Chapter 4

I am writing a Dissertation alignment on the Examination of how corporate social responsibility affects the financial performance of small businesses in Western Kentucky

1. INTRODUCTION:  The introduction of Chapter Four serves as a transition from the research procedures listed in Chapter Three and previews the organization of the results of the data.

2. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH SETTING: The participant and research setting section of Chapter Four describes the demographics of the study participants to demonstrate how the sampling procedures from Chapter Three were accomplished.

3. STUDY ANALYSIS: The Study Analysis section of Chapter Four provides information about the theming and coding of the qualitative data. You will draft your study analysis narrative using the dissertation template for this assignment. Also, take note that the study analysis section includes a thematic analysis map. There is a table template for this in the dissertation template; however, other variations can be used. Feel free to reference scholarly databases and consult with your study methodologist on the most appropriate visualization to display your thematic analysis map.   Examination of how Corporate Social
Responsibility affects the financial performance of
small businesses in Western Kentucky.
Presented by: Hardik Patel
Submitted to: Dr. Robert Meade
DSRT 930 Dissertation Seminar
University of the Cumberlands
Chapter 1- Overview & Problem Statement
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The study focused on “Examination of how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) affects the financial performance of small businesses in Western Kentucky.”
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This study evaluated the implications of corporate social responsibility on the financial situation of small businesses in Western Kentucky. It had a specific focus on the
perspectives and experiences of owners or managers. By addressing three key research questions, the study aimed to provide insights into the multifaceted ways in
which CSR initiatives are approached and implemented in both private and franchise-owned small businesses.
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The overarching goal was to enhance the existing knowledge by facilitating the decision-making processes of leaders in small-scale businesses and how these decisions
influence the relationship between CSR practices and financial outcomes. The study sought to uncover patterns, challenges, and strategies employed by leaders,
providing a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interplay between CSR and organizational performance in the context of Western Kentucky.
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In this research, the procedure will be using the Qualitative survey data method. The survey form will be emailed to their email to collect data from small business
owners or managers of small businesses in Western Kentucky.
Purpose of the Study
• The purpose of the study is to examine how CSR affects small business financial performance in the
Western Kentucky region.
• To understand the complicated link between small businesses’ financial success and CSR policies.
• CSR efforts and financial success were studied to understand their relationships
• How CSR can boost the profit of small businesses in western Kentucky
Research Questions
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RQ 1: How does the private and franchise owned small businesses in Western Kentucky apply CSR in advocating for
social justice policy reform?
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RQ 2: How well are CSR movements integrated into daily routines and operations of privately owned and franchiseoperated small businesses in Western Kentucky?
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RQ 3: What are the perceptions of owners and professional executives on CSR and its related leadership approaches and
practices in private and franchise-owned small businesses in Western Kentucky?
Significance of the Study
• CSR leads to better profitability, cost savings, and revenue growth.
• To spread awareness of CSR in small businesses.
• Positive direct effect of CSR on economic success.
• Increase community support and brand loyalty
Limitation of the Study
• One significant weakness was the spatial uniqueness of the investigation.
• The nature of the study’s focus on small businesses also presented a constraint.
• Due to the ever-changing nature of the economy and the business world.
• Insufficient data was a frequent obstacle to scientific investigation.
Assumption
• Relevance of CSR to Small Businesses.
• Awareness of CSR Practices.
• Intentions of Small Businesses to Implement CSR.
• Positive Relationship between CSR and Financial Performance.
• Ethical Leadership as a Mechanism.
• Consistency of Small Businesses.
Chapter 2 – Literature Review
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The Definition and Scope of Corporate Social Responsibility
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Organization of the Literature Review
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Impacts of Corporate Social Responsibility on Financial Performance
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Cost Reductions through CSR Initiatives
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Increased Sales and Customer Loyalty
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Improved Stakeholder Relationships and Business Opportunities
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The Role of Local Government in Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility
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Policy Formation and Advocacy
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Public Procurement and Regulation
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Training and Educational Resources
Literature Scope
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The scope of the literature review will include any research and theories related to corporate social responsibility and small businesses in Western Kentucky.
