A pro-environmental survey of Malaysian micro, small and medium enterprises: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background The objective of this study is to examine the relationships among green human resource management, green knowledge sharing, green leadership, environmental commitment, green entrepreneurial orientation and pro-environmental behavior in micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) post coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This study serves as one of the pioneer studies in Malaysia and Asia to examine pro-environmental behavior at MSMEs post COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides new knowledge and insights to the literature on pro-environmental behavior at MSMEs in developing countries such as Malaysia. Methods A total of 215 questionnaires were distributed and 146 questionnaires with complete responses were received from managers and owners of the MSMEs at central regions in Malaysia, purposive sampling was used to recruit these businesses. Informed consent was obtained from the respondents. Data was analyzed by using structural equation modelling. Results Environmental commitment, green human resource management and green entrepreneurial orientation positively influence pro-environmental behavior at MSMEs post COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, green knowledge sharing and green leadership do not influence pro-environmental behavior at MSMEs. Conclusions Practical recommendations has been provided to MSMEs owners and managers to create a conducive working environment that encourages pro-environmental behavior.