The Impact of Responsible Leadership on CSR and Organizational Performance in Chinese SMEs

This study explores the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), responsible leadership, and organizational performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. A quantitative research design was employed, surveying 1,400 employees across various industries. The study investigates how CSR dimensions—economic, social, environmental, and voluntary—directly influence organizational performance and the mediating role of responsible leadership in this relationship. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the analysis reveals that CSR dimensions, especially the economic and social, significantly enhance organizational performance. Responsible leadership plays a critical mediating role, strengthening the effects of CSR on performance outcomes. These findings suggest that responsible leadership not only facilitates the integration of CSR into organizational strategies but also ensures its alignment with broader business goals, maximizing its positive impact. The study provides valuable insights for SMEs, urging them to cultivate responsible leadership to effectively leverage CSR for long-term success. It contributes to the CSR literature by presenting a model that integrates leadership into CSR practices and offers practical recommendations for SMEs seeking to improve performance through socially responsible initiatives.