Sustainability in the Business World Peer Reviewed Articles

1. Introduction

The mutual linkage between phenomena concerning 'sustainable evolution' forces organisations, businesses and individuals to carefully economise their activities and to consider the responsibility (or the lack thereof) of their behaviour in the future. Such a trend is inevitable if we are to confront the growing complication of sustainability challenges.

There are many definitions of sustainable development. This research has accustomed one which get-go appeared in 1987: Evolution that meets the needs of the nowadays without compromising the ability of hereafter generations to meet their ain needs (Our Common Hereafter, 1987).

Information technology is by and large accepted that sustainable development calls for a convergence between the three pillars of economic development, social equity, and environmental protection.

People concerned about sustainable development suggest that meeting the needs of the future depends on how well we balance these iii pillars when making decisions today. Sustainable development has besides gained currency in the individual sector in the form of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda.

While the concept is widely accepted, and sustainable evolution has been adopted as a desirable goal by many institutions, governments, businesses, and NGOs, the term sustainable development suffers from definitional ambiguity or vagueness. Although, the dominant view of governments and businesses is that sustainable development represents connected economic growth, the facts that it made it more environmentally sensitive in lodge to raise living standards globally and break the link between poverty and ecology deposition has to be taken into consideration. Economic growth is seen as a part of the solution, and markets and technology will produce a richer world, which is more ecologically stable (Hopwood, Mellor, & O'Brien, 2005).

In this article nosotros will focus on the sustainability of development in terms of economical interests of a business. Nosotros reverberate on the question if a small business can (or wants to) contribute to sustainable evolution. Is sustainable development bonny to business? Does a business take sustainable development into consideration? Indeed, the primary aim of any business organization is to produce profit.

one.1. Why small businesses?

This research focused on the owners or managers of small-scale businesses. In accordance with Recommendation 2003/361/EC, the European Commission deﬁnes small ﬁrms equally a ﬁrm with a fewer than 50 employees and a turnover/balance sheet total no greater than €x million (European Commission, due north.d.).

Why have been small businesses selected as an object for this enquiry? 2 bones reasons take been identified. Firstly, a responsible arroyo to the surroundings must exist understood equally a key part of the competitiveness. This approach does non concern but large businesses. These ideas must be integrated into the activities of small and medium businesses every bit their economic growth has an increasing touch on on air or soil pollution, etc. As the impact of small businesses on the environment increases, there is a need for constructive environmental policies in order to sustain their development (Bazsová & Křížová, 2011). Under this condition, also small businesses must implement innovation to meet environmental regulations and to accomplish ecology competitiveness in sustainability (Staňková, 2014). These activities are often very expensive.

Secondly, pocket-sized businesses are frequently under-capitalised, often exercise not have the resources to ensure the operational running of the processes, etc. (Borbás, 2015). Therefore, brusque-term goals may prevail, interest in sustainable development can be pushed into the groundwork of the purely economic reasons (lack of capital) (Mikušová, 2013).

On the ground of these assumptions, a research gap was identified and the objective of the research was established. The aim of the research is to find out the interest or willingness of small businesses' managers on the touch on they might have on their surroundings, i.eastward., on sustainable development, and under what conditions.

2. Inquiry objective

The article is based on the results of inquiry conducted in the bound of 2015 regarding modest businesses. The objective of this role of research was to make up one's mind what factors (elements) influence the mental attitude of small business managers on the upshot of sustainable evolution.

And then the aim of this part of research is to find the answer to the question: To be or not to be a business concern which is responsible for the sustainable development?

The following alternatives were formulated:

-	A1: proactive approach to sustainability is advantageous for business
-	A2: it is irrelevant whether business organization is proactive or not (in relation to sustainability)
-	A3: proactive arroyo to sustainability is disadvantageous for business (it diverts from the fundamental objective, i.e., from profit).

Simultaneously the evaluation of the significance of factors is done. Based on the evaluation most preferred alternative was identified. To accomplish these objectives, it was necessary to behave out empirical enquiry on a representative sample of businesses, process the data and perform their estimation.

