Discovering the deep roots of corporate social responsibility in SMEs

Purpose This article looks at the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Cameroon's dynamic landscape, exploring the motivations driving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt socially responsible practices. In contrast to the emphasis on CSR in large companies, we highlight the central role played by SMEs as catalysts for sustainable development. Design/Methodology/Approach Using a quantitative methodological approach, this study examines the different factors that influence the adoption of CSR in Cameroonian SMEs. We established a non-probability sample of 124 SMEs based in the following four Cameroonian cities: Douala, Yaounde, Garoua and Ngaoundere. We used binomial logistic regression to analyse the impact of financial resources, institutional environment, company size, sector of activity, managerial ethics and company age on SMEs' commitment to socially responsible practices. Findings and implications Our study highlights the key determinants of commitment to CSR in Cameroonian SMEs. Our results show that financial resources, the institutional environment, the size of the company, the sector of activity, the ethics of the manager and the age of the company appear to be key factors influencing the implementation of a CSR approach. However, the factors studied have different weights of influence in the implementation of this CSR approach. These results prompt a reassessment of CSR implementation strategies and provide valuable pointers for improving the reputation, sustainability and relevance of Cameroonian SMEs in a rapidly changing context. Limitations Although this study makes a significant contribution to the understanding of CSR in Cameroonian SMEs, certain limitations must be acknowledged. The research is specific to the Cameroonian context and the results may not be universally applicable. In addition, the dynamic nature of business environments introduces a temporal component that may impact the generalisability of our results over time. Finally, the absence of a relationship between the nature of the technologies used and the implementation of a CSR approach is counter-intuitive and would merit being tested on larger samples or being the subject of further qualitative research in order to identify other components of the variable. Originality This research fills a crucial gap in the literature by shedding light on CSR in the context of Cameroonian SMEs. The identification of multifaceted determinants offers a unique contribution to the wider CSR discourse, challenging conventional perceptions and providing practical implications for both academics and practitioners.