Knowledge acquisition and environmental commitment in SMEs

Abstract This article presents the results of an empirical study that investigated the relationship between a firm's knowledge acquisition activities and its environmental commitment. The study focuses on both regular knowledge acquisition activities and those specific to environmental issues. Statistical analyses of the data obtained from a sample of 136 Canadian manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were conducted. Study results first revealed that regular knowledge acquisition activities and those specific to environmental issues are positively related to environmental commitment. Results also suggest that SMEs use different knowledge sources when acquiring environmental knowledge and that trade associations and suppliers play a significant role in this process. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.