Abstract
This paper aims to examine the impact of environmental protection, economic development, social responsibility, and governance on the sustainable development of enterprises. In the context of green products in China, consumer willingness to purchase these products is a crucial factor influencing a company’s approach to sustainable operations. The research model proposes four hypotheses and focuses on analyzing the significant relationships between them. We used a questionnaire survey to survey N = 230 consumers about their thoughts on green products for the sustainable development of enterprises. We applied structural equation model to the whole data analysis. Our research has identified green products as crucial success factors for business sustainability. The findings reveal that companies offering environmentally friendly products in the market can: (1) enhance their corporate social responsibility and (2) contribute to sustainable development. Our results demonstrate several positive correlations: environmental protection is positively linked to governance, economic development is positively correlated with governance, social responsibility is positively associated with governance, and governance, in turn, is positively related to corporate sustainable development.
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1 Introduction
Purchasing green products is a key factor in establishing and sustaining environmentally friendly product lines. From the perspective of sustainable brand and enterprise development, modern consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their shopping decisions. According to the ‘2023 Global Consumer Insight Report’ by Zicheng, nearly 80% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for locally produced or sourced products. Additionally, 77% are willing to spend more on sustainable or environmentally friendly products, while 75% are inclined to support companies with strong ethical reputations.
A company's involvement in ESG-related activities significantly influences consumer goodwill towards a brand and their willingness to recommend it to others. Consumers are increasingly paying attention to a company’s stance on environmental protection. Beyond evaluating the product itself, they now consider whether the company’s practices align with global environmental protection goals. Concepts such as recycling toilet paper and replacing plastic bags with paper alternatives are reshaping consumers' lives and influencing corporate environmental responsibility.
We combine the concepts of consumer psychology and environmental protection to conduct research. We broke with traditional research. We learned about very little research that combined psychology and environmental science.
Our research focuses on how promoting green products can help businesses gain consumer recognition and foster continued purchases of environmentally friendly products.
Zhang et al. mentioned that there are now important concepts and support for environmental protection in the world [1]. Cheng and Yang pointed out that enterprises need to carry out technological or product innovation in the process of making environmental protection products [2]. Khristianto et al. mentioned that environmental protection can determine the process of innovative products through product information [3].
Some scholars have mentioned that economic development mainly comes from the overall human quality of the local country. Loon et al. pointed out that enterprise innovation comes from the basis of economic development, and further encouraged enterprises to innovate [4]. Ahlstrom et al. pointed out that some part of economic development comes from the innovation of enterprise products, including product knowledge innovation and concept innovation [5]. Christensen and Raynor mentioned that economic development is related to the innovative products provided by enterprises [6]. Economic development is of certain importance to the sustainable development of enterprises, and the overall economic development needs to take into account the overall global economic development trend. The main consideration of economic development comes from the external problems of the environment and the effective management of resources. We know that the world is now beginning to develop products for enterprises to manufacture and begin to consider the concept of overall environmental protection.
Fu et al. mentioned the importance of the influence of corporate governance and social responsibility [7]. Hussain et al. pointed out that the transparency of corporate governance information has an important concept for the outside world in business [8]. Garcia-Sanchez et al. mentioned that the company's public report on governance needs to be more transparent and open, so that external investors can choose and invest more carefully [9].
Lempert et al. mentioned that the lack of information in the decision-making process of enterprise decision makers will lead to decision-making risks [10]. Wen et al. mentioned that enterprises need to find an optimal decision scheme in the face of different scheme decisions [11]. Buyukozkan and Ozturkcan pointed out that executives of many enterprises need to find the best plan to prioritize [12]. Giannakis et al. mentioned that the problem of supply chain selection also comes from the selection of optimal schemes by senior managers [13]. Means et al. mentioned that decision-making in an enterprise mainly focuses on finding the best decision on complex problems [14]. Yates pointed out that decision making mainly comes from satisfactory results and problem solving [15].
