COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AS A SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CONCERN FOR SELECTED SMMEs IN TWO AFRICAN COUNTRIES: SOUTH AFRICA AND LESOTHO

Abstract

This study was carried out to comprehend environmental responsibility (ER) of potentially environmental polluting small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the African context by analysing and comparing ER practices of these types of SMMEs in South Africa and Lesotho. The study utilised a survey questionnaire to obtain data on ER activities of motor vehicle mechanics, panel-beaters and small scale clothing manufacturing businesses in South Africa and Lesotho. The empirical study was preceded by a thorough literature review in order to establish the theoretical and conceptual basis of environmental responsibility (ER) and its “mother” concept business social responsibility (BSR). Questionnaires were distributed to 680 respondent SMMEs using a stratified sampling technique. Out of this, 600 were usable, representing an 88.2% response rate. The results reveal that SMMEs in South Africa and Lesotho have a very good understanding of ER, and see it as a sound business philosophy; and that engagement in ER comes with some benefits. Pearson’s correlation analysis show that the understanding of BSR in general is highly and significantly correlated with the understanding ER in particular, for both South Africa and Lesotho. Thus, the understanding of ER is an integral part of the knowledge of BSR.