For my MBA thesis, I’m going to dive into the importance of CSR and seek your input.

Your input is needed

In today’s dynamic business landscape, sustainability has emerged as a central theme that extends beyond mere environmental concerns. It encompasses a broader spectrum, encapsulating the social and ethical responsibilities of organizations towards their stakeholders. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), despite their significant contribution to the global economy, often grapple with integrating and executing sustainability plans. This blog sheds light on a research initiative aimed at understanding the principal obstacles that hinder SMEs from adopting and effectively executing sustainability plans, specifically focusing on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) dimensions within their managerial structures.

The research question centers on unraveling the core elements that contribute to SMEs’ inability to embrace and proficiently execute sustainability plans, particularly in the context of CSR dimensions. Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR, refers to a company’s commitment to conducting business ethically, addressing societal concerns, and balancing profitability with social and environmental responsibility. The study aims to pinpoint the challenges faced by SMEs in this realm and explore potential solutions to address them.

Let’s build a better future for the next generations

The CSRD and the Urgency for SMEs

The increasing global emphasis on sustainable business practices and CSR is pushing SMEs to integrate these elements into their operational strategies. A significant development in this regard is the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which mandates that sizable enterprises and listed entities report on their sustainability, covering both environmental and social impacts. Starting in 2024, large companies will be required to comply by 1 January 2025, while SMEs have until 1 January 2026 to do so. Smaller businesses, while exempt until at least 2026, may face requests from CSRD-compliant partners to start sooner. This directive underscores the growing importance of sustainability reporting, even for smaller entities.

Call for Feedback

As I embark on this research journey, I invite you to provide your insights and feedback on the challenges and solutions related to sustainability in SMEs, especially in light of the CSRD’s implications. Your expertise and perspectives will be very valuable in shaping the direction and outcomes of this study.

Stay tuned for updates on my findings as I work towards uncovering actionable insights to help SMEs navigate the complex terrain of sustainability and CSR in a rapidly changing business landscape. Together, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible business future.

Best wishes, Marietta