This paper deals with the report collection of one of the largest Divisions of ICI. Mond Division was formed by the merger of the Alkali and General Chemical Divisions of ICI in…
Abstract
This paper deals with the report collection of one of the largest Divisions of ICI. Mond Division was formed by the merger of the Alkali and General Chemical Divisions of ICI in January 1964. It is organized into five Product Groups to manufacture a variety of inorganic and organic chemicals on a very large tonnage basis.
This study seeks to explore the importance of CSR for SMEs in Malaysia and uncover the perception of Malaysian SMEs on CSR.
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to explore the importance of CSR for SMEs in Malaysia and uncover the perception of Malaysian SMEs on CSR.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is based on qualitative data derived from semi-structured interviews with ten Malaysian SMEs. The interviews were conducted with the managing directors, managers or owners of the small companies.
Findings
The study examined the understanding of Malaysian SME owners on CSR and elaborated their perceptions about CSR terminology, the nature of CSR activities, motivation for engaging in CSR and promotion of CSR. Overall, despite good feedback on CSR practices among the SMEs, it is clear that there is still confusion about the real meaning of CSR concepts, which suggests that some of the respondents have narrow views of CSR.
Research Limitations/implications
Due to the nature of this study, it is difficult for the findings to be generalized. This study serves only as an exploratory study for other researchers to take up these issues. Future study can further extend the sample and use quantitative methods for better generalization.
Originality/value
This study could be one of the most important stepping stones towards in-depth understanding of Malaysian SMEs’ CSR attitude and behaviour. Understanding the SME’s CSR perception would be a useful platform for further action to be taken in promoting social responsibility among SMEs.
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Mr. E. A. Duligal, B.SC.(HONS.), A.R.I.C., A.R.T.C.S., M.INST.M.S.M., formerly technical director of Metalife Corrosion Ltd., has been appointed managing director of the company…
Abstract
Mr. E. A. Duligal, B.SC.(HONS.), A.R.I.C., A.R.T.C.S., M.INST.M.S.M., formerly technical director of Metalife Corrosion Ltd., has been appointed managing director of the company, which recently changed its name to Molecular Metals Ltd.
Eco-entrepreneurship has emerged as an intensively debated topic over the last few years with a recent upsurge of writing in the field. At the same time, the debate on this topic…
Abstract
Eco-entrepreneurship has emerged as an intensively debated topic over the last few years with a recent upsurge of writing in the field. At the same time, the debate on this topic has moved increasingly from journals focused on environmental management (Schaltegger, 2002) to mainstream business journals (Cohen & Winn, 2007; Dean & McMullen, 2007). The topic of eco-entrepreneurship lies at the nexus of innovation, concern for the environment, and entrepreneurship. Yet, most contributions to date remain conceptual or focus on reporting case studies (Schaltegger, 2002; Schaltegger & Petersen, 2001). Rarely found are results and analyses of larger-scale empirical surveys on the topic, and it is this gap in the literature that this chapter addresses.
Richard Howarth and John Fredericks
This article aims to consider different interpretation(s) of small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME)‐environment behaviour and the potential implications for intervention and…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to consider different interpretation(s) of small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME)‐environment behaviour and the potential implications for intervention and change in theory and practice.
Design/methodology/approach
The article is primarily a reflection on a supply‐chain environmental management project and the specific and wider SME literature(s).
Findings
The proposal is that if/when embracing the internal SME dimension and sense‐making processes it is possible to conceive/describe a landscape of SME‐environment intervention and change. Recognition of this landscape is of use to interventionists involved with the facilitation of change(s) and may support improvements in the quality of outcome(s).
Research limitations/implications
The implication of the work is that there is a need to more effectively and appropriately consider the internal SME dimension and sense‐making processes when investigating and describing SME‐environment behaviour and interventions based on such descriptions.
Practical implications
The work will be of interest to interventionists, those who sponsor their work or develop policy and intervention(s) in this area.
Originality/value
This article identifies some of the impacts and implications for change that lead from the consideration of the internal SME dimension and related sense‐making processes; a dimension surfaced in the case project work but not fully engaged in that work or the SME‐environment and related literature.
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Belinda Rachael Williams and Gary O'Donovan
This paper aims to explore the accountants’ perspective towards their role and function as business advisors in assisting with the adoption of sustainable business practices…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the accountants’ perspective towards their role and function as business advisors in assisting with the adoption of sustainable business practices (SBPs) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire-based study was conducted on members from one of Australia’s leading professional accounting organizations.
Findings
Key findings from this research highlighted deficiencies in the effectiveness of the accounting profession in assisting SMEs in implementing SBPs despite a desire from clients for accountants to provide this advice and a belief that accountants are best placed to do so. Further, an expectations gap is evident between the level of involvement accountants believe they should be having in assisting SMEs and the level of involvement that is currently occurring.
Research limitations/implications
This finding has implications for the accounting profession, with accountants needing to examine their current business approaches in an effort to close this gap. If this does not occur, SMEs will most likely seek this much-needed advice and support from outside the profession.
