Insertion of Sustainable Practices in Small and Medium-Sized Companies: Analysis of the Main Barriers in the Brazilian Metalworking Sector

Gilberto Cassoli de Oliveira Junior, Jefferson de Souza Pinto, Izabela Simon Rampasso, Walter Leal Filho, Milena Pavan Serafim and Rosley Anholon
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Gilberto Cassoli de Oliveira Junior: School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-860, Brazil
Jefferson de Souza Pinto: School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-860, Brazil
Izabela Simon Rampasso: Departamento de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta 1270709, Chile
Walter Leal Filho: Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Ulmenliet 20, D-21033 Hamburg, Germany
Milena Pavan Serafim: Laboratory of Public Sector Studies, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Limeira 13484-350, Brazil
Rosley Anholon: School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-860, Brazil

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 20, 1-10

Abstract: The main objective of this study was characterised by analysing the barriers associated with the insertion of sustainable practices in small and medium-sized companies in the metalworking sector, considering the Brazilian reality. Thirteen barriers were previously listed from the literature, and information about them was collected from 24 experienced managers who know the realities of small and medium-sized companies in the sector. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The frequency distribution showed that in each barrier, there was more than 50% of the responses allocated in the upper range, that is, medium or intense observation, demonstrating that SMEs experience many difficulties in this theme. When comparatively analysed via Fuzzy TOPSIS, difficulties associated with lack of knowledge and financial resources/incentives that can support SMEs in adopting sustainable practices are highlighted. The main contribution of this study is to provide robust information that company managers and other researchers can use. In addition, the provided information can support more complex debates for structuring public policies.

Keywords: sustainability; SMEs; Brazilian context; metalworking sector; barriers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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