Barriers of Implementing Green Business Practices of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the Tourism Industry
- November 8, 2018
- Posted by: RSIS
- Category: Management
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume II, Issue X, October 2018 | ISSN 2454–6186
Fauzul Mafasiya Fairoz and Chathuranga J.A.T.
Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Management and Finance,
University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka
Abstract: – The Green business practices are considered as one of the most important factor to achieve business and environmental sustainability. This research is an attempt to examine the barriers of adopting green business practices of Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs)in the tourism industry in Hambantota district of Sri Lanka. Survey method was applied and questionnaire method was used to collect data from the respondents. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Findings show that lack of access to technology and high cost for financing are indicated as the main barriers of adopting green business practices among SME tourism entrepreneurs. Further, results revealed that they could gain several benefits as well through implementing green business practices and as a result, most of them have been reduced their operating cost.
Keywords: Green business practices, Tourism, SMEs, Barriers, Sri Lanka
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Background
Green business concept is not new in the world but new to the Sri Lankan context. The importance of green business concept is increased due to the environmental pollution and natural environmental related issues. Adoption of green business practices is becoming a global trend to provide solutions to many environmental issues. According to Teng, Wu, and Liu (2015), green practices are programs that encourage the hoteliers to save water, energy and reduce the solid waste, reducing operational costs and protecting the earth. The Green Restaurant Association (2005) well-defined green hotel as an environmental-friendly, whose managers are devoted to set up programs that specifically workings in conserving the environment.
