Cleaner Engineering and Technology (Aug 2024)
Integrating environmental and entrepreneurship advocacy into enviropreneurship through green supply chain management, waste management, and green innovation: A study on SMEs of US
Abstract
Many entrepreneurs across the US are the key players in building a greener economy. Their agility and innovative spirit offer a source of potential solutions. This is especially true for small businesses, which can quickly adapt to sustainable practices. Therefore, this research investigated the direct and indirect (mediating) roles of waste management and green innovations in green supply chain management and enviropreneurship performance, which is a transition from environmental to enviropreneurship advocacy. This study used a deductive approach with a quantitative research method. A study of a survey for 835 supply chain professionals in US small and medium enterprises used a Structural Equation Modeling technique to test specific research hypotheses. The findings of this study unveiled a positive and significant effect of exogenous variables on endogenous variables. Besides waste management and green innovation, a significant mediation was found between the relationships between green supply chain management and entrepreneurship performance. This research highlights key strategies to boost entrepreneurial performance. Green practices enhance environmental outcomes, minimize waste, bolster stakeholder relationships, lead to cost savings, and improve brand reputation and regulatory compliance. The study identifies areas needing improvement and supports sustainable development. Adhering to environmental regulations shows a commitment to sustainability and helps avoid legal issues. By following these recommendations, managers can foster a greener future for their organizations. This research presented ''enviropreneurship performance'' as a key factor for businesses implementing green supply chains and practices. It proposes an innovative model that connects green practices to this performance, providing important insights for future studies. The study validated this concept by employing a Resource-based View and testing the hypotheses using structural equation modeling, which enhanced the understanding of enviropreneurship within a developed economy.
