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A taxonomy of ecopreneurship in small manufacturing firms: A multidimensional cluster analysis

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  • Torbjörn Ljungkvist
  • Jim Andersén

Abstract

This study presents a multidimensional taxonomy of “ecopreneurship” for small manufacturing firms. Based on a cluster analysis of 312 Swedish firms, four distinct clusters are identified: pioneers, green dumpers, overlookers, and recyclers. These clusters are compared regarding their level of entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance. Based on the results, and because of the resource constraints associated with small firms, managers of such companies are advised to examine the economic consequences of specific environmental business practices and to adopt a less aggregated approach to ecopreneurship. This study illustrates the usefulness of a multidimensional scale when researching environmental behaviors and is a response to the lack of an empirically based classification of ecopreneurship configurations.

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  • Torbjörn Ljungkvist & Jim Andersén, 2021. "A taxonomy of ecopreneurship in small manufacturing firms: A multidimensional cluster analysis," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(2), pages 1374-1388, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:30:y:2021:i:2:p:1374-1388
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.2691
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    3. Graça Miranda Silva & Paulo J. Gomes & Helena Carvalho & Vera Geraldes, 2021. "Sustainable development in small and medium enterprises: The role of entrepreneurial orientation in supply chain management," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(8), pages 3804-3820, December.
    4. Jim Andersén, 2023. "Green resource orchestration: A critical appraisal of the use of resource orchestration in environmental management research, and a research agenda for future study," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(8), pages 5506-5520, December.
    5. Pan, Xu & Wong, Christina W.Y. & Chee Yew Wong, & Boon-itt, Sakun & Li, Chunsheng, 2024. "The influences of circular economy practices on manufacturing firm's performance: A meta-analytic structural equation modeling study," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 273(C).

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