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This literature review will cover scholarly journal articles, popular press publications, newspapers, and books focused on the significance of corporate social responsibility in improving
financial performance.
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Subsequently, I plan to analyze further the findings from the literature review in to identify any relationships between corporate social responsibility and the financial performance of
small businesses in Western Kentucky.
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The literature review will be organized into several parts.
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First, I will provide a general overview of corporate social responsibility and how it relates to small businesses.
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Next, I will synthesize research on the specific context of Western Kentucky, drawing on sources related to the regional small business environment.
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Finally, I will provide an analysis of the findings and offer insights into how the research impacts the business sector in Western Kentucky.
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Overall, this research will provide an in-depth understanding of the role of corporate social responsibility in the financial performance of small businesses in Western Kentucky.
Chapter 3 – Research Project Design
1.
Recruitment: Utilize a combination of professional databases, business directories, and local chamber of commerce listings to identify potential participants who meet the study’s
criteria.
2.
Informed Consent: Obtain explicit consent from participants by providing clear and comprehensive information about the study purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and their rights as
participants before they agree to participate.
3.
Data Collection: Gather relevant data from participants using appropriate methods such as surveys, interviews, or observations, ensuring ethical standards and data integrity are
maintained throughout the process.
4.
Transcription: Transcribe audio recordings of interviews or focus groups accurately and efficiently to create written records for further analysis.
5.
Coding: Systematically analyze qualitative data by assigning codes to segments of data based on emerging themes or patterns, facilitating the organization and interpretation of data.
6.
Theme Development: Identify, refine, and categorize recurring themes or concepts within the data through iterative analysis, aiming to capture the essence of participants’ experiences
and perspectives.
7.
Data Interpretation: Analyze and interpret collected data within the context of the research objectives, theoretical frameworks, and existing literature to draw meaningful conclusions
and insights.
8.
Confidentiality and Data Security: Safeguard participants’ privacy and data security by implementing measures to securely store, handle, and transmit data, including obtaining
informed consent, anonymizing data, and adhering to ethical and legal guidelines.
9.
Reporting Results: Communicate research findings transparently and accurately through written reports, academic publications, or presentations, adhering to established guidelines for
scientific reporting and dissemination.
10.
Participant Feedback: Solicit feedback from participants about their experiences and perspectives on the research process, using surveys, interviews, or focus groups to evaluate and
improve the quality of the research.
Population and Sample
You can participate in this study if you:
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Are at least 18 years of age.
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Owner or Manager of a small retail business in western Kentucky.
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Both private and franchise-owned establishments in Western Kentucky.
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2+ years of small retail business industry experience.
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Have given your informed consent by signing the consent form.
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The sample size is 12 to 15
Chapter 4 – Data collection
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The data for this research will be collected through email via sending survey questions to participants in western kenutcky area. The survey
will be designed to gauge the perspectives of owners or managers in privately owned and franchise-operated small businesses in Western
Kentucky. The utilization of a survey format allows for a systematic and efficient approach to gathering qualitative data, providing insights
into the understanding and integration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices among these businesses. The fourteen samples will
be selected from the small business industry in Western Kentucky, particularly the owner or manager who must have at least two to three
years of experience and is familiar with CSR.
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In this data analysis, I will employ an exploratory research methodology. The survey, consisting of open-ended questions, will be
electronically distributed via email to 12 to 15 owners or managers of both private and franchise-owned small businesses. The comparative
design will explore the differences between private and franchise-owned small businesses.
Recruitment procedure
Recruitment Process:
The recruitment strategy aims to enroll 12 to 15 participants who are small retail business owners or managers in Western Kentucky. The process will emphasize clarity, voluntary
participation, and informed consent, adhering to ethical guidelines throughout.
