Regional CSR policies and SME’s CSR actions: mind the gap: the case of the tourism SMEs in Crete

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) actions have the potential to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs. Regional authorities can support the development of SME CSR actions within the framework of their sustainable competitiveness agenda. The alignment between regional CSR policy initiatives and SMEs’ CSR needs is crucial for achieving the regional sustainable competitiveness’goals. We introduce a conceptual framework to facilitate the alignment between regional CSR policies and SMEs’ needs. We use this conceptual framework and the quantitative technique of survey to empirically investigate the alignment of regional CSR policies with the CSR needs of tourism for SMEs in Crete, Greece. The findings indicate gaps between the perceived level and type of support offered by regional CSR policies and the CSR needs of the SMEs. Based on the findings, we provide recommendations to the regional authorities and tourism SMEs in Crete for implementing CSR policies and actions.