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

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.

Editorial for the Special Issue “Business Strategies Concerning the Sustainable Development Goals and the SDG Compass”

“…The firth article [9] examines to what extent 13 barriers associated with the adoption of sustainable practices by businesses identified by the prior literature affect small and medium-sized companies belonging to the Brazilian metallurgical sector. Based on a postal survey distributed to 24 experienced managers, the researchers identify the difficulties associated with lack of knowledge and financial resources and incentives for the adoption of sustainable practices as the main barriers affecting companies under study and suggest that governmental support could help Brazilian metallurgical businesses to overcome these barriers, thus advancing towards the achievement of the SDGs.…”