3. Theoretical background – literature inquiry in the field of concern and sustainability relationship

It tin can be said that more and more organisations are taking responsibleness for the future. However, the post-obit question comes to mind: Is a business concern actually responsible for sustainable evolution or is the concept merely in fashion right now?

The writer believes that businesses are becoming more responsive towards and human activity with sustainable development in mind. It is a fact that many businesses contribute towards sustainable development only for as long as it is convenient. They cannot be blamed, as they do so to the detriment of their fiscal interests (Woo, Chung, Chun, & Seo, 2014).

The relationship between business and sustainable evolution is mainly focused on ecology protection (Bornstein & Davis, 2010). Research on environmental programmes are focused on understanding business motivations to prefer environmental initiatives (Sroufe, 2003). These initiatives especially include environmental management systems (EMS) and international environmental management standard ISO 14,001.

Research on business and environment focuses mainly on identifying a positive link between ecology care and profitability (Starik & Marcus, 2000). Davidová (2015) argues that green strategies enhance competitive advantage by attracting aware consumers. Likewise Žabkar, Čater, Bajde, and Čater (2013) argue that building competitive advantages through sustainable development is from the managerial perspective an appropriate environmental strategy. This argument can be continued to another, for example that new light-green technologies could allow business to increase the productivity (Majumdar & Marcus, 2001).

Co-ordinate to Chen (2014), companies understand the importance of monitoring and managing their environmental impacts and aim to integrate, with a consistent quality command, constructive reduce-reuse-recycle programmes and take a chance prevention systems. Many businesses get eligible to exist 'green' certified past constructing an integrated sustainable business and implementing development measures in order to meet environmental standards (Elkington & Hartigan, 2008). Companies may also consider recognising global views on sustainability while following the best local practices (Borbás & Kadocsa, 2010). An integrated sustainable business with a evolution system in place involves the post-obit practices (Miklošík, Hvizdova, & Žák, 2012): talent direction, sustainable supply chain, strategies for effective resource leveraging, implementing social responsibilities, initiating innovative programmes for recycling, reducing and reusing, advancing its leaders' perceptions towards sustainability, reducing innovation barriers and engaging sustainable practices strategically.

On the other mitt, studies on the link between environmental and financial performance bear witness conflict (King & Lenox, 2002). This may be acquired by difficulty of assessing the causality between financial and environmental performance or by the difficulty of measuring ecology and fiscal functioning (Margolis & Walsh, 2001). Valackienė & Micevičienė focus on the interaction betwixt the CSR and the operation of the sustainable business organisation. They highlight the shift from the pure stakeholder'southward perspective of maximising profits to introduction of enterprise – level interventions in promoting socially responsible business.

Other streams of research identified additional motivations for business organisation proactive behaviour. Vokounová, Korčoková, and Hasprová (2013) signal out the role of government, media and environmental groups. The organisational psychology theory as well provides contributions to this research. Researchers from this signal of view highlight the way how meridian managers' behavior and values influence corporate environmental management (Winn & Angell, 2000). Entrepreneurial behaviour in this fashion is also afflicted by the lifestyle of managers and firm owners (Jaouen & Lasch, 2013).

Responsible corporate behaviour is associated with the term 'business organisation ethics'. According to Horváthová, Černek, and Kashi (2014) at that place are withal many managers, businessmen, students and people who have doubts nigh the legitimacy of business ideals, including responsible behaviour, and they consider it as unreal and illusory in the marketplace environment.

There are not many empirical studies about the admission of small-scale businesses to sustainable development, however we can mention, for example Chell (2007) who suggests that the definition of entrepreneurship might exist modified to include the cosmos of 'social and economic value' and may thus be practical to both individual, entrepreneurial ventures every bit well equally social enterprises. De Clercq and Voronov (2011) focused on the balance betwixt sustainability and small businesses profitability.

The written report presents a dissimilar view on the relationship between sustainability and profitability and provides results from this area.

