Organizational Psychology

Authors examine attitudes of owners and managers of Russian small and medium businesses (SMEs) towards the concept and phenomena of social responsibility of business. An empirical background of the research consists of 57 focused interviews with representatives of Russian SMEs from the Central Federal Count of the Russian Federation. The research conducted allows to evaluate individual motives of behavior, influence of values, as well as key factors that determine choices of Russian SMEs’ practices related to social responsibility of business. Analysis of interviews evidences that there is no complex understanding of the term “social responsibility of business” among owners and managers of Russian SMEs, however, there is a variety of individual examples of responsible behavior and initiatives. This allows to conclude that norms and principles of ethical and responsible behavior are spread among companies of the business segment analyzed. Research results demonstrate that Russian SMEs are focused on practices of social responsibility aimed at internal stakeholders (such as employees). Among seven directions of responsible behavior according to ISO 26000 representatives of Russian SMEs indicated the following ones as most strategically important: relationship with consumers (1^st place according to the number of attitudes), responsible behavior towards employees (expressed in stable wages, opportunities for professional development and qualification improvement; provision of additional health insurance and social benefits; creation of attractive work places etc.) (2^nd place according to the number of attitudes), environmental protection (activities aimed at improving ecological situation) (3^rd place), good business practices (4^th place). Research results confirm that practice of social responsibility in case of Russian SMEs is shaped notonly by official legislative requirements, but in a great extent by personal attitudes, values, choices and beliefs of their owners. The practice of social responsibility of Russian SMEs is also influenced by choices and attitudes of these companies’ employees. Owners and managers of Russian SMEs believe that responsible behavior and practices allow to create and maintain long-term relationship of trust between their companies and key groups of stakeholders which include consumers of their goods and services, their employees and local communities.