ESG 경영 실천이 중소기업 이미지에 미치는 영향

This study empirically examines the impact of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management practices on the corporate image of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The analysis is based on survey data collected from 182 employees working in small manufacturing companies located in the Chungnam region of South Korea. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20. The findings reveal several key points. First, employee welfare (β = .106, p = .152), respect for diversity (β = –.134, p = .080), and contributions to the local community (β = .024, p = .754) did not have a statistically significant effect on perceptions of corporate social responsibility. Second, contributions to the local community (β = .328, p = .000) and respect for diversity (β = .202, p = .004) were found to have a significant positive influence on employee-friendly management practices. Third, contributions to the local community also had a significant positive impact (β = .336, p = .000) on a company’s responsiveness to change. In contrast, employee welfare (β = –.107, β = .067) was not found to have a meaningful effect on either employee-friendly management or the ability to respond proactively to changes. This study demonstrates that among the various elements of ESG management, activities that contribute to the local community and the internal recognition of diversity play a crucial role in fostering employee-friendly practices and enhancing organizational adaptability. These insights suggest a strategic direction for SMEs, highlighting how the implementation of ESG principles can serve as a means of strengthening competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic business environment.