4. Process of research and methodology

4.1. Empirical enquiry process

The managers of small businesses were chosen every bit the respondents for the enquiry process. It was no surprise that in near cases they were also the business owners. The participants were selected randomly from all Czech regions. The Bedroom of Commerce has provided contacts under the required parameters (run into Table 1). Five thou subjects were contacted electronically. Finally, 1050 respondents took office in the survey (Tabular array i).

Table 1. The structure of respondents – the well-nigh frequented features.

The factors that influence the mental attitude of small-scale business managers on the consequence of sustainable development were identified using brainwriting. Respondents electronically submitted a summary of their ideas describing their views on sustainability evolution and relevant factors.

Relevance of each complaint was filtered in collaboration with top level executives and experts from ecology management. Opinions were aggregated into four groups: benefits, opportunities, costs and risks (BOCR). Saaty and Vargas (2012) call them BOCR merits.

A listing of this aggregated summary was forwarded to all the participants for further comments, additions or exclusions. The terminal list of factors was made by the adaptation of their comments. The final summary has been elaborated and so that information technology is short and comprehensible for farther processing.

Another step was an evaluation of importance of each factor. For this purpose, Saaty's method was used by the respondents. For further processing of the obtained evaluation, final matrices were made past the median. Elements were inputted into the final matrix in social club to identify the preferred alternative. The preferred alternative was identified by the application of the method analytic hierarchy process (AHP). After identifying the preferred culling, a conclusion of a enquiry project was elaborated.

4.two. Methods

Brainwriting. The 'brainwriting method' was preferred to 'brainstorming' for the identification of factors that influence the mental attitude of small business to sustainability. The bones version of brainwriting was used, which means anybody was working on their own (Heslin, 2009). The reason for choosing this method was primarily organisational. Respondents come up from a variety of regions and it is non possible to work with them collectively. The method was therefore adapted to the situation.

Saaty's Method. Saaty's method was used for the treatment of obtained information. In this method, all the pairs are compared and the evaluation criteria are stored in the then-called Saaty matrix Due south = (s_ij), where i, j = one, two, ..., northward. The elements of the matrix are interpreted as the estimates of the proportion of i-th weights (due west_i) and the j-th (w_j) criteria (Saaty, 2009):

(1)

s _ij ∈ {i/ix; 1/viii; i/7; 1/6; 1/5; i/4; 1/3; i/2; 1; 2; three; iv; 5; 6; 7; 8; ix}

The comparison determines whether 1 criterion is preferred to another merely as well to what extent. Saaty (2009) recommends the use of the 9-bespeak calibration.

Saaty'southward matrix S is a square matrix of n ×due north (number of criteria), for whose elements s the relationship is valid:

(2)

Thus the matrix S is reciprocal. Before calculating the importance of criteria, information technology is necessary to verify that the specified matrix of paired comparisons is mathematically consistent.

Degree of consistency tin be assessed in dissimilar ways, one of them is the consistency index (CI) defined as follows: (3)

where λ _max is the largest eigenvalue of the matrix South and n is the number of criteria.

The advisable consistency index is called random consistency index (RI). Comparison between consistency index (CI) and random consistency index (RI), or in formula (4)

is called consistency ratio (CR).

The matrix S is sufficiently consequent if the consistency ratio CR ≤ 0.1. Adding of significance from Saaty'south matrix can be done in several means. The default (Saaty'southward) procedure is based on calculating the eigenvector matrix v in accordance with the following formula: (5)

where λ _max is the largest eigenvalue of the matrix S.

One of the simpler frequently used methods is the decision of weights using a weighted geometric boilerplate of decision matrix South rows. By normalising these averages nosotros get judge importance of criteria w _i , by the post-obit formula: (half dozen)

where n is number of criteria, s are the elements of Saaty's matrix S, where south _two = 1, s _ij = 1/s _ji , s _ij ∈ {1/9; 1/eight; ane/seven; one/6; one/5; one/4; 1/three; one/two; 1; 2; 3; 4; v; 6; seven; 8; 9}.

