Corporate Social Responsibility for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
The current debate on corporate responsibility in Ireland seems to focus exclusively on large
companies whose impact on stakeholders might be more evident. Yet, more than 90% of
registered companies in Ireland are SMEs that employ almost 60% of our workforce. This large
sector of the Irish economy which is essential for the competitiveness of our economy should
address their social, ethical and environmental responsibilities through a comprehensive and
systematic approach.
A survey published in 2002 by the European Commission as part of a study in the context of the
Observatory of European SMEs found that around half of European SMEs are engaged in some form
of socially responsible activity in favour of their local community. These activities range from
support for sports and cultural activities in the form of donations or sponsorships, to employee
volunteering in local schools or partnerships with not-for-profit organisations.
Many of these activities would probably not be considered ’CSR activities’ according to the modern
understanding of the concept. They fall more into the category of sponsoring or traditional
philanthropy, i.e. making donations for charitable causes. They are not carried out in a strategic
way and often have no relation with the company’s core business. In many cases they are not
communicated. The challenge is to develop solutions for SMEs on corporate responsibility from an
SME perspective, demonstrating the link between responsible business practice and business
benefit.
The SME section of the Business in the Community Ireland website offers relevant information and
support for SMEs and SME representative orga ...