Sustainable practices in SMEs: reducing the ecological footprint
ISSN: 0275-6668
Article publication date: 6 November 2019
Issue publication date: 18 March 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study to focus on sustainable entrepreneurship practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), thus aiming to understand the reasons owners-managers implement them as well as the benefits they provide after considering the three domains of sustainable development: environmental, social and economic.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was adopted using two Portuguese cases (SME). Data were obtained from interviews and documentary analysis.
Findings
From content analysis of the interviews held, the results obtained show that both SMEs studied are concerned about sustainable practices and development. They have competences directing them towards a sustainable entrepreneurship.
Practical implications
The study contributes to understanding the benefits of adopting sustainable entrepreneurial practices in the SME context and helping these firms’ managers reformulate more appropriate and effective strategies and actions to ground these firms in a process of continuous improvement, especially in reducing their environmental footprint.
Originality/value
Although SMEs are numerous and central in the dynamics of the world economy, sustainable entrepreneurial practices have not been studied as a vehicle to reduce the ecological footprint. This holds particularly true for the realm of SMEs.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from National Funds of the FCT – Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology within the project «UID/ECO/04007/2019».
Citation
Franco, M. and Rodrigues, M. (2021), "Sustainable practices in SMEs: reducing the ecological footprint", Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. 42 No. 2, pp. 137-142. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBS-07-2019-0136
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited