Sustainability and Responsibility Engagement of ‘Mittelstand’ Firms in Baden-Wurttemberg: An Exploratory Examination of Smes in Germany

This thesis analyses the commitment of mid-tier firms in Baden-Wurttemberg to sustainability and responsibility, in terms of environmental, social and economic aspects in corporate management. An exploratory field study among owner-managers and managing directors provides an in-depth understanding of the motives, practices and values of the participants and participating firms. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants and subsequently analysed using a thematic coding approach. The findings of this research indicate that the commitment to sustainability varies considerably between participating firms. However, many firms are characterised by a long-term approach of doing business underpinned by certain values, which can be associated with the concept of the honourable businessman. The interviewees mostly associate large corporations with a short-term, purely profit-driven way of doing business.