Alexander mentioned that enterprises come together to discuss the sustainable development of cooperation with global suppliers [16]. Huq et al. pointed out that the sustainable development of enterprises should take into account the stable or changing state of the entire supply chain [17]. Burritt et al. pointed out that the process of supply chain cooperation can create the sustainable development of enterprises of both sides [18]. Maria Pia Sacco et al. mentioned the need to consider environmental protection and the promotion of green products in corporate sustainability [19]. Fukuda-parr and McNeill mentioned that the opinions and ideas of enterprises and stakeholders can be factors in the sustainable development of enterprises [20].
ESG has become an important principle of business operation, which also represents the original financial, performance-oriented business model will change. Based on the thinking mode of ESG, enterprises have proposed services such as sustainable development planning, disclosure of corporate social responsibility information, corporate governance and risk control mechanism, corporate green issues, and enterprise smart supply chain management to assist enterprises in planning and perfecting the implementation and supervision system. To help enterprises to build a sound ESG management structure in line with the characteristics of the industry, and further towards the road of sustainable profit and net zero carbon emission.
2 Literature review
2.1 Environmental protection
The definition of environmental protection refers to taking administrative, legal, economic, scientific and technological measures to rationally utilize resources, prevent environmental pollution, maintain ecological balance and ensure the healthy development of human society. Since the 1960s, the global trend of environmental protection has risen, and environmental protection related issues and concepts have gradually received attention. Environmental Protection, as the name suggests, aims to protect the environment, reduce environmental pollution, and replace over-development and consumption with low-carbon life and sustainable use of resources. Jasanoff mentioned that the world began to advocate research on environmental protection issues [21]. Glicksman et al. put forward the concept of the importance of environmental protection for natural functioning systems [22]. Yu and Wang pointed out that good environmental protection policies can improve industrial upgrading and product quality development [23]. Sands et al. mentioned that the international community now requires that the production and consumption of products meet the standards of environmental protection [24]. Li et al. mentioned that environmental damage has become a global concern, and many countries have begun to develop product concepts of environmental protection [25]. Lin et al. mentioned that many enterprises began to provide consumers with the concept of green products and environmental protection products [26]. Santos et al. mentioned that green product innovation is a kind of environmental protection [27]. We can understand that many enterprises are beginning to pay more and more attention to providing consumers with green environmental protection products, and consumers will also think about the choice of green products in the process of purchase.
2.2 Economic development
Economic development, also known as economic and social development, is a cumulative process within capitalist systems. Its ultimate goal is to raise living standards and improve people’s quality of life. In this process, businesses must also plan for and consider their long-term sustainability. Hansen noted that economic development is closely linked to continuous innovation in green products [28]. Many companies are continually innovating to provide better products and services to consumers. Pitlik and Rode highlighted a significant correlation between innovation in economic development and manufacturing within enterprises [29]. Mokyr also pointed out that many governments encourage businesses to develop green innovative products, which can have a profound influence on future economic growth [30].
2.3 Social responsibility
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a moral or ideological theory that discusses whether governments, corporations, institutions, and individuals have a responsibility to contribute to society. Gattiker and Carter mentioned that the responsibility of environmental protection is a kind of social responsibility [31]. Corporate social responsibility is one of the key success factors for the sustainable development of enterprises. Enterprises need to know the concept of taking from society and using to society, and they need to have such a concept of giving back to society and taking social responsibility. Fransen and Kolk proposed that corporate social responsibility can be considered in terms of ecological and social sustainable development [32]. Jastram mentioned that corporate social responsibility should consider the overall ecological issues [33]. Aguilera et al. Corporate social responsibility mainly comes from its own business philosophy [34]. Hussain et al. pointed out that many enterprises will participate in social responsibility and protect the rights and interests of other social stakeholders [35]. Garcia-sanchez et al. mentioned the need for many companies around the world to create social responsibility. Social responsibility has become an important indicator in the operation of enterprises, enterprises need to have such a concept to operate enterprises [36]. Leiva et al. mentioned that social responsibility mainly comes from behaviors such as social business ethics and reputation [37].
