To the roots of CSR and sustainability: the “proximity” to the territory: The Italian family SMEs’ experience

DOI: 10.5176/2251-1970_BizStrategy19

Authors: Mara Del Baldo

 Abstract:  The study focuses on the importance of entrepreneurial values as well as the relationship with the local environment within which family businesses are profoundly rooted. Using a qualitative approach, an analysis of Italian family SMEs from the Marches region, “cradle” of the small-sized company and craft traditions, allows us to identify the “roots” of good entrepreneurial practices in the ethical-oriented values influenced by family and territory values. Furthermore it enables us to trace the features of a territorial model of socially-responsible and sustainable orientation based on excellent examples of “convivial” family businesses strongly embedded in their territories.

Keywords: corporate social responsibility, ethical-oriented values, family businesses, small and medium enterprises, sustainability, territory.