Determinants of Sustainable Development among Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises: A New Conceptual Framework

Abstract

Sustainable development is an emerging paradigm designed to strike the balance between the ecological health of the planet and human development in a manner that ensures that both meet the needs of the present without compromising the future. However, little is known about the determinants of sustainable development among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. As such, the present study fills up the gaps by examining the relationship between integrated management systems, technology and innovation capability, sustainability orientation, green corporate image, government support and sustainable development. This research applies a quantitative survey method using a self-administrated survey questionnaire to collect data from SMEs in Malaysia. Data from this survey will be analyzed using PLS-SEM to examine the associative relationship between determinants of sustainable development and sustainable development. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge by documenting factors that lead to sustainable development, namely integrated management systems, technology and innovation capability, sustainability orientation, green corporate image and government support. It also will benefit both enterprises and the government in building competitive, resilient, and sustainable enterprises in the domestic and international markets.