Abstract
This research strives to understand the framework of managing effective business operations amongst the Australian SMEs. In this regard, the role of responsible leadership is explored based on the Carroll's CSR model (i.e., economic, legal, ethical, philanthropic) (Carroll, 1991). More specifically, four key research objectives of CSR implementation for performance development by the Australian SMEs are considered in terms of awareness, challenges, impact and leadership efficacy. This study focused on assessing the current status of CSR amongst the Australian SMEs and their perception towards CSR practices and leadership to gain competitive firm performance. This study considers the three research questions to understand the CSR impact and responsible leadership attributes (i.e. financial management, social integrity, multi-hierarchical communications, and ethical behaviour) on the performance of the Australian SMEs. In this study, data is collected through semi-structured open-ended interview questions that are designed to obtain the views of the Australian SMEs managers in the field of electrical and civil industries. An exploratory design technique helped in extracting the in-depth insights of responsible leaders promoting CSR while gaining stakeholder confidence and enhancing social connectivity. Based on the qualitative exploration, a thematic analysis is conducted to assess the importance of the themes (emerged from the interviews) contributing toward the successful CSR implementation in the Australian SMEs context. As responsible leadership concept is x less explored in the Australian SMEs context, a non-probability sampling method is adopted to scrutinize multiple case studies based on cross-case analysis. Finally, this exploratory research on the effective SMEs operation should be of more advantageous to responsible entities striving to maintain a close networking with socio-environmental stakeholders. Moreover, the research findings are very useful for the SME managers and sustainability practitioners to implement CSR activities in the Australian SMEs driven by the responsible leaders.