Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Comprehensive Model for SMEs: Measuring the Dynamic Interplay of Morality, Environment and Management Systems – Towards Continuous Improvement

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Ethics in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Abstract

The author designs a comprehensive model to characterise and optimise small and medium sized companies SMEs – in the overall context of physical environment, society, economy and business. This model embraces issues of morality, management system and environment and a corresponding measurement tool and discusses the interplay of these issues with the intention of leading to continuous improvement. The model and the measurement tool are tested by a longitudinal survey of 27 SMEs in Switzerland and Germany (total: 214 people of all hierarchical levels). The survey illustrates that a standardised management system is not decisive for the implementation of an increasingly dynamic and circular system with intensive integration of people. The implementation merely depends on the (moral) attitudes and behaviours of owners or top managers and employees. But SMEs with standardised (especially environmental) management systems demonstrate generally more outcomes towards effectiveness as well as embedded morality, circularity and integration. By the design of a comprehensive SME model and measuring tool, the author broadens the gap of narrowing SME research on individual issues and positions of individual companies to an overall context of physical environment, society, economy and business.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • ASQ. (2007). Quality glossary. Quality progress. June: 39–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bader, N. et al. (2007). Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in kleinen und mittelständischen Unternehmen in Berlin. Berlin: TÜV Rheinland – Outermedia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baldrige National Quality Program (2006). Criteria for Performance Excellence. National Institute of Standards and Technology: 4–5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Balzarova, A. M. & Castka, P. (2008). Underlying mechanisms in the maintenance of ISO 14001 environmental management system. Journal of Cleaner Production. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2008.01.007.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bernardini Seiffert, M. E. (2007). Environmental impact evaluation using a cooperative model for implementing EMS (ISO 14001) in small and medium-sized enterprises. Journal of Cleaner Production. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2007.10.001.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boff, L. (1995). Ecology & liberation, A new paradigm. New York: Orbis.

    Google Scholar 

  • Borawski, P. E. (2007). Vision and strategy. Quality basics. Quality progress. June: 31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Briggs, S. (2006). Do environmental management systems improve performance? Quality progress. September: 78–80.

    Google Scholar 

  • Briggs, S. L. K. (2007). ISO 14001 hits 10-year mark. Quality progress. August: 67–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bruntland Commission. World commission on environment and development. (1987). Our common future. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bühler, P. (2004). Schweizer Familienunternehmen an der Börse. Zurich: Ernst & Young AG.

    Google Scholar 

  • Casadesus, M. & Karapetrovic, S. (2005).The erosion of ISO 9000 benefits: a temporal study. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management. 22–2:120–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CERFE Group – European Commission Leonardo Programme. (2001). Action-Research on Corporate Citizenship among European Small and Medium Enterprises. FINAL REPORT. Rome: Cerfe.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2004): Business Ethics. A European Perspective. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Darnall, N. & Edwards, D. (2006). The cost of environmental management system adoption: The role of capabilities, resources and ownership structure. Strategic Management Journal. 27: 301–320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeFeo, J. A. (1998). Strategic deployment. In Juran, J. M., & Godfrey, A. B. (Eds.) (5-1998). Juran’s quality handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Des Jardin, J. R. (1997). Environmental ethics. An introduction to environmental philosophy. London: Wadsworth.

    Google Scholar 

  • DTI – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). (2002). Engaging SMEs in Community and Social Issues. London: Research Report DTI.

    Google Scholar 

  • EFQM. (2003). The EFQM Excellence Model. Brussels.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisenhut, E. et al. (2004). KMU-Umfrage: Wo drückt die KMU der Schuh? St. Gallen: Industrie- und Handelskammer St. Gallen-Appenzell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Enderle, G. (2004). Global competition and corporate responsibilities of small and medium-sized companies. Business Ethics. A European Review. 13(1): 51–63.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • European Commission in 2003/361/EU. http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/enterprise_policy/sme_definition/index_en.htm

  • European Communities. (2002). European SMEs and social and environmental responsibility. Brussels: Observatory of European SMEs 2002, No. 4.

