Reconsidering the relevance of social license pressure and government regulation for environmental performance of European SMEs

摘要: Whereas social license pressure is held as a strong motive for the corporate performance (CSP) of large enterprises, it argued in literature that will not sufficiently motivate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In this view, government regulation most effective way to improve environmental SMEs. Other studies argue also important SMEs, because embeddedness SMEs their local communities. A scale empirical study into effects pressures on could help solve debate is, however, still lacking. This paper contributes scientific by using structural equation modeling sample 4929 from twelve European countries test both views micro, small, enterprises. Another contribution our model includes direct well indirect performance. The are mediated perceived market benefits CSR. estimation results show pressures, significantly affect directly indirectly through mediation CSP. all cases, provides stronger stimulus improving than comply with regulation. policy implication governments should rely only, but aim transparency soft regulations induce publish key indicators issues.