Keywords
ecologically-oriented enterprisesempirical research
ecological orientation
competitiveness
intrinsic motivation
multi-dimensional success definition
entrepreneurship
management
sustainable development
Hungary
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http://www.inderscience.com/storage/f121017249115863.pdfAbstract
In this paper, we describe how we conducted in-depth empirical research about the value-background and coping strategies of ecologically-oriented enterprises in Hungary. It is a common belief that companies that have an ecological orientation are at a disadvantage on competitive markets because ethical and environmentally-friendly behaviour can generate costs and lessen competitive advantages. Hence, a pro-ecology stance is at odds with competitiveness. The paper presents theoretical arguments and empirical results which suggest that ecologically-oriented enterprises can survive and even prosper in competitive environments. Research findings highlighted two preconditions which make the survival and prosperity of ecologically-oriented businesses possible. The first is that ecologically-oriented businesses are intrinsically motivated to follow their environmental and ethical goals. The second is that these businesses define success multi-dimensionally. Their definition of success includes consideration of whether their stakeholders are flourishing and whether the environment is being conserved and restored.Date
2014Type
ArticleDOI
10.1504/WREMSD.2014.058053Copyright/License
With permission of the license/copyright holderae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1504/WREMSD.2014.058053