    Google Scholar 

  • European Communities (2003). Highlights of the 2003 observatory. Brussels: Observatory of European SMEs 2003, No. 8 (quoted: European Communities 2003a).

    Google Scholar 

  • European Communities, (2003). Green Paper: Entrepreneurship in Europe. Brussels (quoted: European Communities 2003b).

    Google Scholar 

  • Frey, U. et al. (2004). Bedeutung und Struktur von Familienunternehmen in der Schweiz. St. Gallen: Schweizerisches Institut für Klein- und Mittelunternehmen an der Universität St.Gallen (KMU-HSG).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fueglistaller, U. ed. (2003a). Klein- und Mittelunternehmen (KMU) in Forschung, Lehre und Praxis. Jahresbericht 2002. St. Gallen: Schweizerisches Institut für gewerbliche Wirtschaft an der Universität St. Gallen.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fueglistaller, U. (2003b). Finanzierung von KMU in garstigem Umfeld. Synergy03 (3 October 2003). Conference Handout.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fueglistaller, U. ed. (2004a). Jahresbericht 2003 des KMU-HSG. St. Gallen: Schweizerisches Institut für Klein- und Mittelunternehmen.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fueglistaller, U. (2004b). Charakteristik und Entwicklung von Klein- und Mittelunternehmen. St. Gallen: KMU HSG.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fueglistaller, U. ed. (2007). Jahresbericht 2006 des KMU-HSG. St. Gallen: Schweizerisches Institut für Klein- und Mittelunternehmen.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fueglistaller, U. & Fust A. (2006). KMU – Innovativ and traditionell zugleich. Ein unternehmerischer Ansatz. St. Gallen: KMU HSG.

    Google Scholar 

  • Georgellis, Y. et al. (2000).Entrepreneurial action, innovation and business performance: The small independent business. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development. 7(1): 7–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghobadian, A., et al. (2007). TQM and CSR nexus. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management. 24(7):704–721.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gutowski, T. et al. (2005). Environmentally benign manufacturing: Observations from Japan, Europe and the United States. Journal of Cleaner Production. 13:1–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hazlett, S.A., et al. (2002). From quality management to socially responsible organisations: The case for CSR. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management. 24–7: 669–682.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hillary, R. (1999). Evaluation of study reports on the barriers, opportunities and drivers for small and medium sized enterprises in the adoption of environmental management systems. London: Network for Environmental Management and Auditing.

    Google Scholar 

  • ISO. (2000). Quality management systems — Requirements (ISO 9001:2000). Geneva.

    Google Scholar 

  • ISO. (2004): ISO 14001 Environmental management systems — Requirements with guidance for use. Geneva.

    Google Scholar 

  • ISO. (2005). The ISO survey 2004. Geneva.

    Google Scholar 

  • ISO. (2007). ISO/CD 9001; ISO/TC 176/SC 2 N 787-1, Geneva (quoted: ISO 2007a).

    Google Scholar 

  • ISO. (2007). ISO/CD 9004; ISO/TC 176/SC 2 N 787-1, Geneva (ISO 2007b).

    Google Scholar 

  • ISO. (2009). Managing for the sustained success of an organization – A quality management approach (ISO 9004:2009). Geneva.