Method of Analytic Bureaucracy Procedure. Saaty's method of significance decision is the basis for determination-making method AHP. The hierarchical structure of the AHP process is a linear construction containing several levels each of which comprises several elements. Individual levels of hierarchical construction correspond to the arrangement from the full general to the specific. The highest level of the hierarchy contains only one element, which is the goal of the evaluation, the lowest level represents private variants (alternative) solutions (Effigy 1).

Effigy i. Hierarchical construction of the AHP. Source: own processing.

The first step after hierarchical structuring is pairwise comparing using Saaty's method. Pairs of conclusion elements at each benchmark are compared with respect to their importance. The criteria themselves are likewise compared pairwise with respect to their contribution to the objective (goal). Pairwise comparison is performed in the framework of a matrix. At start a supermatrix of influence (i.e., unweighted supermatrix) is computed for each criterion. In this matrix local priorities for each element within its criterion can exist identified. Local priority determines the importance of the chemical element within its criterion.

Next pace is to obtain global priorities. The local priority vectors are entered in the appropriate columns of a matrix in the position based on the flow of influence from one benchmark to some other. Finally, each of these supermatrices is weighted by the priority of its control criterion and the issue are global priorities identified in weighted supermatrix. Global priority delivers more than valuable results than local priority considering it determines the importance of the element within the overall organization (all criteria). A standard class for a supermatrix is every bit shown in expression (seven):

(7)

where Due west is default supermatrix, W ₁₁ up to West _nn are matrix that stand for the impact of the criteria on each of the alternatives.

Raising a matrix to exponential powers gives the long-term relative influences of the elements on each other (Yüksel & Dağdeviren, 2007). This new matrix is called the limit supermatrix. Afterward these steps the pick of the best alternative can exist done. The alternative with the largest overall priority in the normalised limit supermatrix should be selected, as it is the best alternative every bit determined by the calculations made using matrix operations.

The Benefits, Opportunities, Costs and Risks. Every determination is influenced past favourable and unfavourable or positive and negative elements. Saaty (2009) created four groups for these elements. The favourable or positive elements are centralised in a group called benefits while the unfavourable or negative ones are centralised in a grouping called costs. The uncertain elements of a decision are positive opportunities that the decision might create and the negative risks that it can cause. Saaty (2009) refers to the 4 groups as BOCR claim, having used the initials of the positive ones (benefits and opportunities) and negative ones (costs and risks). The outcome of the alternatives for each of the BOCR structures can exist synthesised, to obtain their overall synthesis. Saaty (2009) suggests two expressions for synthesising the composite priorities with the use of weights that allow bookkeeping for differences in relative importance of the factors from a personal view, multiplicative and additive. In this research following additive expression is proposed (Wijnmalen, 2007): (8)

where B_p, O_p, C_p, R_p are normalised overall priorities of the alternatives on benefits, opportunities, costs and risks; w_b, west_o, w_c, w_r are normalised weights for each of the criterion.

Sensitivity assay (SA). Doubt is 1 of the primary reasons why sensitivity analysis is helpful in making decisions or recommendations (Pannell, 2015). In presented research sensitivity analysis can requite data such equally: how robust the preferred alternative is in the confront of unlike elements values; under what circumstances the preferred culling would change (identifying critical values, break-fifty-fifty values where the preferred alternative changes, identifying sensitive or of import variables, e.g., elements, developing flexible recommendations which depend on circumstances).

5. Research outcomes

The main objective of this enquiry is to determine the attitude of managers of small businesses to sustainability development. In accord with established research goals the results follow.

5.1. Benefits, Opportunities, Costs and Risks

The first task is finding the reply for the question:

What factors influence the attitude of small business organisation managers on the issue of sustainable development?

Factors identified under brainwriting were in cooperation with the respondents classified into four groups: Benefits, Opportunities, Costs and Risks. Classification of individual factors into groups is following.

Benefits: adept image as a responsible business; the possessor of mod engineering science/machines/other avails (also intangibles); cognition of latest technologies, procedures.

Opportunity: greater competitiveness (by new technologies, techniques, procedures); abound into other countries; actively participate in sustainability, in shaping the future.

