| dc.description.abstract | This study examined the relationship between environmental knowledge, environmental
commitment, regulatory compliance mechanisms and environmental sustainability practices
of manufacturing SMEs in Uganda. The study was motivated by the fact that many
manufacturing SMEs use firewood and charcoal for fuel, polythene bags and plastics as
packaging materials and poorly dispose of waste materials to the environment. Such practices
have significantly contributed to environmental degradation that has led to the loss of lives
and property. This study was correlational and cross-sectional in nature, adopted a critical
realism paradigm and concurrent mixed-method strategy to survey 237 manufacturing SMEs
and 7 institutions using stratified and purposive sampling respectively. A self-administered
questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide were used to gather quantitative and
qualitative data from the institutional and business managers. SPSS-23 and AMOS-24
supported data analysis to establish the direct and indirect relationships between the study
variables. Content analysis technique with the help of Atlas ti-8 software, on the other hand,
was used to analyse qualitative data. Study findings indicate that there is a significant positive
relationship between action knowledge (β=.141, p<.01), environmental commitment (β=
.517, p<.01), regulatory compliance mechanisms (β= .146, p<.01) and environmental
sustainability practices. In addition, regulatory compliance mechanisms partially mediate the
association between action knowledge (β .030, p <.01), environmental commitment (β .079,
p<.01) and environmental sustainability practices. These findings were supported by the
qualitative results which revealed that manufacturing SME managers have environmental
awareness, support pro-environmental actions and comply with the existing environmental
regulations to conserve the environment. The study further confirmed waste management,
eco-friendly packaging, energy efficiency and water conservation practices as actions
undertaken by the manufacturing SMEs to safeguard the environment in Uganda. From this
study, it is concluded that action knowledge, verbal and actual commitment, deterrence,
social norms and values as well as controls are significantly and positively associated with
environmental sustainability practices. The study recommends that policymakers should;
spearhead the establishment of an environmental conservation fund for SMEs to support the
dissemination of action knowledge, partner with private and civil society organizations to
annually evaluate, recognize and award manufacturing SMEs that demonstrate commitment
to implementing environmental sustainability practices and establish a desk under NEMA to
monitor compliance of manufacturing SMEs to environmental regulations. Similarly,
business managers should; train their staff, consult experts on environmental sustainability
practices and reward employees who demonstrate pro-environmental behaviours.
Keywords: Environmental Sustainability Practices, Environmental Knowledge,
Environmental Commitment, Regulatory Compliance Mechanisms, Manufacturing SMEs,
Uganda. | en_US |
