Date of Award

12-15-2014

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Department

Retailing

First Advisor

Marianne Bickle

Abstract

This research examines a specific sect of small business—the local retailer—in order to gauge owners’ understanding and implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Guided by the Enlightened Self-Interest Model (ESIM), the purpose of this study is to gain further insight into how local retailers in Columbia determine what is socially responsible, and what CSR practices they are utilizing. Additionally, this research aims to understand why local retailers are motivated to act in a socially responsible way and the benefits they perceive from CSR. Results reveal that owners of local retailers are motivated to act in a socially responsible way by internal push factors, regardless of their business goals. This plays out via several methods of giving back to their community. While local retailers do not expect or receive financial gain from practicing CSR, they reap other benefits such as enrichment beyond their job and effective marketing.

Rights

© 2014, Danielle Marie Razalan

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