An Assessment of Best Practices of Corporate Sustainability Strategies in Canadian SMEs

Abstract

Humanity is faced with existential threats of our own doing that require our collective action. Small-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by virtue of their large numbers and prevalence in society have the potential to contribute to economic, social, and environmental development and play a critical role in Sustainability at a global level. This can be accomplished through their business practices, systems, policies, and interactions. The purpose of this study is to explore the corporate sustainability practices of SMEs ranked highly for their involvement in Sustainability through an online survey with key representatives of seventeen (17) SMEs. The findings demonstrated that many companies are willing to play a greater role in CSR/ Corporate Sustainability but are stymied by the lack of resources, applicable frameworks, and an enabling environment. These results have valuable implications for SMEs, academia, Government, NGOs, business associations, and the private sector.