CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES: A CASE STUDY OF ELDERLY EMPLOYMENT

Abstract

This research article aims to 1) Examine the perspectives of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) entrepreneurs on corporate social responsibility (CSR), reasons for employing elderly workers, skills of workers, workplace readiness, remuneration, and support from government agencies; 2) Identify promising practices for employing elderly workers within SMEs; and 3) Propose suitable elderly employment guidelines for SMEs. The study uses qualitative research with in-depth interviews based on purposive sampling. Key informants included SME entrepreneurs actively hiring elderly workers, along with elderly workers from 20 enterprises that had employed at least one elderly worker. In addition, 5 SME entrepreneurs without prior experience in hiring elderly workers were interviewed, making 25 enterprises across 3 SME sizes: micro, small, and medium. Research findings revealed that 1) SME entrepreneurs are increasingly aware of the importance of corporate social responsibility, though some still lack a clear understanding. Hiring elderly workers enhances their sense of value and eases family burdens. Most workplaces still lack appropriate facilities for elderly workers. Entrepreneurs continue to provide the same remuneration as before retirement and expect the government to introduce more flexible tax measures; 2) Good practices should highlight non-discrimination, provide suitable pay and benefits, promote new skills training, and cultivate an organizational culture that empowers elderly workers to share their knowledge, strengthening both their pride and acceptance; and 3) Elderly should prepare for retirement by developing knowledge to enhance their job opportunities. The government should expand health benefits, develop platforms to connect elderly workers with entrepreneurs, and introduce legal measures to promote elderly employment.