Business school model of social responsibility and sustainability and its impact on small- and mid-sized enterprises

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to define a business school model of social responsibility (SR) and sustainability and describe how the implementation of this model impacts on small- and mid-sized enterprises (SME) and stakeholders in the chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was built based on a conceptual analysis about the literary and documentary review in recognized databases of scientific publications and models of SR, accreditations and impact and quality report systems of business schools. The implementation of the model was based on a project that involved Peruvian SME. Data were collected through surveys administered to the study population. The results were confirmed through in-depth interviews. Analytical-synthetic, inductive-deductive-analytical methods were used to present the SR model.

Findings

This model focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), partnerships and solved relevant social and economic problems. It also allowed the growth of the micro entrepreneur, the family, the company, the society and other stakeholders in the chain.

Research limitations/implications

The model was validated in one business school but generated more results than the expected. It is recommended to replicate it in other organizations. It has been developed in pandemic and post-pandemic situations.

Practical implications

The model was based on many impact models that considered the SDGs and relevant alliance generation that involved stakeholders in the chain. It also contributed to the development of entrepreneurs and the society.

Social implications

The model benefited people, society and companies. The program aimed to train and formalize entrepreneurs and generate social and economic development.

Originality/value

This study allowed moving from theory to practice in topics of SR and sustainability. The main original aspect is that the model was based on the Unión de Responsabilidad Social Universitaria Latino Americana model; the Business Graduates Association, European Quality Improvement System, Business school Impact System, Global Reporting Initiative standards, the Responsible Business Conduct and the SDGs.

Citation

Ramirez Lozano, J.P., Rojas Valdez, K. and Marquina Feldman, P. (2023), "Business school model of social responsibility and sustainability and its impact on small- and mid-sized enterprises", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 382-403. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-10-2021-0424