What question did this study set out to answer?

To explore how corporate social responsibility impacts sustainable competitive advantage through green HRM and technological adaptability.

June 12, 2026

How Corporate Social Responsibility Drives Sustainable Competitive Advantage: The Mediating Roles of Green HRM and Technological Adaptability in SMEs

Key Points

To explore how corporate social responsibility impacts sustainable competitive advantage through green HRM and technological adaptability.
Quantitative data collected from 383 participants in Ghanaian SMEs.
Data analyzed using SPSS AMOS version 23 and PROCESS macro version 3.
Non-probability convenience sampling approach used.
CSR significantly enhances sustainable competitive advantage.
GHRM practices and technological adaptability both positively influence sustainable competitive advantage.
GHRM and technological adaptability partially mediate the relationship between CSR and sustainable competitive advantage.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Small and medium‐sized firms (SMEs) globally are increasingly struggling to maintain competitiveness while addressing the escalating expectations of society and the environment. As sustainability demands increase, enterprises have to align their strategic objectives with ethical business practices. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a crucial mechanism for firms to align their economic objectives with societal needs, thereby enhancing their resilience and competitiveness over time. This study examines the impact of CSR on sustainable competitive advantage, considering the mediating roles of green human resource management (GHRM) and technological adaptability in the Ghanaian SMEs. The non‐probability convenience quantitative data drawn from 383 participants were analysed using SPSS AMOS version 23 and PROCESS macro version 3. They revealed that CSR significantly enhances sustainable competitive advantage, GHRM practices and technological adaptability. Also, both green human resources and technological adaptability significantly influence sustainable competitive advantage. The study further confirms that both GHRM and technological adaptability partially mediate the relationship between CSR and sustainable competitive advantage. This study enhances the Dynamic Capabilities Theory by clarifying how green human resource management and technological adaptability serve as mechanisms linking CSR to sustainable competitive advantage in SMEs. This study contributes to the literature on CSR and sustainability by presenting evidence from an emerging economy where research on CSR‐driven adaptive competencies is scarce. The findings underscore the strategic significance of integrating sustainability commitments into human resource frameworks and technological enhancement initiatives. Overall, integrating CSR with GHRM practices and adaptive technological investments not only enhances the long‐term performance of SMEs but also demonstrates the transformative potential of strategic sustainability efforts in driving competitive advantage and positive societal impact.

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