    Google Scholar 

  • ISO TMB /WG SR. (2009). ISO/CD 26000. Guidance on Social Responsibility.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jabnoun, N. & Abdullah, H. (2005). Leadership styles supporting ISO 9000:2000. Quality Management Journal. 12(1):21–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Korten, D. (2000). The post-corporate world: Life after capitalism. San Francisco.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laeis, C.E. (2005). Corporate Citizenship. Unternehmerische Bürgerkompetenz im Dienste einer Erneuerung der Sozialen Marktwirtschaft. Ein Mittelstandskonzept. Münster: LIT.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lai, Q. (2006). Corporate social responsibility of SMEs in China: Challenges and outlooks. Berichte des Arbeitsbereichs Chinaforschung Nr. 18, Juni 2006. Bremen: Institut für Weltwirtschaft und Internationales Management der Universität Bremen und Internationaler Studiengang Volkswirtschaft, Hochschule Bremen.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lehmann, R. (2003). Die Zeichen der Zeit erkannt. Zunehmende Internationalisierung der KMU. Neue Zürcher Zeitung. 15. Oktober 2002.NZZ-Online. 25 Februar 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liebermann, F. (ed.) (2003). Unternehmensnachfolge. Eine betriebswirtschaftliche Herausforderung mit volkswirtschaftlicher Bedeutung. Bestandesaufnahme für den Kanton Zürich. Zurich: AWA-Schriftreihe.

    Google Scholar 

  • Longchamp, C. (2008). Brauchen KMUs Managementsysteme? Ergebnisse der durchgeführten Mitgliederbefragung. Qualität und Führung. Tag der Schweizer Qualität. SAQ Swiss Association for Quality. 18 June 2008. Conference Presentation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahmood, S. (2008). Corporate governance and business ethics for SMEs in developing countries: Challenges and way forward. The Fourth ISBEE World Congress 15–18 July 2008, Cape Town, South Africa. “Global Fairness – Local Integrity”. Paper.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martinez Costa, M. & Martinez Lorente, A.R. (2007). ISO 9000:2000: The key to quality? An exploratory study. Quality Management Journal. 14(1): 7–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Masanet-Llodra, M. J. (2006). Environmental management accounting: A case study research on innovative strategy. Journal of Business Ethics. 68(4):393–408.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Masurel, E. (2007). Why SMEs invest in environmental measures: Sustainability evidence from small and medium-sized printing firms. Business Strategy and the Environment. 16: 190–201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maturana, R. H. (2004). From being to doing. The origins of the biology of cognition. Heidelberg: Carl Auer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mohn, R. (2003). Die Sicherung der Unternehmensnachfolge ist die grösste unternehmerische Herausforderung. In: Liebermann, F. (ed.). Unternehmensnachfolge . Eine betriebswirtschaftliche Herausforderung mit volkswirtschaftlicher Bedeutung. Bestandesaufnahme für den Kanton Zürich. Zurich: AWA-Schriftreihe.

    Google Scholar 

  • Monnich, H. C. 2001. ISO 9001:2000 for small and medium sized businesses. Milwaukee: ASQ Quality Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mühlebach, C. (2004): Familyness als Wettbewerbsvorteil: Ein integrierter Strategieansatz für Familienunternehmen. Bern: Haupt.

    Google Scholar 

  • NatWest Media Relations. 2004. Red tape number one problem for small businesses again. London. News Release 02/04.26 January 2004 (quoted: NatWest 2004).

    Google Scholar 

  • Obršálová, I. et al. (2005). Environmental accounting and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises. Economic and social aspect of sustainable development. Environmental accounting on micro and macro level. International Workshop. Brno, September 5–6, 2005. University of Pardubice.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD. (2000). Small and medium-sized enterprises: Local strength. Global reach. OECD Policy Brief. June 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD SME unit. (2004). Promoting entrepreneurship and innovative SMEs in a global economy. The Bologna Process. The 2nd OECD ministerial conference on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Istanbul, Turkey 3–5 JUNE 2004. Paris: OECD.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pedersen, E. (2007). Perceptions of performance: How European organizations experience EMAS registration. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management. 14: 61–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Perunicic, D. & Alexandrova, A. (2007). Do well by doing good – engagement of Smålands SME’s in CSR. Jönköping: International Business School.

