PERCEPTIONS OF LATVIAN UNIVERSITIES MANAGEMENT STUDENTS ON CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN LATVIAN ENTERPRISES

In the European Union, corporate social responsibility is no longer a novel concept in contemporary enterprises. In various enterprises, corporate social responsibility has reached different levels, and Latvia is also pursuing its development path in this area. Within this framework, enterprises are encouraged to pay greater attention to responsibility not only towards employees but also towards the environment and society, thus implementing a sustainable approach to corporate management. Several researchers have emphasised that the interest and understanding of managers play a crucial role in ensuring corporate social responsibility within enterprises. Their values, and their desire to implement sustainable corporate policies, thereby also caring for future generations. Therefore, the question of the understanding, knowledge, and motivation of future leaders in addressing corporate social responsibility issues becomes relevant already now. Hence, the issue of understanding, knowledge, and motivation of future managers in addressing corporate social responsibility matters becomes pertinent already. The aim of the study is to elucidate the perception and attitudes of management students on corporate social responsibility and its implementation in Latvian enterprises. The objectives of the study are to develop the theoretical framework of the research by evaluating the situation in Latvia regarding the implementation of corporate social responsibility, as well as the experience of other countries concerning management students� attitudes towards corporate social responsibility and opportunities for improving the study process; and to empirically obtain results for the development of guidelines to enhance the content and methods of study courses. The research methods applied in this research include theoretical research methods, such as content analysis of management science literature, as well as empirical research method: a questionnaire survey of management students from several Latvian universities. Within the scope of the study, a questionnaire survey was conducted among management students from several Latvian universities. The survey aimed to ascertain students� awareness of corporate social responsibility, its significance, and implementation in Latvian enterprises. Additionally, it examined the role of study courses in enhancing understanding and readiness to promote social corporate responsibility. The study also explored the statistical significance of students� socio-demographic characteristics with perception and attitudes towards corporate social responsibility. The research results will be used to enhance the content and methods of study courses in terms of promoting corporate social responsibility.