Implementation of corporate social responsibility concept in SMEs in Malopolska

Purpose: The aim of the article was to present the status of implementation of the CSR concept in small and medium-sized enterprises in the Małopolska province. Methodology: The questionnaire contained closed and open questions, which enabled obtaining more precise answers. The first stage - the selection of enterprises - was carried out in a purposeful manner, based on their belonging to a determined sector. Then, on a random basis, 250 companies were selected in systematic selection from a base constituting the survey frame. The survey frame was the list of SME in Małopolska province. In total, 386 small and medium enterprises were randomly selected, from which a lower number of entities proceeded to participate in the survey. The remaining entrepreneurs refused to participate in the survey for unknown reasons. The compared partial and synthetic results present primarily assessments with regard to the level of acceptance of entrepreneurs participating in the survey in relation to the issues of the survey. As a rule, positive replies usually have the character of quality features. The x2 (chi-squared) test was used as a verification tool to evaluate the results obtained in this manner. Irrespective of this, the interview questionnaire prepared for this survey enabled giving the character of quality features to its results. Findings: 55% of respondents, admit that the very concept of corporate social responsibility is familiar to them, but they are not familiar with the details of the idea. Thirty per cent of respondents had never encountered the concept of CSR before, and 15% of respondents stated that it was well or even perfectly familiar to them. Most respondents indicated concern for the environment (68%) or support for the local community (57%). Good contact with customers and concern for their satisfaction was indicated by only 48% of respondents. The responses received show that the vast majority of respondents carry out their CSR activity in connection with increasing competitiveness (44%) or improving the company's image (48%). Among the respondents, about 13% indicated that the lack of appropriate tools used to promote the companies makes them undertake such activities. Only 11% of respondents stated that the reason for implementing CSR was socially motivated