Originality/value
Little attention has been given to the accountant’s role in respect of sustainability from an accountant’s perspective. The findings contribute to understanding the accountant’s importance in advancing their involvement in assisting SMEs in the uptake of SBPs.
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Maria Vincenza Ciasullo and Orlando Troisi
The purpose of this paper is to study how a small to medium‐size enterprise (SME) in Campania (Italy) integrated sustainability into its corporate strategy, and how its…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study how a small to medium‐size enterprise (SME) in Campania (Italy) integrated sustainability into its corporate strategy, and how its sustainable corporate strategies reflect on intangible assets.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper, an exploratory study based on grounded theory, analyzes are interviews with the entrepreneurial team and top and middle management. Findings are integrated with documentary analysis, internal process data and archival material.
Findings
Ethics and value systems play a significant role in devising sustainable corporate strategy. Competitive strategies, innovation, quality and responsibility are reflected in management procedures and the supply network system involving partners in sustainable innovation processes.
Research limitations/implications
A single case study obviously limits the generalizing of the findings.
Practical implications
Entrepreneurs and managers can benefit from the study to build a relational network for sustainable development.
Originality/value
The process of sustainable value creation, sharing and the co‐creation of knowledge emerges fully in the case study analyzed. The study pivots on issues of innovation and eco‐sustainability as drivers for corporate sustainability and business ethics.
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Gary Lynch-Wood and David Williamson
This paper aims to examine social licence in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Social and economic actors can assist in protecting the environment by…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine social licence in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Social and economic actors can assist in protecting the environment by granting firms a social licence. The social licence is regarded as a regulatory trigger, which some claim can improve organisational practices and possibly induce beyond compliance behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses data from interviews with the owners and managers of 110 manufacturing SMEs.
Findings
Social licence pressures are generally weak, while traditional regulation remains essential for encouraging and sustaining environmental activity. That said, the data show important differences across firms, for some SMEs are influenced by and responsive to social licence pressures. Typically, these pressures derive from stakeholders who pursue a relatively narrow self-interest (rather than public interest) mandate, and focus on particular issues rather than broader objectives of environmental responsibility. When responding to pressures, SMEs are likely to take specific and focused actions that address specific stakeholder concerns.
Research limitations/implications
Fresh insights are provided into the social licence and smaller firms. Contrary to previous views, there are circumstances where the social licence provides a limited and tailored regulatory tool for initiating change, and it typically leads to firms making alterations to business practices that tend to be low-cost and easy to implement. The social licence can provide a consensual micro-social contract and limited public interest service, and, subject to supporting circumstances, it may be extendable to other types of smaller firms.
Social implications
The paper presents fresh insights into the relationship between SMEs and social and economic stakeholders.
Originality/value
The paper provides new insights into how relevant stakeholders can influence the environmental behaviour of small firms.
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This paper investigates the need for corporate social responsibility (CSR) in SMEs. Also, it aims to explore the motivations for practicing CSR from the perspective of Malaysian…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates the need for corporate social responsibility (CSR) in SMEs. Also, it aims to explore the motivations for practicing CSR from the perspective of Malaysian SMEs.
Design/methodology/approach
Investigating the need for CSR in SMEs is done through a literature review. For the purpose of identifying the motivations for CSR practice, ten exploratory interviews were conducted with SME managers in Malaysia.
Findings
The findings show that Malaysian SMEs were mostly practicing CSR because of their own beliefs and values, religious thoughts, and pressure and encouragement from stakeholders.
Research limitations/implications
Because this is an exploratory study, a small number of interviews were conducted. Future studies can expand this and go more in‐depth.
Practical implications
The findings of the paper provide a good understanding of Malaysian SMEs' motivations for CSR, which will be helpful for policy‐makers.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is among the first studies focusing on CSR in the Malaysian SME sector. Also, the exploratory qualitative approach of the paper can provide a better vision for future research.
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Rajesh K. Singh, Suresh K. Garg and S.G. Deshmukh
SMEs are considered as engine for economic growth all over the world. After the globalization of market, SMEs have got many opportunities to work in integration with large‐scale…
Abstract
Purpose
SMEs are considered as engine for economic growth all over the world. After the globalization of market, SMEs have got many opportunities to work in integration with large‐scale organizations. They cannot exploit these opportunities and sustain their competitiveness if they focus only on certain aspects of their functioning and work in isolation. This paper tries to identify the major areas of strategy development by SMEs for improving competitiveness of SMEs in globalised market.
Design/methodology/approach
About 134 research papers, mainly from referred international journals are reviewed to identify thrust areas of research. On the basis of review, gaps are identified and research agenda is proposed.
Findings
SMEs have not given due attention for developing their effective strategies in the past. They are localized in functioning. On export fronts SMEs face many constraints due to lack of resources and poor innovative capabilities. For sustaining their competitiveness, they have to benchmark their assets, processes and performance with respect to the best in industry. There is also need for developing a framework for quantifying the competitiveness by adopting a holistic approach.
Originality/value
This paper explores major areas for research on SMEs. It will be of great value for researchers and professionals involved on SMEs management.