Strategic Implications of Current Small Business Waste Reduction Programs

Authors

  • Masoud Hemmasi Illinois State University
  • Lee A. Graf Illinois State University
  • Kelly C. Strong Illinois State University
  • Michael W. Winchell Illinois State University

Abstract

The strategic importance of environmental awareness has received a great deal of recognition recently, but attention has centered primarily on residential or municipal recycling and waste reduction efforts. The small amount of research done on commercial waste reduction policies has focused on the altitudes and programs of large corporations. As governmental agencies impose waste reduction mandates on communities and corporations, many small businesses will be forced 10 adopt waste reduction programs in the future. In addition, a growing body of evidence suggests that environmental programs are associated with profitability, indicating the need for a more strategic approach 10 the management of environmental issues in order to effectively administer required programs. This study presents results of survey research indicating that small businesses are willing 10 commit 10 strategic waste reduction programs, but are concerned primarily with the convenience  of such programs. Although convenience is frequently related 10 operating cost in small businesses, issues regarding the expense of waste reduction programs are of secondary concern 10 small business executives. The implications of these results are discussed, along with recommendations for small business executives, consult­ ants, and policy  makers.

References

Carson, P., & Moulden, J. (1991). Green is Gold. Scranton, PA.: Harper Business.

Edwards, T.C., Harrington, MJ., Okuda, S.M., Oskamp, S., Sherwood, D.L., & Swanson, D.C. (1991). Factors influencing household recycling behavior. Environment and Behavior, 23, 494-517.

Environment is first on corporate agenda. (1991, January). Risk Management, P.10.

File, K.M., Moriya, F.L., & Judd, B.B. (1991). Social responsibility in the smaller enterprise: Steps towards scale development. Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship, 3, 23-32.

Geiser, K. (1991). The greening of industry. Technology Review, August-September, 64-72.

Hulchinson, C. (1992). Corporate strategy and the environment. Long Range Planning, 25, 9-21. Jlinitch, A.Y., & Schaltegger, S.C. (1993). Ecointegrated portfolio analysis: Strategic tools for managing sustainably. Paper presented at the 53rd Annual Meetings of the Academy of Management. Atlanta, GA.

Kanter, R.M. (1991). Transcending business boundaries: 12,000 world managers view change. Harvard Business Review. May-June, 151-164.

Nafziger, D.W. & Kuratko, D.F.(1991). An investigation into the prevalence of planning in small business. Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship. 3, 99-109.

Peterson, R.T. (I991). Attitudes of small business managers regarding the importance of various social responsibility themes. Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship, 3, 1-8.

Rathje, W., & Murphy, C. (1991). Rubbish! The Archaeology of Garbage. Scranton, PA: HarperCollins Publishers.

Reilly, W.K. (I990). The green thumb of capitalism: The environmental benefits of sustainable growth. Policy Review. Fall, 16-21.

Russo, M.V., & Fouts, P.A. (1993). The green carrot: Do markets reward corporate environmentalism? Paper presented at the 53rd Annual Meetings of the Academy of Management. Atlanta, GA.

Schwartz,J. ,& Miller, T.(1991).The Earth's best friend .American Demographics. February ,26-35.

Sharfman, M., & Ellington, R.T. (I993). Management for total environmental quality: Antecedents and organizational implications. Paper presented at the 53rd Annual Meetings of the Academy of Management. Atlanta, GA.

Strong, K.C., & Strong, K. (I993). Circulation economies and ecology management: The need for new business paradigms in education, practice, and research. Proceedings of the 4th Annual Meeting of the International Association for Business and Society, 4, 442-447.

Winsemius, P., & Guntram, U. (1992). Responding to the environmental challenge. Business Horizons. March-April, 12-20.

Downloads

Published

1994-01-09

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Strategic Implications of Current Small Business Waste Reduction Programs. (1994). Journal of Small Business Strategy (archive Only), 5(1), 45-56. https://libjournals.mtsu.edu/index.php/jsbs/article/view/289