Sustainable development goals and SMEs decisions: Czech Republic vs. Poland

Jarmila Šebestová; W?odzimierz Sroka

doi:10.15549/jeecar.v7i1.418

Authors

Dr. Jarmila Šebestová Silesian University in Opava, School of Business Administration in Karvina
Dr. W?odzimierz Sroka WSB University, Dabrowa Górnicza, Poland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15549/jeecar.v7i1.418

Keywords:

circular economy, recycling, sustainable business, waste management

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a “major engine” of economic growth and socioeconomic development, and reaching many sustainable development goals (SDG). They should make the SDGs a prominent selling point to demonstrate why consumers should buy from them to reduce waste and enhance recycling. If a consumer sees an SME engaged in the SDGs (goal 8,9 and 12), it will be motivated for further support. Given these facts the paper compares Czech and Polish approaches to the circular economy by quantitative evaluation based on primary research (Czechia, 210 respondents) and qualitative context comparison in Poland. Our research has confirmed that there are differences in both countries in relation to the sustainable development goals, with SMEs decisions in the Czech SMEs sector being on level business sustainability 1.0, and that in Poland being below 1. Additionally, Czech entrepreneurs have more knowledge and practice in “green” methods than do Poland’s.

Author Biographies

Dr. Jarmila Šebestová, Silesian University in Opava, School of Business Administration in Karvina

Jarmila Šebestová, PhD is an associate professor at Silesian University in Opava, School of Business Administration in Karvina, Czech Republic. She is an experienced researcher focusing on Small Businesses. She has participated in a number of international projects, including IPREG (Innovative Policy Research for Economic Growth) and the E-WORLD project (International Entrepreneurs Network). She is Vice President of the European Council of Small Businesses for the Czech Republic. Her research interests include small business performance and small business dynamics. ORCID no. https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-7493-0759.

Dr. W?odzimierz Sroka, WSB University, Dabrowa Górnicza, Poland

W?odzimierz Sroka, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the Management Department of WSB University in D?browa Górnicza, Poland & North West University, South Africa. He specializes in theoretical and practical issues relating to management and strategic management. He is the author of numerous scientific papers about strategic alliances, network organizations, strategy, company restructuring, CSR and business ethics, as well as innovations and entrepreneurship. His research activities mostly include cooperative strategies (e.g., alliances, network organizations), co-opetitive relations, M&A, business ethics and CSR, innovations and entrepreneurship. He merges his scientific activity with being the CEO of a medium-sized engineering company. He was previously employed in different managerial positions in both the steel and machine industries. ORCID no. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8701-0716.

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