Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Priorities in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of the Industrial Sector of Sialkot, Pakistan

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore and understand corporate social responsibility (CSR) priorities in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of the industrial sector of Sialkot in Pakistan. The industrial sector of Sialkot is mainly involved in the production and supplying of sports, leather and surgical products for global companies. We used a qualitative approach to explore CSR priorities among SMEs. Informants were identified using purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted with the senior managers, owners and executives of SMEs in the Sialkot industrial sector of Pakistan in three main industries namely; sports, surgical and leather. The findings of the study suggest philanthropy as a key ethical and social priority and CSR dimension supported by SMEs. Main dimensions of CSR in the context of Sialkot industrial sector SMEs were social (philanthropy), economic, legal and environment. In terms of CSR dimensions priorities, differences exist due to the nature of the specific industry and its protocols as data were collected from three different sub industrial sectors within the Sialkot industrial sector.