Resumen de Corporate Social Responsibility: : Perceptions and practices among SMEs in Colombia

Nathaly Aya Pastrana, Krishnamurthy Sriramesh

• This study sought to understand the perceptions and practices of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among a sample of Colombian SMEs. The data were collected using a selfadministered, online questionnaire (54 SMEs), and from interviews with five opinion leaders and two, representatives of SMEs permitted to assess the activities, motivations, stakeholders, decision-making, processes, communication processes, resource allocation, evaluation, and the benefits of CSR among Colombian SMEs. Colombian SMEs practice informal internal and external CSR characterized by being, influenced by cultural and contextual aspects of the country's society. Customers, employees and, shareholders are the most important stakeholders for SMEs in Colombia. Colombian culture places, importance on interpersonal relationships and these were displayed in the evidence gathered for this study. The perceived benefits of CSR practices by SMEs such as improved organizational culture, attracting and maintaining best employees, improving image and reputation and improve customer loyalty, also reflect the importance SMEs give to satisfying their most relevant stakeholders.