Cost: financial: costs of assets for environmental activities (new technologies, assets, It); social: staff education and training for new applied science operating, to a responsible approach to sustainability; operational: costs of evaluation of the environmental and other relevant activities impacts.

Risk: financial: costs will exist higher than benefits; social: failure to meet the expected benefits for the sustainability (wasted costs); economic: jeopardising the quality of product (due to greater attention to sustainability activities emphasis on other issues, including the quality is less).

The breakup of factors, using the method of AHP, is shown in Effigy 2.

Effigy 2. Breakdown of factors using the AHP method. Source: own processing.

5.2. Pairwise comparing of the significance of benchmark and elements in the AHP/BOCR frame

After identifying the individual elements and their inclusion in 1 of four groups the evaluation of their significance is followed.

The respondents assessed groups of elements at first and second level using Saaty's method to decide which factors are the most valuable for decision to be or not to be proactive business and take care well-nigh sustainable development. Since this is a frequency trouble median was used for the final matrix creation. The following text focuses on the results obtained from these concluding matrices, which are too presented in graphical grade. In this part, local significance is identified (see unweighted supermatrix).

5.ii.one. Paired comparisons of the get-go level (criteria)

Saaty's final matrix is presented in the Table 2.

Table two. Paired comparisons of the first level (criteria).

For amend clarity, the weights are shown graphically (Effigy 3) and the results are commented.

Figure 3. Paired comparisons of the first level. Source: ain processing.

It is axiomatic that managers consider especially gamble and costs associated with a proactive arroyo to sustainable development. Despite the large departure, however, information technology tin can be noted that the positive aspects – opportunities and benefits reached a relatively large representation. Costs and risks tin can exist put into context with the lack of capital to ensure the normal operation and development of the business, possibly with difficult conditions to obtain additional capital.

five.2.ii. Paired comparisons of the second level (elements)

Factors at the second level are captured in Saaty'due south final matrices (Table 3, 4, 5, six) and Figures iv, v, six and 7.

**Tabular array 3. Paired comparisons of the second level (elements) – Benefits.**

**Table 4. Paired comparisons of the 2nd level (elements) – Opportunities.**

**Tabular array 5. Paired comparisons of the 2d level (elements) – Costs.**

**Table 6. Paired comparisons of the second level (elements) – Risks.**

Figure 4. Paired comparisons of the 2nd level (elements) – Benefits. Source: own processing.

Figure five. Paired comparisons of the second level (elements) – Opportunities. Source: ain processing.

Effigy half-dozen. Paired comparisons of the second level (elements) – Costs. Source: own processing.

Figure 7. Paired comparisons of the 2d level (elements) – Risks. Source: own processing.

Paired comparisons of the 2d level – Benefits (Table 3, Figure iv):

Ownership of new technologies, techniques, intangible avails, etc. is clearly a favoured gene in the criterion 'benefits'. Information technology is gratifying that the cistron 'good image' is evaluated as the last, merely still can be seen that managers recognise the importance of having a good reputation.

Paired comparisons of the 2nd level – Opportunities (Table iv, Figure v):

Increasing competitiveness in domestic market is the highest evaluated opportunity. It is evident that economic interests are primary for managers. Opportunity to actively participate in sustainability and in shaping the hereafter has the same rating equally the ability to grow into other countries. Managers therefore prefer to be successful in domestic markets confronting the possibility of an existence in international markets. It is understandable for small businesses. The representation of factor 'shaping the future' can be considered equally high and the access of small business to the surroundings and sustainability should be appreciated.

Paired comparisons of the 2nd level – Costs (Table 5, Figure vi):

The costs associated with the purchase of new technologies, assets, IT, etc. are the almost of import cost cistron. This is expectable for small businesses. Managers are aware of the costs of educating and training the staff to learn to operate new technology every bit well equally the fact that the education of responsible arroyo to sustainability is frequently underestimated. The cost burden associated with the evaluation of the ecology and other relevant activities impacts are considered the least restrictive.

