A Responsible Start : Corporate social responsibility perception of incubated young entrepreneurs: case of Latvia and Sweden

Abstract: The following graduation paper titled “Corporate social responsibility perception of incubated young entrepreneurs: case of Latvia and Sweden” provides an in-depth research into the understanding of the corporate social responsibility definition and its consideration among young entrepreneurs who lead their start-up businesses within the business incubators in Latvia and Sweden.The research aims to provide a summary of the prevailing definitions and views of CSR as it is one of the most discussed, yet controversial topics in modern business world. Moreover, the global organizational and national community as well as individual consumers increasingly place demands and expectations on companies to integrate social responsibility within their business practices. Furthermore, as incubators are the place where many young and ambitious people decide to seek support for their business ideas, it is crucial to determine how CSR is perceived by these young entrepreneurs and to what extent it is given importance.In this context, the following research issues were defined: (1) How do the incubated young entrepreneurs perceive the concept of corporate social responsibility? (2) How are CSR elements incorporated or planned to be incorporated in their business practices? (3) Are there differences in the perceptions and use of CSR between the start-ups of these Latvian and Swedish entrepreneurs? To answer these questions, a profound theoretical synthesis of concept of CSR, socially responsible entrepreneurship and business incubator environment was made and a framework for classification and analysis of research findings was chosen. The empirical foundation was obtained through qualitative studies of a total of six start-up companies founded by young entrepreneurs and engaged in business incubators in Latvia and Sweden.It was concluded that generally young entrepreneurs have profound understanding of the various CSR dimensions and very personal approach to implementing CSR. Legal compliance and ethics are considered key to successful business and the latter often have significant impact on the economic and operational decisions. Differences were found on an industry and personal rather than country level.