Order 1125645: Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India: A Case Study of Food Industry of India

Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India: A Case Study of Food Industry of India

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1. Background of the Study

In the contemporary era of business, it is important for companies to operate in a manner that can enable them to be more comprehensive in the competitive environment. There are various aspects of the modern business which can be an important part in the process of attaining sustainability and competitive advantage within the business. One of the keys in this context would be the social sustainability of the business. Correspondingly, this particular research focus has been mainly on analyzing and examining the impact of social sustainability within the SME sector in India. For this particular research study, the focus has been mainly considered towards analyzing and understanding the factors influencing social sustainability in small and medium-sized enterprises in India in context of the food industry of the nation. As per the research of Popovic & et. al. (2017) social sustainability in business mainly refers to the concept of the work process of business units towards developing products and structures which is not only meets the present demands of the community but can also serve as a key proponent in terms of supporting the future generation. In a similar context, the views of Ajmal & et al. (2017) has argued that social sustainability is one of the major way forward for modern business towards attaining overall business sustainability. The study has defined social sustainability to be the process or the approach through which companies seek to identify the impact of the business on the community or the customers both positively and negatively. Social sustainability serves as a key factor for business competitiveness especially for the SMEs where the proper connection with the community is deemed to be extremely important for attaining business success. As per the research of Trufil & Hunter (2012), social sustainability in SMEs mainly seeks to improve on the innovation capacity of the companies. This can further comprise of improvising or utilizing the optimum use of natural resources towards increasing the productivity resulting in better value for money for the customers regarding goods and services used. In this regard, Ciemleja & Lace (2014) has also argued that there are mainly three dimensions of sustainability for SMEs including social, economic and ecological sustainability. The study has also argued that social sustainability is directly relevant to social environments in which companies operate. The social capital of SMEs is regarded to be an important element for this social development. Sava & et al. (2011), has also argued that promoting social responsibility is crucial for assuring a sustainable performance of the business, especially for the SMEs. It is also regarded as a part of the CSR of the business where the focus is on positively contributing towards the society. Social sustainability means adding value to the services that are provided to the key statehooders of the SMEs such as government, environment, customers, shareholders, and others. In this study, the focus has been mainly on analyzing the factors that influence social sustainability among the SMEs in India within the Food industry. As per the research of Jayeola (2015), one of the major factors is the financial performance of the business that links with social sustainability. It has been noted that financial performance of the business of SMEs determines their approach towards the environment. It mainly imbibes the scale of operations of the business to improve on the social performance of the business. Agreeing to the views of Jayeola (2015), Hosseininia & Ramezani (2016) has extended discussion on the factors influencing the social sustainability of the SMEs in the food industry of India. The study has discussed that some of the factors comprise of the environmental and the social elements. The environment factors comprise of setting up the standards for dealing with environmental issues effectively, setting standards for workplace and moving into the recycling of waste for the better of the environment among others. On the other hand, the social factors would comprise of getting social support from the community on a consistent basis, customer orientation and staff training among others. This study will focus on elaborating on these factors by collecting data that is specifically relevant to the Indian food industry.

1.2. Food Industry of India

The food industry of India has been on a constant boom in the recent times. As per the data of IBEF (2017) the food industry of India has been depicting a considerable fluctuation trend and has poised to be with high growth prospects in recent years. It has a major contribution to the global food trade each year. The sector is further deemed to be highly productive and profitable with a current valuation of US$ 39.71 billion with a compounded annual growth of around 11%. Food and grocery deem to comprise of 31% of the overall share of consumption of customers in this particular market. Regarding food and grocery, India is the sixth largest market in the world. It is forecasted that by the end of the year 2020, the market is expected to reach a figure of around US$ 894.98 billion.

1.3. Aims and Objectives

The prime aim of this particular research study is to analyze the factors that influence the social sustainability of SMEs of India especially in the context of the food industry. Correspondingly, the key objectives to be accomplished in this study will be the following.

· Analysis of the importance of social sustainability to ensure overall sustainability of SMEs

· Illustrating the impact of social sustainability upon the SMEs in the food sector of India

· Examining the factors influencing the social sustainability of SMEs in the Indian food industry

1.4. Research Question

What are the factors influencing social sustainability in the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India in context of the food industry?

