Corporate Social Responsibility: A Survey among SMEs in Bergamo

This study provides some insights on the topic of CSR in small- and medium-sized family vs. non-family firms. Though preliminary, the results emerged from an explorative survey on 19 SMEs show that they are generally unaware of the concept of CSR, do not report their initiatives, but are still engaged in social actions towards their closest stakeholders. Family business owners are especially found to be in charge of social activities towards employees and the local community, e.g. sport clubs, church, and local associations. We discuss this behavior in light of the social capital theory, according to which relationships and the interrelation with environment and communities are relevant for the sustainability of these businesses.