Pursuing quality and environmental performance : Initiatives and supporting processes

Purpose – The aim of this study is to focus on manufacturing small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) that are simultaneously pursuing quality and environmental objectives. Specifically, the paper examines: the specific motivations and resources of SMEs that have chosen to pursue both priorities, the types of initiatives these SMEs have implemented, and whether pursuing both priorities is correlated with various facets of organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach – This study gathered data from a sample of 254 ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 certified Canadian SMEs. Data collection was based on a survey questionnaire sent to a random sample of 1,514 companies. Findings – The results highlighted significant differences between the SMEs holding both the ISO 9000 and 14000 certifications and those holding only the 9000 ISO certification. Each group was shown to have distinct motivations and resources and to have implemented different types of initiatives to address environmental concerns. Each group was positively correlated with different facets of organizational performance. Research limitations/implications – This study's findings contribute to the environmental and SME literature on this very complex topic by providing relevant empirical evidence based on primary data. Practical implications – The results should provide guidance to manufacturing SMEs currently examining how to address environmental issues. SMEs need to address these issues carefully and understand the potential trade‐offs and consequences associated with their decisions. Originality/value – An important contribution of this study is its detailed characterization of environmental initiatives, drawing on insights derived from the environmental, accounting and management literature. By using the analytical framework of organizational citizenship behaviours, the characterization also included informal and behavioural aspects often neglected in environmental management studies.