Perception of Sustainable Business Model Practices in Polish Enterprises: The Role of Organizational and Individual Characteristics
Preprint
- 5 February 2026
- preprint
- Published by MDPI AG in Preprints.org
Abstract
The study aims to empirically analyze employees' perceptions of sustainable business model practices in Polish enterprises operating in the manufacturing, trade, and service sectors. The study is based on a three-dimensional model of sustainable development practices, encompassing the green economy, the social dimension, and employee development, whose structure was previously confirmed through factor analysis. The study involved 231 employees representing enterprises of various sizes, and the data were collected using a validated measurement instrument. Statistical analyses, including Kruskal–Wallis tests and linear regression models, revealed that employees rate initiatives related to employee development the highest, followed by social practices, while green economy initiatives receive the lowest evaluations. The perception of practices varies by industry and enterprise size, while seniority and position are of limited importance. The results highlight the differentiated perception of sustainability initiatives within organizations and indicate areas requiring strengthening, particularly regarding environmental actions. The article provides practical guidance for designing sustainability strategies and HR policies and also serves as a foundation for further research on employees’ perceptions of sustainable development practices.Keywords
All Related Versions
This publication has 48 references indexed in Scilit:
- Basics of macro to microlevel corporate social responsibility and advancement in triple bottom line theoryCorporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 2021
- Do firm characteristics affect environmental sustainability? A literature review‐based assessmentBusiness Strategy and the Environment, 2020
- Business Model Innovation for Sustainability: Towards a Unified Perspective for Creation of Sustainable Business ModelsBusiness Strategy and the Environment, 2017
- Sustainable Development and Business Models of Entrepreneurs in the Organic Food IndustryBusiness Strategy and the Environment, 2013
- Organizing Corporate Social Responsibility in Small and Large Firms: Size MattersJournal of Business Ethics, 2013
- A Holistic Perspective on Corporate Sustainability DriversCorporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 2013
- Instrumental and Integrative Logics in Business SustainabilityJournal of Business Ethics, 2012
- Capabilities, Proactive CSR and Financial Performance in SMEs: Empirical Evidence from an Australian Manufacturing Industry SectorJournal of Business Ethics, 2011
- Core issues in sustainable supply chain management – a Delphi studyBusiness Strategy and the Environment, 2007
- A review of determinant factors of environmental proactivityBusiness Strategy and the Environment, 2006