"Sustainability Management" of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Effort Process and Changes in Employee Awareness

Abstract

In this paper, we analyzed the process of SMEs working on sustainability management and changes in employee awareness from case studies and employee questionnaires. As a result, the following three points were clarified.

First, managers who have a sense of crisis about the current situation are building a business model to work on solving social issues by meeting various stakeholders and collecting information.

Second, sustainability management initiatives have led to the development of new products and the development of new sales channels. In this process, the acquisition of certification, the cooperation of management, and the utilization of existing business partners have contributed.

Third, efforts for sustainability management have led to changes in employee awareness. On the other hand, it is not easy to instill a policy on sustainability management among employees. This is especially true for part-time employees.