Paired comparisons of the 2d level – Risks (Table 6, Figure 7):

Managers are most concerned near jeopardising the quality of product (economical factor) and the possibility that costs will be wasted and, that they will not achieve the expected outcome (and then the question is whether to be or not to be proactive businesses in relation to sustainable development). All the same, for the managers the decision to be proactive in relation to sustainability and the possibility that costs will be higher than benefits has the to the lowest degree significant.

5.three. The preference of alternative

These results were found using software Criterium Decision Plus (n.d.). The preference of alternatives in terms of synthesising the outputs of all elements of the network was obtained by normalisation of the values. Total event of this part of research, i.e., the overall synthesised priorities for the alternatives is presented in Figure viii.

Effigy 8. The evaluation of alternatives (AHP/BOCR). Source: ain processing.

It was found that managers slightly tend to the alternative 'take a proactive approach to sustainable development' (weight 0.376). This attitude, withal, does not differ much from the position that it is 'irrelevant to exist proactive business' (weight 0.368). The third alternative (it is a 'disadvantage to be proactive') was assigned the lowest value (value 0.256) (run across Figure 8 and Table 7).

Table 7. Criterion, elements and alternatives (AHP/BOCR).

five.4. Matrices for the evaluation of the elements influence on the alternatives

The presentation of private factors in the individual alternatives is shown in Table 7. Selected outputs from matrices (unweighted, weighted, limit) are presented there.

In the line 'Local weights' weights of the significance of individual elements within their criteria are placed. In the line 'Model Weights (global weights)' the weights of the significance of individual elements within the whole model are presented. In the last iii columns, the division of the significance of each element in the unlike alternatives is presented. Creation of the limit supermatrix from these values can lead to the preferences of the individual alternatives.

For case: Nether the criteria 'benefits', element of the highest importance is 'owner of modern engineering' with a value of 0.584. In the context of the whole model significance (overall weight) is reduced to 0.075.

In the weighted matrix two elements are significantly predominant (Figure 9). These elements should be given a lot of attention when deciding and managing. These elements are 'costs of avails' and 'jeopardising the quality'. If the 'price of assets' is the most of import from negative elements, then the property of avails ('owner of modern engineering science, etc.') is the strongest positive element. Chance factors are assessed as relatively balanced. The data shows that managers are more cautious and consider the risks. Managers give priority to the domestic market, against the possibility of expanding into foreign markets.

Figure 9. The evaluation of the influence elements (weighted matrix) – global impact. Source: own processing.

5.5. The evaluation of the BOCR criteria influence on the alternatives

The post-obit values were obtained using the software Criterium Decision Plus. The data from Table vii are converted by a preference for alternatives.

Managers who see the advantage that their business is proactive in the connection with sustainable development mostly consider COSTS associated with sustainability activities (43%). In alternatives 'irrelevant' and 'disadvantageous' RISK factors prevail (Figure 10).

Figure 10. Contribution to the goal (choice of alternatives) from level ane – BOCR criteria. Source: own processing.

v.6. Sensitivity assay

To watch sensitivity of influence of the private elements on the various alternatives is not interesting only from a research perspective. For requirements of practise, break points can exist obtained from the sensitivity trends to determine selection betwixt alternatives (see the white circle in the following figures). Knowledge of the trend as well allows to influence the monitored elements which ultimately positively affect the relationship of businesses to sustainability development.

In the Sensitivity Assay, it can be determined the sensitivity of the preferred alternative to changes in the benchmark (elements) weights, or ratings values. Disquisitional changes in the weights or ratings are those that crusade a change in the preferred alternative and are those with which it should be well-nigh concerned. The x-axis represents the range of values over which the most critical weight is varied, and the y-centrality represents the decision score. At the intersection of the priority value line and the alternatives lines, the decision score that is currently calculated for each alternative tin can exist seen.

Cost of assets. The post-obit motion picture shows the sensitivity of modify of the diverse alternatives to change of element 'cost of assets' for environmental activities (Effigy 11). These costs are the element with the greatest importance. The plot presents potential development of the private alternatives.

Figure 11. Sensitivity plot: costs of assets. Source: own processing.

