Environmental Sustainability Practices in SMEs: A Qualitative Systematic Literature Review of Drivers, Configurations, and Performance Outcomes

Authors

  • Ahembang STIE Kasih Bangsa
  • Ruslaini STIE Kasih Bangsa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70142/jbl.v3i2.68

Keywords:

Environmental Sustainability Practices, SMEs, Sustainability Drivers, Configurational Approaches, Performance Outcomes

Abstract

This study systematically reviews the literature on environmental sustainability practices (ESPs) in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on their drivers, configurations, and performance outcomes. Using a qualitative systematic literature review approach guided by PRISMA 2020, relevant peer-reviewed studies were identified, screened, appraised, and thematically synthesized. The findings indicate that ESPs are shaped by interconnected internal and external drivers, including environmental knowledge, green leadership, green human resource management, employee environmental behavior, green innovation, technological capabilities, resource commitment, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder pressures. The synthesis further identifies recurring configurations, including knowledge behavior, leadership GHRM employee, knowledge compliance, green initiative technology, and innovation resource pathways. Environmental sustainability practices are associated with environmental performance, resource efficiency, green innovation, organizational sustainability, and business performance. Overall, SME environmental sustainability is best understood as a multidimensional, capability driven, and configurational phenomenon

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Published

2026-09-30

How to Cite

Ahembang, & Ruslaini. (2026). Environmental Sustainability Practices in SMEs: A Qualitative Systematic Literature Review of Drivers, Configurations, and Performance Outcomes. Journal of Economic and Leadership, 3(2), 01–23. https://doi.org/10.70142/jbl.v3i2.68

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