Seeking for enterprise-level competitiveness : the role of environmental performance

Abstract

This study contributes to a better understanding of the link between enterprise-level competitiveness and environmental performance by approaching both concepts multidimensionally. Quantitative statistical analysis was conducted on a sample of Hungarian enterprises with international embeddedness. The sample includes 209 Hungarian enterprises (82% SMEs), which are representative in terms of company size and sector. Cluster analysis was applied to classify enterprises along with their environmental performance. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to quantify the links between clusters and multi-faceted environmental performance and competitiveness variables. Correlation analysis and ANOVA were applied to measure the internal consistency of the environmental variables. As a result, the main hypothesis was confirmed. The clusters with the best (and worst) environmental performance scored the highest (lowest) according to the multidimensional firm competitiveness index used. Regarding specific dimensions of competitiveness, the research hypotheses were partly confirmed. In summary, sound and effective environmental performance is ‘worth it’ if competitiveness is also considered comprehensively.