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Organisational transformation toward circular economy in SMEs: the effect of internal barriers

Organisational transformation toward circular economy in SMEs: the effect of internal barriers

Arranz, Carlos F.A. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6866-0684, Arroyabe, Marta F. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3223-0268 and Fernandez De Arroyabe Arranz, Carlos ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6866-0684 (2024) Organisational transformation toward circular economy in SMEs: the effect of internal barriers. Journal of Cleaner Production, 456:142307. pp. 1-10. ISSN 0959-6526 (doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142307)

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Abstract

This study investigates the dynamic process of circular economy (CE) implementation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We draw on an integrated theoretical framework that combines environmental literature and strategic orientation to explore the interplay between barriers, organisational transformation, and different stages of CE integration. Through a comprehensive empirical analysis, based on an EU database of 16,365 SMEs, we confirm the presence of feasibility barriers and resource related barriers that affect the CE implementation process. Our findings reveal a twofold pattern: initial feasibility barriers, primarily perceived by senior managers, and subsequent resource-related barriers that SMEs encounter during implementation. Moreover, our findings reveal that successful organisational transformation pivots on the SME's capacity to transform these barriers from deterrents into challenges to be overcome. We highlight the significance of a gradual integration approach, emphasizing the role of diverse environmental activities.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: circular economy; smes; small and medium enterprises; implementation; organisational transformation; internal barriers; feasibility barriers; resource-related barriers; strategic orientation; environmental activities; gradual integration approach
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group: Greenwich Business School
Greenwich Business School > Networks and Urban Systems Centre (NUSC)
Greenwich Business School > Networks and Urban Systems Centre (NUSC) > Connected Cities Research Group (CCRG)
Greenwich Business School > School of Business, Operations and Strategy
Last Modified: 06 Sep 2024 15:04
URI: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/47103

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