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Environmental management strategy for small and medium-sized enterprises: Why do SMBs practice environmental management?

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Abstract

Much of previous research on environmental management has concluded that large-scale enterprises pursue it because of issues of corporate social responsibility. However, why do small and medium-sized enterprises also follow this path? This study presents the results of a case study of corporate environmental management in Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises. They appear not to have taken up environmental management in response to social pressure, but because they consider environmental management offers opportunities for their business activities. In one case here, environmental management has contributed not just to the restitution of despoiled forest land, but also to the development of a company's own supply chain. The results suggest that the determinants of introduction of environmental management at small and medium-sized enterprises are strategic challenges likely to bring about competitive advantage.

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Notes

  1. The SGEC Forest Certification System certifies that forests are maintained through sustainable forest management meeting relevant international standards. The certificates are obtained by forest owners or keepers. The system aims to raise the standards of Japanese forest management and guarantee healthy forest development, ensuring the coexistence of a rich natural environment and timber production.

  2. This project started when it was realised that the oyster fishery areas had become degraded. To maintain clean seas, appropriate forest maintenance, including planting, is carried out.

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Acknowledgements

This research is part of a project made possible by support from the Centre for Academic Development and Cooperation Funds (Hiroshima Shudo University), on ‘Sustainable Regional Development by Environmentally Harmonious Industrial Clusters’. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the interviewees from each company for their time and assistance.

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  1. Faculty of Human/Environmental Studies, Hiroshima Shudo University, 1-1-1, Otsuka-higashi, Minami-ku, Asa, Hiroshima city, 731-3195, Japan

    Toyozumi Tomomi

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  1. Toyozumi Tomomi
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Tomomi, T. Environmental management strategy for small and medium-sized enterprises: Why do SMBs practice environmental management?. Asian Bus Manage 9, 265–280 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1057/abm.2010.6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/abm.2010.6

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