    Google Scholar 

  • Petrick, K. (2002). The ISO 9000 family. In Cianfrani, C. A., Tsiakals, J. J., West, J. E. (Eds.), The ASQ ISO 9000:2000 Handbook. Milwaukee: ASQ Quality Press: 17–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pinar, M. & Ozgur, C. (2007). The long-term impact of ISO 9000 certification on business performance: A longitudinal study using Turkish stock market returns. Quality Management Journal. 14(4): 21–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Russel, J. P. (2003). Use ISO 9004 to improve performance. It’s a powerful business management tool. Quality Progress. May: 99–101.

    Google Scholar 

  • Russel, J. P. (2004). ISO 9004 assessment criteria. Checklist for performance improvement. Milwaukee: ASQ Quality Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, S. (2008). Defining social responsibility. Standard helps clarify a nebulous term. Quality Progress. March: 6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schillig, B. (2003). Aktuelle Internetbefragung: Wo drückt der Schuh die KMU wirklich? Die Volkswirtschaft Das Magazin für Wirtschaftspolitik . 6–2003: 8–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seaver, M. (2002). ISO 9000 focus moves from compliance to achieving results. ISO Management Systems. March–April: 27–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shipley, D. (2003). ISO 9000 Makes integrated systems user friendly. Quality Progress. July: 26–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, P. J., et al. (2006). ISO 9000 series of standards: comparison of manufacturing and service organisations. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management. 23(2):122–142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • sneep (2007). Corporate Social Responsibility bei kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen in der Metropolregion Hamburg. Ein Forschungsprojekt der Studenteninitiative sneep Lokalgruppe Hamburg. Hamburg: Dnwe – Wertvolle Zukunft Stiftung für ethisches Handeln.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spence, L. J. Schmidpeter, R., Habisch, A., Dickson, K. and Werner, A. (2001). Small and medium sized enterprises, social capital and civic engagement. A pilot project. Uxbridge: Brunel Research into Enterprise, Sustainability and Ethics (BRESE) – Brunel University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spence, L. J. (2007). Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). In Pohl, M., Matten, D. and Visser, W. (Eds.) (2007), The A to Z of corporate social responsibility. A complete reference guide to concepts, codes and organisations. Chichester: John Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spence, L.J. & Rutherfoord, R. (2003). Small business and empirical perspectives in business ethics: Editorial. Journal of Business Ethics. 47(1): 1–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ulrich, P. (2008). Integrative economic ethics: Foundations of a civilized market economy. Cambridge: University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • UN (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe), (2004). Business ethics for start-up entrepreneurs and SMEs. The principles of responsible entrepreneurship. New York and Geneva: United Nations. Series: Entrepreneurship and SMEs.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Wiele, J. et al. (2005). Perceptions about the ISO 9000 (2000) quality system standard revision and its value: the Dutch experience. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management. 22(2): 101–119.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Welter, F. & Havnes, P.A. (2000). SMEs and environmental turbulence. In: Pleitner, H. J. & Weber, W. (eds.) SMEs in the 21st century – impulses, perspectives, concepts. Rencontres de St-Gall 2000. St. Gallen: IGW-HSG: 41–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Werner, A. (2006). An investigation into SME owner-managers’ conceptualisations of practice. Doctoral Dissertation, Uxbridge: Brunel Business School, Brunel University.

    Google Scholar 

  • West, J.E. (2007). Quality basics. Standards. Quality Progress. June 2007: 30–31.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Computing & Technology Department of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, The Open University, Daäntschgass 3, Vordemwald, CH 4803, Switzerland

    Jörg Bürgi

Authors
  1. Jörg Bürgi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jörg Bürgi .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of London, School of Management, Royal Holloway, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, United Kingdom

    Laura Spence

  2. Dept. Philosophy, DePaul University, N. Clifton Ave. 2352, Chicago, 60614, Illinois, USA

    Mollie Painter-Morland

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Bürgi, J. (2010). A Comprehensive Model for SMEs: Measuring the Dynamic Interplay of Morality, Environment and Management Systems – Towards Continuous Improvement. In: Spence, L., Painter-Morland, M. (eds) Ethics in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. The International Society of Business, Economics, and Ethics Book Series, vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9331-8_9

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation