Environmental Considerations and Sustainability of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

This research explores the relationship between environmental considerations and sustainability of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the South-South, Nigeria. The methodology employed was the descriptive survey design. Adopting the purposive sampling technique, data were collected from 317 respondents, consisting of 105 environmental analysts, 106 consumers, and 106 SMEs executives, through structured questionnaires. A linear regression model was employed to analyse the association between stakeholders’ perceptions, environmental regulations, and business sustainability. The study finds that stakeholders’ perception significantly correlate with business sustainability. Also, environmental regulations have a significant positive relationship with sustainability of small and medium enterprises. However, the relatively low explanatory power of the model suggests that additional factors contribute to business sustainability in emerging economies. The study recommends enhancing public awareness through targeted campaigns to educate stakeholders about sustainability and its benefits to businesses, especially SMEs.

Key Words: Stakeholder, Sustainability, environmental concerns, regulations