1.5. Research Rationale

Social sustainability mainly acts as am approach of a particular business unit towards the environment or the society or the community altogether. It mainly seeks to ensure maximum utilization of the natural resource towards business operations so that maximum value can be added to the products and services delivered to the people or the community. It has been noted that companies are often attributed high financial cost to attain environmental sustainability. As per the research of Markku (2004), the current society expects a practically perfect approach from the business units towards the society and the environment. This aspect further assures that approach of companies towards the environment and the society forms the core of business operations. In a similar context, Eccles et al. (2013) have determined that there is a consistent relationship amid sustainability and firm’s performance, which further implies that business units need to be more lenient towards social sustainability. There has been a wide range of research conducted regarding the importance of social sustainability regarding the operations of the companies about getting comprehensively sustainable business operations. Correspondingly, it is worth to conduct this research study, which is specific to the Indian food industry and the SMEs in this sector. This is because there is has been very less research conducted on this topic, which further acts as a motivation for conducting this research study.

1.6. Research Structure

This research would be conducted by six different chapters which have been discussed in brief hereunder.

Chapter 1 Introduction: In this chapter, the focus has been mainly on setting the tone of the research through providing a brief background of the topic along with determining the aims and objectives to be accomplished in the later stage. The chapter will also provide an understanding of the significance or motivation of conducting this research study.

Chapter 2 Literature Review: This chapter of the study is mainly focused on reviewing past papers relevant to the topic, i.e., the factors influencing social sustainability among the SMEs within the Indian food industry. This will provide a preliminary understanding of the topic, which will further assist regarding the results of the study.

Chapter 3 Methodology: In this chapter of the study, the focus would be mainly on justifying the methods selected for conducting this research study based on the topic selected.

Chapter 4 Results: This section of the study has been focused mainly on presenting the findings of the study collected from various sources.

Chapter 5 Discussion: This chapter of the study has been mainly being mainly focused towards discussing the findings of the study based on the collected data in chapter 4. This will also focus on accomplishing the objectives of the study.

Chapter 6 Conclusion and Recommendations: This chapter of the study has been focused towards answering the research question based on the collected data throughout the research study.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.1. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) is one of the most effective driving forces of economic stability that is useful for creating job opportunities and positively influencing the national economy. The sustainability of SME is linked with growth and opportunity that leads to long-term success in creating an effective competitive edge. Accordingly, it is cited by Chhikara & Sahay (2008) that SMEs play a strong role in promoting economic growth along with sustainable development. Economic growth leads to social development that ensures sustainability and augments quality growth. Das (2017) reported that SME sector is acknowledged across the world and is being uniformly accepted. SMEs in simple words are formally registered with government bodies and are obligated to tax payments. It is a sector that provides skills training to employees for better investment ability. It is vital to state that BRIC countries have a promising emerging market with effective economies that lead to effective turnover ranges. The size of SMEs differ as per the changing sector, and it is independent. The SMEs are usually registered with few employees and have economic stability.

It is noted that during the economic crises the SMEs acted as a key driver for growth regarding GDP. However, it is believed that in the year 2008 various challenges were faced by SMEs regarding GDP and employment aspects. In the high-income countries, the SME sectors are more developed and increase the economic aspects providing employment and industrial growth. Hosseininia & Ramezani (2016) refers SMEs to be employment multiplier mainly in the manufacturing sector and food industry. SMEs are creating a competitive environment and driving economic force that positively influences business and economy. It is argued by Kot (2018) that job creation in small sectors are less cost-effective than in large business sector because it is more capital intensive. However, large companies offer stability, compensation along with benefits that are more than the SMEs. Consequently, SMEs are innovative and provides a high share of effectiveness regarding investments. SMEs are growing and are becoming relevant regarding investors and customer approach that leads to sustainability and upliftment of the economy. It is stated by Kour (2015) that growth of the economy that is based upon innovation would be sustainable as it is linked with business activities and technological advancement.