2.4 Governance
Governance refers to “all processes of governance, whether by government, market, or network, by law, norm, power, or language, for families, tribes, formal, informal organizations, or regions.” Hussain et al. mentioned the subsequent behavior of corporate governance in corporate ethics [8]. Fu et al. pointed out the importance of governance to corporate social responsibility [7]. We can understand that the corporate governance mechanism will play an important role and influence the subsequent social responsibility. Dalton et al. pointed out that effective corporate governance will reduce operating costs [38]. Lestari et al. mentioned that corporate governance can mainly reduce operational risks and crises [39]. Doidge et al. mentioned that concepts such as environment, society and governance should be improved in the process of corporate governance [40].
2.5 Enterprise sustainable development
Homroy and Slechten mentioned the concept that enterprise resources can play an important role in the sustainable development of enterprises [41]. Polzin mentioned that green innovation can make enterprises develop sustainably [42]. Ulman et al. proposed that the sustainable development of enterprises should be developed together with the economic, resource and environmental protection of society [43]. Kanie and Biermann pointed out that the active participation of enterprises in environmental protection and poverty eradication in society can make enterprises sustainable development [44]. Gneiting and Mhlanga pointed out that the sustainable development of enterprises requires corresponding remuneration and good reputation in the process of participation, and relevant benefits can be obtained from it, so that enterprises will further develop sustainably [45]. Van Tulder and Van Mil (2023) pointed out that good corporate sustainability will be complied with in the light of global environmental protection [46]. Montiel et al. mentioned that corporate sustainability goals need to be relevant to corporate business and environmental products [47]. Thacker, S. et al. mentioned that the sustainable development of enterprises should be viewed from three perspectives: economic, environmental and social [48]. Ultimately, it is necessary to make long-term planning and analysis on the sustainable operation of enterprises.
2.6 Decision theory
Decision Theory is the study of the reasoning and principles behind choices made by individuals, organizations, or groups when faced with various options and uncertainties. It integrates insights from disciplines like economics, psychology, mathematics, statistics, and philosophy to understand how decisions are made and how they should be made to achieve desired outcomes. Applying decision theory to environmental uncertainty helps explain how individuals, organizations, and policymakers make choices related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and other environmental challenges. Given the complexities and unpredictable nature of the future environment, decision-making often involves managing risk and uncertainty, balancing short-term gains against long-term sustainability, and accounting for various stakeholders’ interests. Dillenberger et al. that the behavior of an expected utility maximizer [49]. It mainly studies how actual decision makers make decisions and how to reach the best decision. Soroudi and Amraee mentioned that the optimal decision theory should be used when the risk is increased in the context of environmental uncertainty [50]. Wernstedt et al. mentioned that in an uncertain environment, decision makers will consider information to make the best decision [51]. Hogan Carr et al. pointed out that in different fields, different amounts of information will affect decision-making methods [52]. Head (2019) points out the need to de-interdisciplinary context in the decision-making process to decide on other things [53]. French et al. mentioned the concept of rational decision making. Keeney (1992, 1996) mentioned the need to consider decisions with value as the center in the decision-making process. Heller and Robson mentioned the concept of outcomes in decision-making under unfair circumstances [54].
The main value of our research is to help companies develop sustainable green products. Facing future environmental changes, companies must increase their efforts to make consumers identify with green products. And they must be consistent with the world's environmental protection policies and achieve A win–win situation for both businesses and consumers.
3 Research hypothesis architecture and development
3.1 Research model
Our study model is presented in Fig. 1, which illustrates the complete research framework and the relationships between key factors. The model graphically represents the effects of the interplay between environmental products and the development of four research hypotheses related to the sustainable development of enterprises. The research framework primarily focuses on variables such as environmental protection, economic development, social responsibility, governance, and corporate sustainable development.
