| Abstract [eng] |
66 pages, 21 chart, 9 pictures, 82 references. The main purpose of this master thesis is to examine the concept of green economy, conduct qualitative research on green economy means and principles applied in small enterprises in Lithuania and present recommendations and model of implementation of means and principles of green economy in small enterprises. The work consists of four main parts: the analysis of literature, quantitative research and its results, creation of model of implementation of means and principles of green economy in small enterprise, conclusions, and recommendations. In the first part of the work concept and interpretations of green economy are reviewed, a generalized concept presented, defining green economy as a multidimensional model, which includes social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Green economy possesses systematic approach: economic growth should be reached with minimal impact on the environment, natural resources must be saved for future generations. It is argued if green economy can ensure continued economic growth. Empirical evidence on effectiveness of green economy is lacking. No unified model of green economy application exists. Organizations should evaluate their strategic goals and sustainability level, before taking on green economy model. Organizations must identify areas, where changes are needed, and analyze their processes to find best means to reach model of green economy. After the literature analysis the author has carried out qualitative research about how green economy means and principles are applied in small enterprises in Lithuania. The research included 8 in-depth interviews, with respondents related to the green economy. Interviews were conducted with 4 experts in the field of green economy, 2 owners of small enterprises and 2 owners of micro enterprises. After the empirical research qualitative content analysis was performed to identify repeating means and principles of green economy, looking for connection between the answers of respondents and means and principles of green economy, that were identified during the literature analysis. The performed research revealed, that to effectively apply means and principles of green economy, small and micro enterprises must identify areas, which prevent their development, as well as areas, where additional efforts would ensure their development in the context of green economy. These organizations must invest in competencies of their employees, involve them in the decision making, establish culture of transparency. The level of awareness of owners or management plays an important role for the success of green economy model. Organizations must use external means to develop green economy model: access to innovation, investments to green businesses, benefit from the competitive advantage model of green economy creates. Additionally, government policies must promote green economy agenda, give access for small and micro enterprises to knowledge, involve them in the decision making, provide support in the form of subsidies, tax incentives. Recommendations and model of implementation of means and principles of green economy in small enterprises were created based on the results of the research and literature analysis. Author believes that this model can help effectively apply model of green economy, while ensuring development and growth of small and micro enterprises. |
