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Abstract

This study explores the role of organizational communication in overcoming barriers to corporate citizenship in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). While corporate citizenship has been widely studied in large corporations, SMEs face unique challenges, including resource constraints, lack of awareness, and competing priorities, which hinder their ability to adopt and implement CSR practices. Through a systematic literature review, this study identifies how effective communication strategies can help SMEs address these barriers and enhance their corporate citizenship efforts. The findings reveal that transparent, consistent, and two-way communication fosters stakeholder trust and engagement, while informal communication networks and storytelling make CSR efforts relatable and impactful. Employee involvement, facilitated through regular communication and training, is critical for driving CSR success. Additionally, aligning CSR initiatives with business strategy and leveraging partnerships can help SMEs create shared value and overcome resource limitations. The study also highlights the importance of simplified tools for measuring and reporting CSR progress to enhance transparency and credibility. These findings contribute to the literature by addressing a critical gap in understanding how SMEs can leverage communication to integrate corporate citizenship into their operations. The study offers actionable insights for SMEs, policymakers, and practitioners, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies, capacity-building initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. Ultimately, this research underscores the transformative potential of organizational communication in enabling SMEs to embrace their role as responsible corporate citizens and achieve sustainable growth.

Keywords

Corporate Citizenship Organizational Communication SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) Stakeholder Engagement CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)

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