Furthermore, it is believed by Pachouri & Sharma (2016) that SMEs usually plays a pivotal role in positively influencing the economy by creating jobs, producing augmented new services to ensure new innovate products. The private employment across the globe is more because of the increase in the SMEs sectors. It is further argued by Rakesh (2014) that SMEs are classified into two types which include stability oriented and Growth oriented. The name determines that stability oriented does not intend to growth but tends to progress the family business by providing moderate needs. On the other hand, growth-oriented SMEs are usually small in size and are effective to explore new opportunities for new opportunities and technologies. The sustainability of the SMEs is based upon various aspects which include effective sustainability policies, market environment, opportunities, and infrastructure along with the human skills. In the views of Sommer (2017) national policies are effective for the growth of the SMEs as they tend to provide policies for scaling up SME funding opportunities that positive influences the macroeconomic stability regarding sustainable economic growth. The SME sector enhances the financial accessibility leading to growth regarding the global economy.

2.2. National Policies and SME development

The relevance of SMEs is being recognized globally, and it is vital to coordinate activities by setting new development goals for greater positioning and goals. It is believed by Soini & Veseli (2011) that policymakers showed positivity and increased interest towards the development of SMEs as it is noted that SME acts as a key driver for change regarding national and international growth. The effectiveness and the sustainable aspects of SMEs are huge regarding contribution. The contribution of SMEs is huge as it leads to job creation, reduction of poverty and welfare regarding adding value. This sector is creating completeness as it tends to operate business and activities through long-term sustainability in its small business development. It is ascertained that people identify small and Medium Enterprise Development Initiative (SMEDI) for offering potentiality regarding the partnership, education, and funding. The national policies are effective and are gaining relevance for linking SMEs with macro goals. There are several sectors and aspects that are impacted by SMEs which are

· The quality and quantity of jobs created;

· Local and regional development and regeneration;

· Reduction of poverty and inequalities

· Business and product development targets;

· Key industry and service sectors targeted in national plans; and

· International competitiveness;

The increasing growth of SMEs is due to its value creation and employment generation to create opportunities. Contextually, it is worthy to note that SME sector is gaining popularity in every sector because of the cost advantage and skill of employees. These sectors are small in size thus the focus is on creating innovative products with effectiveness. The domestic market size is growing and is impacting the market potential so that the opportunities are created (Tewari & Pathak, 2014). The development of SMEs is dependent upon the promotional and protective policies made by the government so that the consumption is ensured. The effectiveness and development of SMEs augments the economy. It is noted in the opinion of Wiese (2014) that SMEs dominate the industrial sector in various countries and exports products for augmenting profitability. The sustainability of SMEs is based on various aspects and one of the factors that influences growth is technological growth and infrastructural aspects. It is argued by Zhou (2009) that SME is one of the biggest sectors after agriculture regarding providing employment. The contribution of SMEs in the growth of GDP is huge, and it is argued that employment generation is huge in this sector because these sectors are labor intensive. It increases the level of employment and impacts the distribution of income for adding value and ensure livelihood along with opportunities. Furthermore, the development of SMEs promotes entrepreneurship and enhances productiveness for the strong economic development.

2.3. Managing the Sustainable Supply Chain

SMEs sector plays a pivotal role in managing the business for economic development and growth. In the opinion of Soini & Veseli (2011), the functioning of the supply chain can not only be measured through the effectiveness of the business but also by its changing impact upon the social system and environment. Thus, it can be determined that sustainability of the supply chain tends to increase long-term profitability without causing damage to the ecosystem or social system. Supply chain usually tends to mitigate the challenges that are faced with oversupply for creating better direction. It is opined by Kot (2018) that sustainable supply chain tends to perform effectively as long as customer wishes. It is important to understand the fact that sustainable supply chain usually balances three vital dimensions which include business, environment and social factors. Sustainable supply chain management is defined as “creating coordinated supply chains through [the] voluntary integration of environmental, social, and economic aspects with the most important interorganizational business systems; [they are] designed in order to effectively and successfully manage the flow of materials, information, and capital associated with the supply, [as well as] the production and the distribution of products and services in order to fulfill the requirements of interested subjects and the improvement in the profitability, the competitiveness, and the vulnerability of the organization in short and long-term prospect”.

