Family ownership, innovation and other context variables as determinants of sustainable entrepreneurship in SMEs: An empirical research study

Abstract

This study focuses on the prediction of sustainable entrepreneurship, that is, behavior which demonstrates a firm’s concern about the natural environment, especially among small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Using a random sample of 382 Dutch SMEs we examine how organizational context (firm sector, size, ownership structure) and innovativeness influence SMEs engagement in sustainable entrepreneurship. Results show that firms from more “tangible” sectors (manufacturing, construction and agriculture), larger firms, family-owned firms, and firms with a more innovative orientation are more likely to report positive activity related to the natural environment. The paper discusses implications of the obtained results.