Exploring the Link between Sustainable Practices and Financial Performance in U.S. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

In an era where sustainability has become a pivotal factor in business success, small and medium-sized enterprises (Manufacturers) are increasingly under the spotlight for their role in fostering environmentally, socially, and economically responsible practices. Dr. Subhajit Chakraborty and Dr. Olajumoke Awe, tenured Associate Professors at Coastal Carolina University’s E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, are leading a groundbreaking academic research study aimed at shedding light on how sustainable practices impact the financial performance of manufacturers in the United States.

The Research Objective: Understanding the Nexus of Competitiveness and Sustainability
Dr. Chakraborty, serving as the Principal Investigator (PI), and Dr. Awe, as the co-PI, are spearheading this study, which delves into the intricate relationship between an organization’s competitive priorities, innovativeness, and sustainability practices across environmental (E), social (S), and governance (G) dimensions. With a specific focus on manufacturers with employee counts ranging from 10 to 249, the research aims to uncover the nuanced ways in which these factors collectively influence financial performance.

Survey Participation: A Call to Action for Manufacturers
The heart of this research lies in the participation of manufacturers across the United States. Business owners and managers are invited to contribute to this vital academic endeavor by dedicating approximately 15-20 minutes to answer a series of questions. These queries are designed to gather insights into the organization’s competitive priorities, level of innovativeness, and implementation of sustainable practices across the ESG spectrum.

Take the Survey Now: Participate in the Survey

Confidentiality and Ethical Approval
Participation in the survey comes with the assurance of confidentiality, with all responses remaining strictly confidential between the PI, co-PI, and the participating manufacturers. It’s worth noting that this research study has received ethical approval from the Coastal Carolina University Institutional Review Board (IRB), ensuring that it adheres to rigorous ethical standards and guidelines.

The Importance of Manufacturers in the Sustainability Landscape
Manufacturers form the backbone of the U.S. economy, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation, and economic growth. As the global community increasingly emphasizes sustainability, manufacturers play a crucial role in driving sustainable development goals while navigating the complexities of competitive markets. Understanding the factors that contribute to their sustainable success is not only academically enriching but also holds profound implications for policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders invested in fostering a sustainable future.

A Collaborative Effort Towards Sustainable Prosperity
Dr. Chakraborty and Dr. Awe’s research study stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between academia and industry in advancing our understanding of sustainable business practices. By unraveling the intricate interplay between competitiveness, innovativeness, and sustainability, this study aims to equip manufacturers with actionable insights to enhance their financial performance while contributing to broader societal and environmental goals. As manufacturers across the United States engage in this survey, they not only contribute to academic knowledge but also embark on a journey towards sustainable prosperity.