Transforming small and medium-sized enterprises to address the climate emergency: The case for values-based engagement

Sam Hampton; Richard Blundel; Aqueel Wahga; Tina Fawcett; Christopher Shaw

doi:10.1002/csr.2279

Transforming small and medium-sized enterprises to address the climate emergency: The case for values-based engagement

Sam Hampton, Richard Blundel, Aqueel Wahga, Tina Fawcett, Christopher Shaw

Department of Psychology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

11 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Collectively, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make a significant contribution to carbon emissions. Transformative changes are needed to achieve Net Zero amongst the SME community, presenting policymakers and practitioners with a complex and largely unresolved set of challenges. In this paper, we investigate the unexploited potential of human values in facilitating these changes, with a particular focus on the role and experiences of specialist intermediaries, such as business advisors, as agents of change. The paper reports on four linked, transdisciplinary research projects, which tested and validated a values-based intervention in collaboration with businesses and advisors, designed to promote more effective, long-term journeys towards Net Zero. Our study connects research evidence on SME support with key insights from values literature, including the emerging concepts of values practices and values work. We discuss outcomes from the four projects, and the broader implications for research, policy, and practice.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	1424-1439
Number of pages	16
Journal	Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management
Volume	29
Issue number	5
Early online date	4 May 2022
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.2279
Publication status	Published - 30 Sept 2022

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This research has been enabled by funding from the Economics and Social Research Council (ESRC) Impact Acceleration Award 1609‐KICK‐231 and 1710‐KEA‐319. Funding was also received from the UK Energy Research Centre ES/J500112/1 and from the British Council and Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan (Pakistan‐UK Education Gateway Project). The authors would also like to acknowledge the contribution made by workshop participants and interviewees in Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The usual disclaimer applies.

Funding Information:
British Council and Higher Education Commission: Pakistan (Pakistan‐UK Education Gateway Project); Economic and Social Research Council, Grant/Award Numbers: 1609‐KICK‐231, 1710‐KEA‐319; UK Energy Research Centre, Grant/Award Number: ES/J500112/1 Funding information

Funding

This research has been enabled by funding from the Economics and Social Research Council (ESRC) Impact Acceleration Award 1609‐KICK‐231 and 1710‐KEA‐319. Funding was also received from the UK Energy Research Centre ES/J500112/1 and from the British Council and Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan (Pakistan‐UK Education Gateway Project). The authors would also like to acknowledge the contribution made by workshop participants and interviewees in Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The usual disclaimer applies. British Council and Higher Education Commission: Pakistan (Pakistan‐UK Education Gateway Project); Economic and Social Research Council, Grant/Award Numbers: 1609‐KICK‐231, 1710‐KEA‐319; UK Energy Research Centre, Grant/Award Number: ES/J500112/1 Funding information

Keywords

climate change
intermediaries
small and medium-sized enterprises
sustainability
values

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Development
Strategy and Management
Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1002/csr.2279Licence: CC BY

Cite this

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abstract = "Collectively, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make a significant contribution to carbon emissions. Transformative changes are needed to achieve Net Zero amongst the SME community, presenting policymakers and practitioners with a complex and largely unresolved set of challenges. In this paper, we investigate the unexploited potential of human values in facilitating these changes, with a particular focus on the role and experiences of specialist intermediaries, such as business advisors, as agents of change. The paper reports on four linked, transdisciplinary research projects, which tested and validated a values-based intervention in collaboration with businesses and advisors, designed to promote more effective, long-term journeys towards Net Zero. Our study connects research evidence on SME support with key insights from values literature, including the emerging concepts of values practices and values work. We discuss outcomes from the four projects, and the broader implications for research, policy, and practice.",

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Transforming small and medium-sized enterprises to address the climate emergency: The case for values-based engagement

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Funding

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

UN SDGs

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