The main factor of the supply chain management is that it reflects upon the importance of supply chain system on the social nature. It implies cooperating amid suppliers, stakeholder’s aspects and managers opinion for better relationship management. For the effective management of the supply chain, it is vital to have better knowledge about the industry and the changing scenarios influencing environmental aspects. Subsequently, Soini & Veseli (2011) tends to determine the scope of business and analyze upon three characteristics of the supply chain which includes operational, transformational and relational. Operational because it is about the flow of information and materials that tend to create value affecting the traditional structure concerning supply chain. Another scope is that it is transformational which reflects about the business practices regarding an economic sphere about environmental and social matters. In the opinion of Hosseininia & Ramezani (2016), relational aspects are about creating a relationship with members for effective supply chain and stakeholder value. It is worthy to note that SMEs impact the economies in several manners for creating effects for the welfare of the society. The sustainability of the supply chain impacts the business in an augmented manner so that the turnover of the business is huge. For the success of the SMEs in the market, it is vital that supply chain is implemented effectively so that the growth of the companies is augmented. For effectiveness of the supply chain, it is important that strong integration is witnessed amid suppliers, producers, customers and distributors for long-term effectiveness. It is important to share information and coordinate actions so that the absorbency of the chain is relevant for the development of new products and services. Close partnership with customers along with suppliers helps to ensure effectiveness in the process and development. The benefit and profitability of the SMEs are linked with supply chain management. SMEs sectors are usually valued for its high-quality products, lower costs, and better service delivery along with low risk which is linked with the effectiveness of the supply chain. In the opinion of Das (2017), several benefits are linked with the man to supply chain which includes market participation, improvement in the service management, reduction in the property along with ensuring the quality of the products that are developed in the SMEs. Yje competitiveness is huge, but through regular planning and increased profitability, SMEs is ensuring perfections in the supply chain management. Better management and proper designing of the business is linked with the supply management and operational activities. It is worthy to note that implementation of better supply chain practices helps to augment the operational activities so that the roles of the stakeholders along with the sector are improved. Integration amid the suppliers, customers are vital in the market so that SMEs can meet the competition for long-term sustainability. Proper decision making and well-coordinated strategic supply chain impacts the business and its sustainability in the long run.

2.4 Importance of Small Business for the Country’s Economy

According to the viewpoint of Storey (2016), it can be stated that every business organization has gravely impacted on the country’s economy. Whereas, the economic factors such as unemployment rate, GDP growth, interest, inflation rate are the major factors, which has gravely impacted on the performance of a small and medium size food providing business organization. By, it can be stated that a small and medium size business organization should take adequate initiatives to earn a large amount of revenue.

By Edmiston, (2007), It has been identified that the large business firms are depending upon the small companies because required raw materials and other resources generally provided by the small firms. However, large companies are controlling the economy of a country, but maintenance of large companies fully depends upon small companies. Apart from this, certain times small food providing companies are alliancing with big companies with the purpose of providing reasonable workforce and support. It helps large companies to perform better within the market. Through this of an organizations economy of a country is stabilizing properly, which has generally developed its work activity with the help of small companies. By this discussion mentioned above, it can be asserted that without the small company’s large firms are not operating their business properly. Based on this context it can be claimed that the economy of a country fully depends upon the small food industries, which can be considered as for the importance of small business for the country’s economy.

2.5 Small Business Management

According to the viewpoint of many research scholar, Johnson, (2018), it can be stated that the key personnel of every business organization are responsible for managing the business orientated aspects to run their business operating efficiently. In the case of small business management, they should take adequate managerial plans to accomplish their pre-determined goals. To manage the performance of a small food providing business organization, the key personnel of an organization should look after the underlined aspects:

Appropriate Business Plan

According to the perception of, Goodman, Bamford, and Saynor, (2016), it can be argued that an appropriate business plan is one of the essential key components of every business growth. Whereas, it helps a business organization to sustain in the competitive market scenario. In the context of, Scarborough, (2016), an appropriate business plan helps an organization to manufacture cost-effective products. Therefore, it helps them to enlarge their business profit.

Adequate Strategy

By, Hatten, (2015), the higher authorities of a small food providing organization should take adequate strategies to maintain the internal and external environment of a business organization. Moreover, strategies help an organization to build an upright relationship with their stakeholders to improve their goodwill.

