Rationalizing manifold CSR dimensions-and-aspects towards sustainable business performance of small and medium-sized enterprises: Findings from pre-hoc and post-hoc analysis
6 affiliations
- 1School of Economics and Management, Qinghai Minzu University, Xining, P. R. China
- 2Department of Management Studies, Faculty of Business Studies, University of Barishal, Kornokathi, Barishal, Bangladesh
- 3School of Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- 4School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- 5Department of Marketing, Faculty of Business Studies, University of Barishal, Kornokathi, Barishal, Bangladesh
- 6Faculty of Business Studies, Port City International University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Abstract
Despite increasing global focus on sustainability, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries remain understated in corporate social responsibility (CSR) research. Existing studies mainly emphasize large corporations, leaving a gap in understanding CSR’s role in SME sustainability. This study explores the strategic role of CSR in driving sustainable business performance (SBP) among SMEs in Bangladesh. While CSR is often treated as compliance, this research positions it as a proactive strategy for long-term sustainability. Using stakeholder theory (ST), the study combines pre-hoc and post-hoc analyses to examine CSR’s impact. A quantitative research design integrates Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA). Data were collected through structured interviews with 350 SME stakeholders in the manufacturing sector. Results show a strong positive relationship between CSR dimensions and SBP. IPMA findings highlight the significance of multi-stakeholder communication in shaping CSR priorities. This study offers practical insights for managers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to embed CSR in SME strategies. It calls for structured policies, financial support, and regulatory incentives to promote CSR adoption. The findings extend existing theory by linking CSR with sustainability through a stakeholder lens in resource-constrained settings. Methodologically, the study contributes by applying PLS-SEM and IPMA to assess CSR’s strategic influence. Moreover, the study findings offer novel insights into CSR’s strategic role in SME sustainability within developing economies.
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BibTeX
@article{zhang2026rationalizing,
title = {{Rationalizing manifold CSR dimensions-and-aspects towards sustainable business performance of small and medium-sized enterprises: Findings from pre-hoc and post-hoc analysis}},
author = {Ge Zhang and Gazi Md. Shakhawat Hossain and Jing Zhang and Mingxing Li and Md. Shahinur Rahman and Hafsa Binta Firdaus},
journal = {PLOS One},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0353992},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0353992},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Rationalizing manifold CSR dimensions-and-aspects towards sustainable business performance of small and medium-sized enterprises: Findings from pre-hoc and post-hoc analysis
AU - Ge Zhang
AU - Gazi Md. Shakhawat Hossain
AU - Jing Zhang
AU - Mingxing Li
AU - Md. Shahinur Rahman
AU - Hafsa Binta Firdaus
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/15
JO - PLOS One
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0353992
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0353992
AB - Despite increasing global focus on sustainability, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries remain understated in corporate social responsibility (CSR) research. Existing studies mainly emphasize large corporations, leaving a gap in understanding CSR’s role in SME sustainability. This study explores the strategic role of CSR in driving sustainable business performance (SBP) among SMEs in Bangladesh. While CSR is often treated as compliance, this research positions it as a proactive strategy for long-term sustainability. Using stakeholder theory (ST), the study combines pre-hoc and post-hoc analyses to examine CSR’s impact. A quantitative research design integrates Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA). Data were collected through structured interviews with 350 SME stakeholders in the manufacturing sector. Results show a strong positive relationship between CSR dimensions and SBP. IPMA findings highlight the significance of multi-stakeholder communication in shaping CSR priorities. This study offers practical insights for managers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to embed CSR in SME strategies. It calls for structured policies, financial support, and regulatory incentives to promote CSR adoption. The findings extend existing theory by linking CSR with sustainability through a stakeholder lens in resource-constrained settings. Methodologically, the study contributes by applying PLS-SEM and IPMA to assess CSR’s strategic influence. Moreover, the study findings offer novel insights into CSR’s strategic role in SME sustainability within developing economies.
SN - 1932-6203
ER -