Stimulating the Social Responsibility of Small Businesses: Government Policy and Social Innovations

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to theoretically analyse and determine the significance of the social responsibility of small businesses based on research by leading scientists. It also aims to identify and develop proposals and recommendations for strengthening the social responsibility of small businesses through innovations and government stimulation. Methods/Approach: The authors used a systematic approach, a structural-functional approach, and a critical approach, together with a symbiosis of relevant methods, to provide a direct, structured, and systematic consideration of issues related to the social responsibility of small businesses and to deepen the understanding of government regulation and social innovation in this context. Findings: The findings indicate that, both conceptually and practically, the government plays a key role in shaping the social orientations of small businesses, which are tasked with creating favourable conditions for increasing social responsibility, a goal closely tied to innovation policy. Originality: The findings contribute to the general knowledge of stimulating the social responsibility literature and aid in better understanding the specifics, features, and significance of government policy, as well as the role of social innovations in enhancing small business activities efficiently and effectively. Keywords: Small Business; Social Innovations; Social Responsibility; Social Responsibility Evaluation of Small Business; Strengthening the Social Responsibility. Citation: Labanauskaite, D. and Rozhenko, O. (2024): Stimulating the Social Responsibility of Small Businesses: Government Policy and Social Innovations. World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 20, Nos 3-4, pp. 213-228.