Technology

According to the viewpoint of, Schaper and et al., (2014), it can be stated that advanced technology helps an organization to accomplish their organizational objectives very easily. Moreover, it can be identified that the small food providing business organization should adopt the latest technology to manufacture innovative products, which helps to survive in the competitive market. Whereas, in the context, Burns, (2016), it can be stated that the higher authorities of a business organization should implement advanced technology in their business operation such as recruitment process, training, and development process, manufacturing process, etc. to run their business effectively.

Customer’s loyalty

By, Drucker, (2014), it can be stated that customer’s loyalty is one of the important aspects of every business success. Moreover, the higher authorities of a business organization should implement certain initiatives to get customer’s loyalty. According to the viewpoint of, Indris and Primiana, (2015), it can be identified that a business organization should provide premium quality products and services towards their target market customers to meet the customer’s expectation level, which helps an organization to gain their customer’s loyalty.

Employee’s Loyalty

According to the viewpoint of, Brunswicker and Vanhaverbeke, (2015), it can be stated that employee loyalty has gravely impacted on the performance of a business organization. Moreover, the top-level management of a small and medium size food providing companies should take certain employee motivational plans to get employee’s loyalty. By above discussion, it can be stated that the small food company should focus on the rice mills contraction because of rice the main food of Indian. Moreover, it is an adequate decision for the small food company owner to start their business in this field.

2.6 Internal and External Environment Analysis

According to the viewpoint of, Scuotto and et al., (2017), SWOT analysis is one of the upright tools, which helps an organization to analyze their internal organizational environment. Hence, it helps the higher authorities of an organization to take adequate initiatives to accomplish their organizational goals. By, Johnson, (2015), it can be stated that the small and medium-sized food providing business organization should provide premium quality products towards their target market customers to satisfy their customers in an upright manner. On the other hand, the higher authorities should take upright pricing policies to market their products in the operating market of India. According to the viewpoint of, Park and Ghauri, (2015), it can be stated that an upright pricing policy of a small business organization has gravely impacted on their business revenue as well as their organizational performance. Moreover, it can be identified that the upright organizational environment is one of the strengths of a small business organization. Therefore, every small business organization has followed the simple vertical organizational structure to run their business, which can be considered one of the strengths of a small food providing business organization. According to the viewpoint of, Brunswicker and Vanhaverbeke, (2015), it can be argued that the government support is considered as one of the opportunities of a small food providing business enterprise. On the other hand, it can be argued that the increasing numbers of competitors, economic and political instability are the major threat factors of a small business organization.

According to the perception of, Indris and Primiana, (2015), it can be stated that PEST is an analytical tool, which helps a business organization to analyze their external environment to take appropriate decision to resolve the external issues efficiently. In the context, Johnson, (2015), it can be determined that the government regulations, policies have gravely affected the organizational performance of a small business organization. Moreover, change in the government legislation has also impacted the performance of a small business enterprise. According to the viewpoint of, Indris and Primiana, (2015), it can be stated that taxation policies of India, change in the taxation policies may affect the business of a small enterprise. Moreover, the inflation rate, economic instability, unemployment rate, interest rate, GDP growth and FDI growth are the most important economic factor that gravely impacted the business operation. By, Drucker, (2014), the higher authorities of a small business organization should focus on their product’s quality, because nowadays everybody is health conscious. Hence, the higher authorities should try to provide healthy hygienic products towards their target market customers to satisfy their increasing needs. In the context of, Storey, (2016), it can be asserted that the technology is one of the vital elements of every business organization, which helps an organization try to manufacture premium quality products towards their target market customers. Moreover, advanced technology helps an organization to deliver the right number of products at the right place. Hence, a small business organization should use advanced upright technology in their manufacturing units to innovate their products as per the demand of the customers. Similarly, it can also be argued that a small business organization should use an appropriate e-commerce channel to attract large numbers of customers towards their products. Hence, it has gravely impacted on the business revenue.

2.7 Factor Affecting Social Sustainability of a Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise

According to the viewpoint of, Indris and Primiana, (2015), every business organization should take certain adequate strategies to compete with their competitors as well as to sustain in the competitive market scenario.

