CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY ENTERPRISES IN UDON THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aimed to (1) examine the level of sustainable development among community enterprises in Udon Thani Province, (2) investigate the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) of community enterprise entrepreneurs, and (3) identify the factors influencing their social responsibility. The sample consisted of 331 community enterprise entrepreneurs in Udon Thani Province, determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) level. A purposive sampling technique was employed, and a questionnaire was used as the research instrument. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including multiple regression analysis.

The results indicated that the level of sustainable development was high, consistent with a high level of corporate social responsibility (CSR), with the ethical dimension receiving the highest score. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that the duration of (community?) enterprise operation had a statistically significant effect on corporate social responsibility. Enterprises operating for 1–5 years and those operating for more than 10 years exhibited significantly lower levels of corporate social responsibility compared with enterprises operating for less than one year, while no statistically significant difference was found for enterprises operating for 6–10 years. Regarding sources of funding, the regression model was statistically significant. Funding from members, financial institutions, government support, and other sources had significant positive effects on the level of corporate social responsibility, with government funding exerting the strongest influence.

In conclusion, the findings demonstrated that both operational experience and sources of funding played important roles in shaping the level of corporate social responsibility among community enterprise entrepreneurs. These empirical results could be utilized to inform policy formulation and support strategies aimed at promoting the sustainable development of community enterprises in Udon Thani Province.