Motivation behind CSR activities of German Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Kathrin Born

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis aims to provide a better understanding of the motivation behind CSR activities of small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany. Relevant knowledge of the three main elements of the research question (CSR, SMEs, and motivation) is introduced in the theoretical part by means of an unsystematic literature review. In the empirical part the topic was approached inductively from a practical perspective. Three case studies were presented based on interviews with owner-managers of German SMEs. The final conclusions were derived from a comparison of the case studies, existing quantitative studies and motivation theories. The owner-managers were the main drivers of CSR in their enterprises and ethically motivated. Hypotheses for further research were suggested and recommendations for public policy were developed.

Abstract:

This thesis aims to provide a better understanding of the motivation behind CSR activities of small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany. Relevant knowledge of the three main elements of the research question (CSR, SMEs, and motivation) is introduced in the theoretical part by means of an unsystematic literature review. In the empirical part the topic was approached inductively from a practical perspective. Three case studies were presented based on interviews with owner-managers of German SMEs. The final conclusions were derived from a comparison of the case studies, existing quantitative studies and motivation theories. The owner-managers were the main drivers of CSR in their enterprises and ethically motivated. Hypotheses for further research were suggested and recommendations for public policy were developed.

Keywords

SME, case study, motivation, Germany, Corporate Social Responsibility

Keywords

Corporate Social Responsibility, case study, Germany, motivation, SME

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 10. 12. 2014

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 10. 9. 2015
• Supervisor: Daniela Pauknerová
• Reader: Tereza Králová

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme / field:
Ekonomika a management / International Management