Corporate social responsibility in a burgeoning industry: a stakeholder analysis http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/8329/ Article LJMU has developed LJMU Research Online for users to access the research output of the University more effectively. Copyright © and Moral Rights for the papers on this site are retained by the individual authors and/or other copyright owners. Users may download and/or print one copy of any article(s) in LJMU Research Online to facilitate their private study or for non-commercial research. You may not engage in further distribution of the material or use it for any profit-making activities or any commercial gain.The version presented here may differ from the published version or from the version of the record. Please see the repository URL above for details on accessing the published version and note that access may require a subscription.
LJMU Research OnlineCorporate social responsibility in a burgeoning industry: A stakeholder analysis Abstract Purpose -The purpose of this exploratory study is to investigate the extent and significance of involvement of craft brewery operators in their community through the lens of stakeholder theory (ST). In addition, differences between forms of involvement and demographic characteristics of operators and breweries are examined.Design/methodology/approach -As many as 218 operators of predominantly micro craft breweries across the United States participated in an online questionnaire designed to gather their perceptions.Findings -While paying taxes was participants' main perceived form of contribution, providing an artisan-made product, the significance of the craft brewery as a community 'hub', and that of increasing the number of leisure alternatives also emerged. A further 52.8 percent of participants indicated contributing $US 100,000 or more to the community annually. Statistically significant differences were revealed, for instance, based on craft breweries' production volume, and the level of financial contribution. Various associations between operators' perceived contributions and the ST theses were established, including in regards to cooperative interests (descriptive), stakeholder management (instrumental), and moral principles (normative).Originality/value -First, by examining corporate social responsibility in the craft brewing industry and among predominantly smaller firms, the study addresses two under-researched areas. Second, a refinement of ST in the context of the craft brewing industry is proposed, highlighting the links between ST-based theses and the findings. Third, the study contributes to three different types of literature: micro and small business, craft brewing entrepreneurship, and corporate social responsibility.