Abstract

MORENO FREITES, Zahira  and  GRATEROL, Dennys. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the SMEs' sector in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. Contad. Adm [online]. 2011, n.235, pp.175-194. ISSN 0186-1042.

The present study intends to realize an investigation on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a management strategy in the metalworking sector of SMEs in the Industrial Area II of Barquisimeto - Lara State/Venezuela. The sample consisted of 7 SMEs which responded to a questionnaire and an in-depth interview. We discover the existence of capabilities and resources in the SMEs, which are not strategically used in order to strengthen their competitive advantages. The study showed the use of common actions of CSR as to the importance granted to environment protection, energy reduction, waste and wastewater management. However, issues related to actions in community, market (supplier-customer) and workers' mood are not equally addressed considering the benefits in terms of creating, strengthening or improving the competitive capabilities of these enterprises. It is therefore concluded that SMEs in the sector have a low degree of usage of CSR practices.

Keywords : Corporate Social Responsibility; capabilities and resources; competitive advantage; SMEs.

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