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УДК 005.35:005.21:[334.722.012.63/.64]

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36887/2415-8453-2025-3-81

Glazov Oleksandr,
applicant for the degree of Doctor of Sciences, PhD in Public Administration and Governance,
Senior Lecturer at the Department of Economics and Public Administration,
Poltava State Agrarian University, Poltava
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6205-3165
Naumenko Oleksandr,
PhD student in Management,
Poltava State Agrarian University, Poltava
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1162-8263

JEL classification: M14, L21, L26

The article provides a theoretical substantiation of the conceptual foundations for forming a stakeholder-oriented strategy of social responsibility in the management of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The relevance of the study is determined by the growing societal expectations regarding ethical business conduct, the need to adapt international corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards to the resource constraints and specific characteristics of Ukrainian SMEs, which form the backbone of the national economy. The purpose of the article is to theoretically substantiate the conceptual foundations of a stakeholder-oriented social responsibility strategy in the management of small and medium-sized enterprises. To achieve this goal, the evolution of the theory of business social responsibility has been analyzed – from H. Bowen (1953) and M. Friedman to E. Freeman’s stakeholder theory and modern international standards AA1000SES and ISO 26000. Attention is paid to the principles of accountability: inclusivity, materiality, and responsiveness. It is established that small and medium-sized enterprises are characterized by a specific model of stakeholder-oriented strategy, which is determined by limited financial, human, and organizational resources, a flexible management structure, and a high dependence on local stakeholders. Unlike large corporations, for SMEs the priority is an informal approach integrated into daily operations and focused on creating shared value with minimal additional costs. It is proved that the effective implementation of a stakeholder-oriented social responsibility strategy enables small and medium-sized enterprises to increase their competitiveness, strengthen their reputation in the community, and ensure sustainable development under conditions of uncertainty.

Keywords: stakeholder-oriented strategy, corporate social responsibility, small and medium-sized enterprises, stakeholder engagement, stakeholder theory, accountability principles, sustainable development.

Rеferences

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The article was received 12.08.2025

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Glazov O. , Naumenko O. 12.08.2025 . Theoretical foundations for the development of a stakeholder-oriented corporate social responsibility strategy in small and medium-sized business management. Ukrainian Journal of Applied Economics and Technology. 2025. №3. 404-407 pp. https://doi.org/10.36887/2415-8453-2025-3-81

Quote article, MLA style

Glazov O. , Naumenko O. Theoretical foundations for the development of a stakeholder-oriented corporate social responsibility strategy in small and medium-sized business management. Ukrainian Journal of Applied Economics and Technology. 12.08.2025 . https://doi.org/10.36887/2415-8453-2025-3-81