Competitive Sustainability: A Multilevel Model for Quantitative Corporate Social Responsibility Evaluation in Small and Medium Textile Companies

摘要

Corporate Social Responsibility systems are a growing competitiveness factor. The need for companies and brands to adopt systems that focus on a company's sustainability have to consider not only its bottom line but also how to integrate and leverage its stakeholders needs. Transparency and communication of CSR systems are the key to maximizing its advantages, this paper proposes a model, using as a basis Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which quantifies a company's CSR performance. Meant to serve as management support tool, guideline for further improvement and communication device, the model proposed is aimed specifically at the textile sector, and was designed according to the input of industrialists, CEOs, Union Representatives, workers and local government. The need for the international recognition and accreditation of the system creates a complex hurdle which the model must overcome to reach all its goals and wider application within the textile sector.