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Step 1: Identification of Potential Subjects
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Method: Utilize a combination of professional databases, business directories, and local chamber of commerce listings to identify potential participants who meet the study’s criteria.
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Outreach: Conduct initial outreach via email or direct mail, providing a brief overview of the study and its significance, along with an invitation to participate.
Step 2: Screening for Eligibility
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Initial Screening: Interested individuals will be directed to complete a short online questionnaire or engage in a phone screening to verify their eligibility based on the specified criteria.
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Criteria:
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At least 18 years of age.
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Owner or manager of a small retail business (private or franchise-owned) in Western Kentucky.
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Possessing more than 2 years of experience in the small retail business sector.
Informed Consent: Eligible participants will be provided with detailed information about the study, including its purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits, and must sign an informed consent form
before participation.
Recruitment procedure (Continue)
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Step 3: Recruitment Materials and Communication
Content Creation: Develop recruitment materials that are easy to understand and accessible. These should include:
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A clear and concise title of the study.
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A summary of the study’s purpose, highlighting its potential benefits for small business practices and decision-making.
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Detailed eligibility criteria.
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Assurance of voluntary participation and the right to withdraw at any time.
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An overview of the informed consent process.
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Contact information for the study’s principal investigator and the overseeing Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Format and Distribution: Materials will be made available in both digital and print formats, ensuring they can be easily shared through online platforms, direct mail, and local business gatherings or meetings.
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Step 4: Enrollment and Informed Consent
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Follow-up Communications: Engage in follow-up communications with interested and eligible participants to address any questions or concerns and to confirm their participation.
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Consent Process: Conduct a detailed informed consent process, ensuring participants fully understand the study and agree to participate voluntarily. This process may occur in person, via video conferencing, or through secure digital platforms, depending on the
participant’s preference and availability.
Step 5: Confirmation and Participation
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Confirmation: Once informed consent is obtained, confirm the participant’s enrollment in the study, providing them with a schedule of activities, interviews, surveys, or any other relevant components of the research.
Data Analysis
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Data analysis for this study involved a comprehensive examination of the qualitative data gathered from owners or managers of small
businesses in Western Kentucky. Grounded within a qualitative research approach, the study embraced the exploratory research
methodology. This framework is well-suited for the intricate nuances of participants’ lived experiences (Smith & Fieldsend, 2021). The
primary objective was to unravel the intricate relationships between corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and the financial
performance of small businesses, with a specific focus on the distinctions between private and franchise-owned establishments.
•
In this data analysis, I will employ an exploratory research methodology. The survey, consisting of open-ended questions, will be
electronically distributed via email to 12 to 15 owners or managers of both private and franchise-owned small businesses. The comparative
design will explore the differences between private and franchise-owned small businesses.
References
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Allaire, J. (n.d.). RStudio: Integrated Development Environment for R. https://www.r-project.org/conferences/useR-2011/abstracts/180111-allairejj.pdf
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Cherian, J., Umar, M., Thu, P. A., Nguyen‐Trang, T., Sial, M. S., & Khương, N. V. (2019). Does Corporate Social Responsibility Affect the Financial Performance of the Manufacturing
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Ko, J.-W., Price, J. L., & Mueller, C. W. (1997). Assessment of Meyer and Allen’s three-component model of organizational commitment in South Korea. Journal of Applied
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Murphy, C. B. (n.d.). Why is social responsibility important to some businesses?. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/041015/why-social-responsibilityimportant-business.asp#:~:text=Social%20responsibility%20programs%20can%20boost,increase%20customer%20retention%20and%20loyalty.
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References (Continued)
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Porter, J. (2019, September 30). 6 steps Leaders can take to get the most out of feedback. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2019/09/6-steps-leaders-can-taketo-get-the-most-out-of-feedback
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Pugh, J. (2020). Informed Consent, Autonomy, and Beliefs. In www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Oxford University Press. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556864/
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