Adequate Business Plan

A business plan is considered as the blueprint of every business organization. According to the viewpoint, Indris, and Primiana, (2015), every business organization needs to prepare an adequate business plan including financial budgets, manufacturing process, feasibility studies. It helps a small food providing organization to sustain in the competitive market effectively.

Upright Finance

Sufficient amount of capital is one of the essential elements of every business success. According to the viewpoint of, Storey, (2016), investors of every business organization should invest a large amount of money to run their business effectively.

Appropriate Market Research

Market research is essential for determining the actual market demand for the products and services. In the context of, Storey, (2016), it can be stated that a small business organization should organize a market research programme to determine the actual market demands regarding their products. Moreover, appropriate market research helps an organization to determine the position of the competitors in the market, which helps them to take an upright decision to compete with the competitors in a stipulated gesture.

Quality Product

Quality is highly impacted on the business success. By, Schaper and et al., (2014), a small food providing company must provide premium quality products towards their target market customers to accomplish their expectation level. The higher authorities of a small business organization need to look after their production procedure and also try to provide hygienic products towards their customers at reasonable price rate to sustain in the competitive market.

Skilled Employee

According to the perception of, Brunswicker and Vanhaverbeke, (2015), it can be argued that the skilled resources can be considered as the building block of an organization. Skilled employees have that kind of ability to manage all the organizational conflicts appropriately. On the other hand, in the context of, Burns, (2016), the higher authorities of every small business organization should conduct a training and development programme for their employee to enhance their skills and knowledge, which helps an organization to accomplish their organizational goals without any interference of the barriers.

Work Environment

As per Schaper & et al. (2014), working environment has gravely impacted on the organizational success. Moreover, it is the prime responsibility of the key personnel of a small food business organization to maintain the work environment. An upright healthy and friendly atmosphere helps an organization to get employee loyalty as well as to improve their brand image towards their other stakeholders.

2.8 Conceptual Framework

Fig.1: Conceptual Framework of Sustainability Factors

(Source: Author)

By above figure, it can be identified that there are several factors which have gravely impacted on the organizational sustainability. An appropriate business plan, sufficient budget is essential for every organization to run their business properly. Whereas, appropriate market research is required for every small business organization to determine the actual market demand. On the other hand, quality products, skilled employees, and appropriate work environment are essential for every business organization, which helps an organization to sustain in the competitive market environment.

2.9 Literature Gap

Based on the discussion above, it has been identified that the particular research project has an upright aim to determine the factors, which has gravely impacted the sustainability of a small and medium-sized business organization. This portion of the particular research project has also deliberated internal and external business environment appropriately. Moreover, organizational location, upright managerial power has also positively impacted on the sustainability of a business organization, which is not deliberated here properly. Hence, it can be considered as the literature gap of this particular research project.

2.10 Summary

Based on the discussion mentioned above, it can be stated that small and medium-size business organization plays an upright role in a country’s economic growth. Moreover, it has gravely impacted on the economy of a country by providing an opportunity of jobs towards the unemployed countrymen. Moreover, it can also be identified that key personnel of every business organization are responsible for managing the business orientated aspects to run their business operation efficiently. An appropriate business plan, strategies, technology, skilled employee, customers are required for every small and medium-sized business enterprise to manage their organizational performance. In this section, it has also been discussed about the internal and external market environment, which helps the higher authorities of a small-medium size food providing business organization to take adequate initiatives to mitigate internal and external market environment. Grounded on the different aspect, it can be concluded that an appropriate business plan, sufficient monetary budget is primarily required for every business organization to run their business properly. Moreover, appropriate market research is required for every business organization to understand the actual market demand. It can also be stated that the higher authorities of a small and medium size business organization should look after their products quality to satisfy their target market customers. Moreover, the skilled employees, friendly and healthy work environment is the key element of every business success, which helps an organization to sustain in the competitive market scenario.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

3.1 Introduction

The section mentioned above has explained regarding Factors Influencing social sustainability in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India. In this regard, this chapter will explain in detail regarding research strategy, research design, research approach, sampling strategy and research philosophy. Moreover, this section will also have data collection methods techniques and data analysis which has been used to collect the appropriate data, and also allocate the objective of the research.