From the Effigy eleven it is evident that alternative A3 (disadvantage) will e'er accept the lowest preference amid alternatives, whatever the significance of chemical element 'cost of avails' will be (betwixt 0 and 1). With the growing significance of the monitored element, the value of preference of alternative A1 (advantage) decreases. Preference of alternative A2 (irrelevant) gradually increases. Break point is marked with a white circle. From this betoken the preferred alternative would be an alternative A2 (irrelevant).

half dozen. Findings for discussion and future research recommendations

A cursory summary of the results obtained in this role of the empirical research will be presented and commented on now.

The greatest importance in deciding whether to be pro-active business are the costs of acquiring new facilities, technologies, processes, etc. necessary for ecology activities. Managers are about afraid that if they focus on sustainability activities, it will affect negatively the level of quality of the product because they practise not have as many resources equally before (time, finance, human resources, etc.).

Becoming an owner of modern machines, technology and other assets is considered the greatest benefit. Managers come across the biggest opportunity in evolution of local competitiveness of their business organization. Element with the everyman value of the significance is the conquering of opportunities to penetrate foreign markets.

Alternative A1 has the highest rating, but is only slightly college than the A2 culling.Thus respondents are non quite sure whether responsibility for sustainable development is advantageous or irrelevant.

The limitation of presented enquiry tin can exist considered relatively small number of elaborated elements that influence the managerial decisions. Larger number of elements could bring more multifarious results. On the other hand, there would be the gamble that the respondents would be overwhelmed with data. Therefore, increasing contribution in this way could be disputable. A relatively simple method AHP has been used for the elaboration of data. The method is comprehensible and it brings relevant results. Its disadvantage is that it only compares elements within ane criteria grouping. Information technology does not take into consideration the fact, that the elements can influence or be influenced by elements from dissimilar criteria group. We volition exist dealing with these limitations in further research. In order to either confirm or pass up presented results, either the method ANP (analytic network procedure) or other multiple criteria conclusion-making method will be used. For future research, it seems appropriate to execute comparative written report in small businesses, not simply in post-communist states. Information technology could be interesting to find if the attitude of small-scale entrepreneurs, in Frg for example, is different. The attitude towards the sustainable development is a part of wider framework of CSR. Specific indicators within the CSR can be adamant for its monitoring and evaluation. Its creation and definition tin can be an inspiration for future research.

7. Conclusion

For businesses, sustainability is a powerful and defining idea: a sustainable corporation is ane that creates turn a profit for its shareholders while protecting the environment and improving the lives of those with whom it interacts. Information technology operates so that its business organization interests and the interests of the surround and lodge intersect (Mikušová, 2014). A sustainable business organization stands an splendid run a risk of being more successful tomorrow than information technology is today. Increasingly, businesses are expected to notice ways to be function of the solution to the globe's environmental and social bug. The best businesses are finding means to turn this responsibility into an opportunity (Scofield, 2011).

The aim of the commodity was to explore the relationship between small-scale concern and sustainable development. On the basis of literary research, the conclusion has confirmed that: Managers of pocket-size businesses are interested in sustainable evolution, but their activity is dominated by economic interests. Small businesses are willing to participate in the activities of sustainable development, but adopt shorter-term benefits and expect economic benefits from these activities. The position of small businesses toward sustainable development was followed upward past empirical enquiry. Based on the evaluation of the information, it can exist stated that small businesses managers recognise the importance of environmental protection and other activities related to sustainable development.

The finding, that the respondents are not completely certain if taking the responsibility for sustainable development is advantageous or irrelevant for the business (both alternatives have almost the same evaluation), is significant.

Identified research results also have practical implications: Accept the first variant, back up the attitude of modest entrepreneurs towards agreement their responsible behaviour for the hereafter can be a claiming not only for themselves, but also for public institutions that can back up this development non just from the educational view only especially from the economic view. It can be stated that the basic result is to influence the diversion of small business concern owners from shorter-term benefits. This can be partially helped by public awareness and education. The function here is played not only past the state but as well by diverse industries, guilds, entrepreneurial associations, nonprofit organisations such as Business organization Leaders Forum, Business for Gild and the Czech Business concern Council for Sustainable Evolution, etc.

