Environmentally Sustainable Business Practices in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises: A Sub-Saharan African Country Perspective
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Business Perspectives and Research
Abstract
In line with the natural resource-based view, this paper explores sustainable business practices
(SBPs) of Ghanaian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Qualitatively, the study interviewed
eight MSME operators and middle-level managers purposefully assess their use of SBPs and how it
affects their businesses. The collected data were edited, coded, and grouped under themes based on the
Braun and Clarke thematic framework. The study identified holistic environmental management, eco-preneurship, and regenerative practices as the environmental stewardship drivers among Ghanaian
MSMEs. Also, integrated vision and strategy, process efficiency and resource optimization, and risk
profiling drive process excellence. Finally, sustainability-focused leadership, internal advocates and
change agents, and ongoing education and awareness as drivers for sustainability-oriented culture.
The business practices of organizations have continually impacted the immediate environment within
which they operate. Consequently, there is a clarion call for businesses to engage in SBPs to mitigate
the effect of their operations on the environment. The study brings to bear the SBPs Ghanaian
MSMEs are engaged in and how they affect their operations and survival, especially in this era of
sustainability.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Sustainable business practices, environmental concerns, thematic analysis