Leveraging environmental, social and governance dimensions through the walking-to-talk pathway in SMEs: findings from a longitudinal agri-food case study

Abstract

Purpose. This study shows that the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) walking-to-talk pathway can effectively support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in implementing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. Design/methodology/approach. The authors adopted a longitudinal case-study approach and conducted an analysis of an Italian SME wine cooperative. A ten-year horizon has been investigated. Findings. The study confirms that the CSR walking-to-talk pathway enabled the selected company to effectively leverage Environmental, Social and Governance dimensions. This study suggests that due to SMEs’ peculiarities (e.g., resource scarcity) implementing ESG practices first and investing in external communication afterwards represents an ESG sound and sustainable strategy. Specifically, from this study emerges that the social and governance dimensions are crucial drivers in supporting a SME to pursue sustainability. These pillars provide tangible and intangible resources, such as, members’ trust and board directors and management continuity, which support the organisation to meet its desired goals. Practical and Social implications. This study can guide similar organizations seeking legitimacy through the adoption of ESG practices, underscoring the importance of the walking-to-talk pathway as a sound approach to sustainability. Originality of the study. This study explores the effectiveness of the CSR walking-to-talk pathway in implementing ESG practices in SMEs. Due to the recent popularity of ESG, this contribution represents a new stream of research to better understand the dynamics of ESGs.