Notwithstanding, owners of modest businesses, who very often have to deal with insufficient operation capital will be most interested in the economic incentives.

The significance of the chemical element with the highest negative impact (costs connected with acquiring relevant avails) tin exist decreased by state policies aimed especially at small businesses and for a given area. For example, it would deal with providing grants for purchasing ecological equipment, investment incentives for greenish businesses, tax relief, providing loans or credit with low interest rates for relevant equipment, grants for salaries for selected positions, gratis consultant's services, arranging cooperation with experts, etc. All the above mentioned interventions volition influence the impact of the most important risk element and will support the growth of the significance of the strongest positive chemical element (ownership of mentioned assets).

The researcher'south results comply with the conclusions of other research. The post-obit examples can exist mentioned: Cagnazzo, Tiacci, and Rossi (2014) also state that pocket-size business efforts towards sustainable development are closely related to their economic interests. Davis and O'Halloran (2013) highlight that pocket-sized- and medium-sized enterprises tend to prioritise short-term fiscal and economical incomes rather than long-term social gains.

The lack of finance and experts is a problem not simply for Czech small businesses. These barriers in sustainable development were too identified in modest- and medium-sized enterprises in the U.s.a. (Natarajan & Wyrick, 2011). Pertaining to the state institutions' functions, according to Fernández-Viñé, Gómez-Navarro, and Capuz-Rizo (2013) Public Assistants (PA) is a cardinal stakeholder in sustainability development. PA could better use its tools to stimulate pocket-sized businesses to meliorate their eco-efficiency. Amongst these tools nosotros can name well known 'control and control' tools, such as legislation or taxes, but also price policies, green procurement, ecological education, eco-innovation support and others.

Despite project result the position of alternative A1 tin be seen as the most disarming for the businesses, that there are benefits deriving from beingness a responsible organisation. Such organisations contribute to the sustainability of evolution on a wider scale while existence competitive and sustainability aware (Epstein, 2008). Those links are realised by more than and more businesses. Seeking to exist responsive towards the future should get a strategic asset in business organisation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Funding

This work was supported by the Faculty of Economic science, VSB–Technical Academy of Ostrava [grant number SP2016/123]; ESF [grant number CZ.1.07/2.three.00/xx.0296].

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Source: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1331677X.2017.1355257

Sustainability in the Business World Peer Reviewed Articles

1. Introduction

one.1. Why small businesses?

2. Inquiry objective

3. Theoretical background – literature inquiry in the field of concern and sustainability relationship

4. Process of research and methodology

4.1. Empirical enquiry process

Published online:

Table 1. The structure of respondents – the well-nigh frequented features.

4.two. Methods

Published online:

5. Research outcomes

5.1. Benefits, Opportunities, Costs and Risks

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5.2. Pairwise comparing of the significance of benchmark and elements in the AHP/BOCR frame

5.ii.one. Paired comparisons of the get-go level (criteria)

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Table two. Paired comparisons of the first level (criteria).

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five.2.ii. Paired comparisons of the second level (elements)

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Tabular array 3. Paired comparisons of the second level (elements) – Benefits.

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Table 4. Paired comparisons of the 2nd level (elements) – Opportunities.

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Tabular array 5. Paired comparisons of the 2d level (elements) – Costs.

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Table 6. Paired comparisons of the second level (elements) – Risks.

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5.three. The preference of alternative

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Table 7. Criterion, elements and alternatives (AHP/BOCR).

five.4. Matrices for the evaluation of the elements influence on the alternatives

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5.5. The evaluation of the BOCR criteria influence on the alternatives

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v.6. Sensitivity assay

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half dozen. Findings for discussion and future research recommendations

7. Conclusion

Disclosure statement

Funding

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**Tabular array 3. Paired comparisons of the second level (elements) – Benefits.**

**Table 4. Paired comparisons of the 2nd level (elements) – Opportunities.**

**Tabular array 5. Paired comparisons of the 2d level (elements) – Costs.**

**Table 6. Paired comparisons of the second level (elements) – Risks.**