Explains why small firms prefer to engage in sustainable development within institutionalized forms of CSR rather than act in isolation, and provides recommendations on how to support and increase SME participation.

Introduction, Aim of Research, Identifying the Research Gap, Structure of Contribution Part I: Defining Terms 1. The SME Definition 2. Quantitative Characteristics 3. Qualitative Characteristics 4. The many Concepts of CSR 5. Semantic Differences 6. Classical Definitions 7. Critical Voices 8. Voluntary Aspects of CSR 9. International Applicability of the Concept 10. CSR as a Business Strategy 11. CSR as an Institution 12. CSR in the SME Context 13. Private Actors and CSR in Germany Part II: The UN Global Compact 14. Historical Development of the UN Global Compact 15. Aim of the UN Global Compact 16. The German UN Global Compact Network and German SME Part III: Research Process 17. Research Design 18. The Role of Theory 19. Method 20. Data Collection 21. Data Analysis Part IV: Central Assumptions Derived from Institutional Theory 22. Instrumental Elements of Institutions 23. Informational Gain 24. Coercive Pressure Exerted by Larger Corporations 25. Competitive Advantage 26. Cultural-Cognitive Elements of Institutions 27. The Role of Social Legitimacy 28. Sector-Specific Behaviour 29. Normative Elements of Institutions 30. Internalisation of Norms and Values 31. Variations of Institutional Theory as a Response to Critical Voices Part V: Empirical Findings 32. Instrumental Motives for Engagement 33. Increase Visibility 34. Competition 35. Demonstrate Product or Service Quality 36. Informational Gain 37. Coercion 38. Social Elements of Engagement 39. Legitimacy 40. Sector-Specific Behaviour 41. Normative Elements of Engagement 42. Orientation for Structure 43. Internalisation of Guidelines 44. Pro-Active Engagement 45. Revision of Certain Aspects in the Findings 46. Global Elements of Engagement 47. Voluntary Self-Regulation 48. Occurrence of Motives in Different SME and Response Pattern Part VI: Concluding Remarks