Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2017.1355257
To be or not to be a business responsible for sustainable development? Survey from small Czech businesses
Marie Mikušová
orcid.org/0000-0003-0183-806X
; Faculty of Economics, Department of Management, Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
Abstract
Sustainable development is influenced by the activities of both large
businesses and small- and medium-sized businesses. The aim of this
article is to identify the attitude of small businesses to sustainable
development. The article presents the results of empirical research
among managers of small businesses in the Czech Republic. A multicriteria
decision-making method (analytic hierarchy process) was used
for the evaluation of relationship of these managers to sustainable
development. A benefits, opportunities, costs and risks approach was
applied for the structuring of the elements. The significance of the
individual elements has been detected using Saaty’s method. Three
alternatives were formulated about the benefits to be a business
that is interested in sustainability development. It was identified
that the alternative, ‘it is advantageous to be business interesting in
sustainability development’ is the most preferred. On the other hand, it
was also identified, that managers will be responsible for sustainability
development and their attitude must bring them benefits. This
article contributes to the fulfilment of the research gap in the field of
research related to small businesses and their surroundings. Identified
impacts can be used for practical creation of conditions which would
further encourage small businesses to take a proactive approach to
sustainability development.
Keywords
Analytic hierarchy process; alternative; benefits, opportunities, costs and risks; Saaty’s method; small business; sustainable development
Hrčak ID:
193185
URI
Publication date:
1.12.2017.
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