practising CSR in one form or another, contrary to misconceptions in the literature that SMEs are too small and are financially incapable of implementing CSR interventions. While some CSR interventions were consistent with the social development approach, others, such as philanthropy, were not necessarily developmental but nevertheless important in a country such as South Africa with its high levels of poverty. Recommendations are made for CSR practices by SMEs, policy and future research.
M.Phil. (Social Policy and Development)