Factors Influencing the Corporate Social Responsibility of MSMEs in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises play a vital role in driving theNigerian economy, as they account for 96% of businesses and 84% of jobcreation. This study examines the corporate social responsibility (CSR)practices of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the Jos metropolis,focusing on four variables: information on corporate responsibility, attitudestowards business ethics, firm reputation, and economic responsibility. Theprimary objective of this research is to investigate the relationship betweenthese variables and the CSR of microbusinesses in the study area. The studyfindings indicate a significant positive effect of these variables on the CSRpractices of microbusinesses. Therefore, the study recommends increasingawareness and integrating these determinants into the strategic planning ofmicrobusinesses to have a positive impact on their CSR practices. This researchprovides insights into the factors that can enhance microenterprise engagementin CSR activities not only in the Jos metropolis but also beyond. In the samevein, the study's supports the assertion that businesses should prioritise theinterests of all stakeholders, including the community, and engage in activitiesthat will promote mutual benefits, which is consistent with both stakeholdertheory and social exchange theory.Keywords: Information on Corporate Responsibility (ICR), Attitude to Business Ethics(ABE), Firm Reputation (FR), Economic Responsibility (ER), Corporate SocialResponsibility (CSR), Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs)