Abstract:
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a multifaceted concept when considered from a
multiple stakeholder perspective. CSR is not a new concept and has evolved into a widely accepted
business practise. CSR engagement di ers from business to business in terms of organisational context,
size, industry and country. This paper explores the drivers and barriers of CSR engagement in the context
of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the hospitality sector in South Africa. This
study uses the stakeholder theory, to investigate the stakeholders considered by hospitality SMMEs when
engaging in CSR activities. Data was collected using purposive and snowballing sample methods where
102 owners and/or managers of hospitality SMMEs completed an online survey. A standard multiple
regressions model was used to analyse the data. The results illustrate that hospitality SMMEs positively
engage in CSR with the main drive to protect the environment. However, the SMMEs' main barrier is
the lack of nancial resources to be more responsible. Hospitality SMMEs consider their employees to
be a vital stakeholder. This study has practical implications for owners to collaborate with important
stakeholders, such as their employees or suppliers, and establish policies that de ne CSR practises within
their SMME.
