Relations with employees and the market environment as pillars of corporate social responsibility in small and medium-sized enterprises

Modern enterprises operate in a dynamically changing socio-economic environment, which places increasing demands on them not only in terms of economic efficiency, but also social responsibility. Globalization, demographic changes, growing social expectations, as well as the transformation of the labor market make responsible business activity an important element of the development strategy of companies - regardless of their size or industry. In addition to pursuing economic goals, enterprises should take into account social interests, care for the environment and shape transparent relations with a wide range of stakeholders. The authors’ research focused on two key pillars of corporate social responsibility - relations with employees and the functioning of the company on the market. Actions undertaken in these pillars translate not only into the image of the organization, but also into its stability and ability for long-term development. The aim of the conducted research was to obtain knowledge on the perception of the concept of corporate social responsibility by entrepreneurs in the SME sector, with particular emphasis on its key pillars, applied principles and examples of practical activities. In addition, the study aimed to analyze the relationships between individual activities carried out in the areas of two pillars: employee relations and the market. The research was conducted in 2024 among 182 enterprises from the SME sector, and the sample selection was purposeful. The analysis of the research results showed that in the pillar of employee relations, good relations with employees were considered the most important. Next, taking care of the well-being of employees and their safety at work and taking care of the image, reputation, development of the company and its employees were indicated. The least important area for respondents turned out to be social benefits. In the market pillar, good relations and honesty with customers, employees and contractors were considered the most important, as well as taking care of the quality of products and services, meeting customer needs. One third of the respondents indicated compliance with legal regulations and standards. The research results also show that in the pillar of employee relations, statistically significant relationships between the areas studied are inversely proportional. The area of ​​taking care of the well-being of employees and their safety at work shows a relationship with the area of ​​taking care of the image, reputation, development of the company and its employees. In addition, the researched area of ​​taking care of the image, reputation, development of the company and its employees shows a statistically significant correlation with the area covering good relations with employees. The area covering good relations with employees shows a correlation with the area concerning honesty in the implementation of concluded contracts, timely payment of salaries. The area of ​​social benefits did not show statistically significant correlations with the other areas studied in this pillar. The area of ​​taking care of the well-being of employees and their safety at work was positively correlated with the area from the pillar related to compliance with standards, environmental protection regulations. Within the market pillar, the research results indicate that the area of ​​good relations and honesty towards customers, employees and contractors does not show a statistically significant correlation with the other areas studied in this pillar. The area of ​​taking care of the quality of products and services, meeting customer needs shows a correlation with the area of ​​cooperation, partnership and fair-play competition. In addition, this area shows a correlation with the area of ​​compliance with legal regulations and standards in an inversely proportional manner, and directly proportional to the area of ​​reliability and ethics in conduct. The area of ​​taking care of the image, reputation, development of the company and its employees was characterized by a positive correlation with the area of ​​cooperation, partnership and fair-play competition.