3.2 Research Philosophy

There are three types of research philosophy namely positivism, Interpretive, and pragmatism. Positivist helps in producing laws which communicate with the social world by observation the reality. This philosophy manipulates the reality with different variations to form a relationship with the different elements of the social world. On the other hand, Interpretivist contend are reviewed through subjective interpretation and intervention regarding reality which helps in understanding reality in greater extends (Crossan, 2003). Pragmatism is the combination of positivism and interpretivism which is used when both qualitative and quantities methods are used. Here, the researcher will give focus on Interpretive philosophy as this research is based on the subjective approach of data collection methods which includes observations and also interviews.

3.3 Research Approach

The research approach is termed as a plan or a procedure which possess steps regarding assumptions to achieve detail of the data collection, interpretation and also analysis (Richie & Lewis, 2003). This research is designed to acknowledge regarding Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India. The research approach is divided into three types namely qualitative, quantitative and also mixed research approaches. The qualitative approach takes the usage of theories and subjective literature to highlight the findings. On the other hand, quantitative research approach helps in focusing on the numerical data by making a depth analysis of data and also helps in achieving the greater results. The mixed research approach will use both qualitative and quantitative approach to achieve the required results (Richie & Lewis, 2003). This research study has made the use of the qualitative research method to understand regarding Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India in a convenient manner. Qualitative research is used in this research as human elements of social and natural sciences have been focused in a greater manner, and various theoretical data are also evaluated in this research study.

3.4 Research Strategy

The research strategy is known as effective methods which helps in ensuring regarding an appropriate resource have been made available to carry out the research study within the calculated time zone. It also confirms if the objective of the study gets addressed efficiently to increase the efficiency of the work. It is the strategy which assists in the identification of the problem and also solves it by utilizing the tools and techniques. The research strategy is divided into some forms namely case study, surveys, interviews and experimental research to achieve the requirement of the research study. Case study analysis helps in investigating the problems of the business and also examines other solutions to achieve effective output by making the use of the supporting proofs. On the other hand, the interview helps in understanding the views and opinions of the respondents by face-to-face, phone call or video call interaction (Boyce & Neale, 2006). This research study will make use of interviews strategy as it is an effective approach which assists in gathering raw information and responses of the participants to achieve the research’s objectives in a more credible manner (Boyce & Neale, 2006).

The influence of social sustainability can be better understood when respondents are asked regarding the research questions. This research will interview various employees of SMEs to achieve information regarding the effects caused by sustainability in their firms. Thus, interviewed plays a vital role in achieving valid data and information about the research and also helps in evaluating the experiences of the respondents.

3.5 Time Horizon

Time has an essential role in setting as well as organizing of the timeframe in a research study. The time horizon highlights the timeframe which helps in setting the time duration which has been separated to conduct a research study and achieve the desired results. It is termed as important components as it assists in the competition of research work in time. Time horizon is divided into two types namely cross-sectional and longitudinal (Kothari, 2004). This research study will make the use of cross-sectional time horizon to understand the research topic. The use of the time horizon helps in minimizing the time required to finish this research work.

3.6 Data Collection

Data collection is one of the important components of the research study. There are mainly two sources of data namely primary data and secondary data. Primary data is termed as a first-hand data which is gathered directly from the sources. Primary data is gathering to serve the objective of the research. This data also ensures accuracy and up-to-date scenario of the research study (Wallen & Fraenkel, 2001). On the other hand, secondary data is already published data which is gathered for other purposes. This process of data collection is faster and requires lower costs. The main sources of secondary data are journals, articles, books, magazines, etc. Accordingly, this research will adopt a qualitative method of study wherein both primary and secondary data will be taken into consideration. Primary data is collected by interviewing the employees of different small and medium enterprises. The views and opinions of the respondents will be collected to analyze the data and bring about conclusive findings. On the contrary, secondary data has been considered in this study in the process of completing the research literature review section based on the key objectives of the study (Balanced Scorecard Institute, ND). Those data will be mainly collected from some of the magazines of food industry which is present in India. This will help in understanding the theoretical part in a better manner wherein validity, and authenticity will be kept in top priority while collecting the information and data.

