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Sustainability and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises - How to Engage Them

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 June 2015

Linda Condon
Linda Condon*
Affiliation:
Swinburne University of Technology
*
†Manager, National Centre for Sustainability, Swinburne University of Technology, Wakefield Street, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

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Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have a major advantage over larger organisations in regard to addressing sustainability issues – their size means they are able to react very quickly to changes in the business environment. They are disadvantaged, however, by lack of information on marketplace changes that make sustainability an opportunity to innovate, and to inspire employees. While some SMEs are leaders in sustainable practices, others lack the sort of strategic mindset which views changes in the business environment as opportunities – seeing the tasks which require more change as an additional burden, rather than a source of potential advantage.

The National Centre for Sustainability has worked with a group of SMEs (with sponsorship through a Research Agreement with Sensis) in a series of workshop environments. Through this work a set of indicators was developed to measure their progress towards more sustainable practices. Key members of industry associations and government agencies were engaged in an advisory capacity to ensure that the work undertaken was relevant and innovative.

In addition, a comprehensive industry research study was undertaken to determine the key priorities for business and government relating to sustainability. This work provided insight into the needs and trends in sustainable practices in various sectors including manufacturing, service industry, education and government. The outcomes of the research have determined the need to develop flexible, adult centric and work-based learning models to educate for sustainability and create organisational change.

This paper explores the value of innovative and engaging educational practices to create an environment which is most conducive to facilitating the implementation of economic, environmental and social aspects ofwork practices.

Keywords

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)sustainabilityenvironmenteducationbusinessresearchadult learning principlesaction based researchsustainable practiceswork-based learning modelschange managementsocial marketing.
Type
Research Article
Information
Australian Journal of Environmental Education , Volume 20 , Issue 1 , 2004 , pp. 57 - 67
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

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