A CASE STUDY ON SMES’ PERCEPTION ON CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN UGANDA

Abstract

CSR is a management approach which is acknowledged by large and small and medium sized enterprises in Uganda. This paper examineshow companies(SMEs in Uganda) perceive corporate social responsibility in Uganda.The researchisqualitative in nature and the data willbe collected through interviews with the participating SMEsand the interviews were conducted once thus a cross sectional study.Thesample size is6SMEs operating within Kampala, thesewere selected basedon convenience. The study was based on assumptions that the perceived ease of funding, perceived positive image, perceived talent recruitment and perceived enhanced customer retention,influence SMEs to participate in CSR since statesare viewedpositively as benefits of adopting CSR by SMEs in Uganda. Itinvestigatesthe factors that influencecompanies to participate in CSR.The findingsreveal that SMEs are influenced to participate in CSR because of the perceived positive image since many are looking for recognition and the perceived enhanced customer retention. According to thefindings and results,it’s revealed that the perceived ease of funding and perceived talent recruitment are not influencers of CSR participation toSMEs in Uganda.From the findings, itstates that SMEs are influenced to engage inCSR because of their self-interest which include recognition of the brand, public relations, marketing and advertising. Butmany SMEs are hindered from participating due to limited resources. The findings might attract more SMEs to participatein CSR activities and change the way CSRis perceivedbythe SMEs in Uganda. The research will also provide immense knowledge about CSR in Uganda.