3.7 Sampling

Sampling is termed as one of the convenient ways of selecting the respondents who are capable of giving responses in this research study. The samples that will get selected will have enough knowledge regarding the research topic, and thus, it will increase the effectiveness of the research (Biggam, 2008). Random sampling technique will be used in this research study to make the research study successful. Small and medium Enterprise which is present in India will be taken into consideration wherein total 10 organizations will be randomly selected to conduct the research. Moreover, these interviews will adopt 1 employee per organization which means a total of 10 employees will be interviewed in this research study. The employees, supervisors as well as managers who work at the highest level will be used in the questionnaire. They will have to complete the online forms which will be sent to their emails by the researchers to achieve the required answers. Those respondents who are not reached will be contacted with a phone call. All the responses collected will be recorded for further research. The findings which will be collected from the sample will help the researcher to understand regarding Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India.

This research will be conducted using the primary sources and to achieve a proper result, both close-ended, and the open-ended question will be prepared for the interview. This research interviews will have a total of 15 questions which will be regarding the Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India which also affect the employee’s performances in their workplace. The question will be related to social sustainability regarding the industry and also about the company altogether. The close-ended questions will be helpful in answering the question of research directly (Boyce & Neale, 2006). The interview question will be well-structured and will be related to the research to achieve the objective of the research in an effective manner.

3.8 Data Analysis

Data analysis is the process which is used to understand the data gathered in a better manner using different sources to achieve growth and effectiveness. This research study will collect both primary and secondary data where the primary data will be gathering by interviewing the respondents, and secondary data will be collected by reviewing the literature present in the literature review chapter (Malhotra, 2010). Data analysis techniques are taken into consideration while establishing an understanding of the various themes that has been acquired from the interviews conducted with the target respondents. Data analysis helps in analyzing all the collected data and achieving the findings out of it. Both primary data and secondary data have been utilized in this study of research so interview results and literature reviews have been analyzed in this research. The primary data will be analysed with the assistance of thematic analysis methods whereas secondary data will be analyzed using literature review technique. The main motive of this research is to understand regarding the Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India. Thus, information needs to be analyzed more deeply to achieve accurate and appropriate results (Malhotra, 2010). It is very essential to acknowledge that primary data which are collected after interviewing the respondents are taken without biasing them. Various themes will be utilized to analyze the gathered data after interviewing different employees of small and medium enterprise firms. The different opinions are gathered from the interviews to achieve information regarding the study of the research. Thematic analysis will be considered for the purpose of elaborating the data gathered as well as analysing the same towards attaining the key research objectives in concern.

3.9 Limitation

This research study has used different steps to attain effectiveness in a greater manner. However, there are plenty of challenges and problems which are faced by the researcher while doing the study of the research. The limitation which is overviewed in this research study is the size of the sample as a researcher could take fewer samples due to time constraints. The employees of small and medium enterprise firms are interviewed one by one, and thus, this process consumes more amount of time which results in a limitation of this research study. Paid sources are also another limitation in which the researchers had to pay lots of money to collect the information in relation with the research study. It is very difficult for the researcher to provide a huge amount of money in achieving information regarding the research study and hence, researchers limit its research and thus, the quality of the research paper deteriorates.

3.10 Ethical Consideration

Ethics is considered as an important consideration which is required while conducting the study of research. Ethical consideration is used while collecting both primary and secondary data (Oliver, 2003). This research is based on Factors Influencing Social Sustainable in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India, and thus, reliable and academic websites and sources are used to achieve the secondary data and information. On the other hand, ethical consideration is also applied during the time of collecting the primary data wherein none of the respondents were harassed. Moreover, the identity of the interviewed respondents was kept confidential to keep them safe from any kinds of issues. None of the respondents were forced to participate in the interview session and also none of the responses were altered in the whole research study. The validity of data is termed as the main priority of this research study. All of the primary and secondary data are analyzed without making any biases to maintain ethics. Furthermore, this research study is prepared with more amounts of focus and attention, and thus neither plagiarism nor errors will be encountered in this research study (Blaxter, Hughes & Tight, 2006). This research had also provided all the respondents to give responses to the entire question effectively and efficiently, and thus, this research study can be termed as an ethical thesis.

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Business Plan

Finance

Work Environment

Skilled Employee

Market Research

Quality Product

Sustainability