Research model
3.2 Hypotheses
3.2.1 Environmental Protection
Pigou first proposed the concept of environmental protection among economists [55]. Steinbrunner proposed that enterprises need to reduce environmental pollution and harm to human health through competitiveness [56]. Elgin and Mazhar pointed out that environmental protection can have a positive correlation with the overall industrial and regional economic growth [57]. Zang and Chen mentioned that environmental protection has a certain positive relationship with corporate performance [58]. Jia and Chen mentioned that the Chinese mainland government began to formulate environmental protection policies for enterprises [59]. We can learn that Chinese mainland enterprises have a continuous investment in environmental protection. Environmental protection products are becoming more and more important to consumers, especially consumers will take into account the importance of environmental protection of the earth.
H1: Environmental protection is positively correlated to governance.
3.2.2 Economic development
Diamond mentioned the correlation between economic development and sociological development [60]. Ahlstrom et al. pointed out that economic development is related to product innovation and development [5]. Ahlstrom (2008) mentioned that the most important concept of economic development comes from the innovation ability of each member of the enterprise [61]. Dutt points out that during economic development, enterprises need to take into account the overall environmental changes and be able to respond quickly [62].
H2: Economic development has a positive correlation with governance.
3.2.3 Social responsibility
Cho et al. mentioned the performance of enterprises when they participate in social responsibility [63]. Porter and Kramer pointed out that corporate social responsibility takes other stakeholders into account [64]. Tashman et al. mentioned that corporate social responsibility will affect the final performance and understood the gap between the two [65]. Kim and Davis mentioned that enterprise management systems cooperate and develop for the sustainable development of suppliers [66]. Huq and Stevenson pointed out the importance of corporate responsibility for social sustainable development [17]. Friedman pointed out that the primary task of corporate social responsibility is to enable enterprises to make profits [67]. Duuren et al. pointed out that corporate social responsibility and ethics need to be paid attention to [68]. Attig et al. pointed out the concept of corporate social responsibility performance [69].
H3: Social responsibility has a positive correlation to governance.
3.2.4 Governance
Fortwengel discusses firm governance concepts for supply chains, which require social development and planning [70]. Uyar et al. pointed out that corporate governance can be analyzed and observed from the company's financial statements [71]. Hussain et al. mentioned that corporate governance is related to economics and accounting [8]. Rahmawati and Handayani (2017) mentioned that corporate governance mainly refers to the extent of control over the company [72]. Honey et al. mentioned that corporate governance should take operational risks into consideration [73]. Becht et al. pointed out that governance should be continuously improved and the whole financial optimization should be improved [74].
H4: Governance is positively correlated to the sustainable development of enterprises.
4 Research method
In the process of sustainable development of our research and development enterprise, we developed a new model architecture. In the design questionnaire, we designed a stable and reliable questionnaire item to measure variables. We designed a questionnaire design project for continuity, reliability and consistency, and then measured and evaluated the reliability and consistency of the SEM tool through the distribution of the questionnaire, and tested the correlation analysis between the models in the research tool model.
4.1 Content validity
We designed and developed a set of reliable questionnaire items and contents to measure the variables under the background of appropriate research architecture design and environment, and the design of enterprise sustainability questionnaire. We designed an SEM tool for reliability and consistency, including the generation of environmental protection, economic development, social responsibility, governance, and corporate sustainability, to observe the relationship between their overall reliability and validity. Pavlou and Fygenson proposed Likert’s seven-point scale measurement, which ranges from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (7). SEM was used to measure the relationship between the variables [75].
4.2 Pre-text and pilot-test
In order to improve the question content and overall design of the questionnaire on enterprise sustainability, we conducted a pre-test on a sample composed of 20 academic experts and 10 master’s and doctoral students. Pasquali mentioned the minimum sample size, and the questions of the survey and verification questionnaire [76].
Respondents were asked to complete the questionnaire and provide comments on the presentation, understandability, and clarity of the items, as well as the overall appearance and content of their questionnaire. Finally, the difficult questions are modified, and the questionnaire is used to test our research model. Table 1 lists 39 items, the corresponding structure of the measured variables and reference sources. In order to make the overall questionnaire can be read and answered by the respondents. In the process of testing, we will simulate, observe and analyze variables. Questionnaires are issued according to site conditions and scenarios. The design of the whole questionnaire conforms to the consistency and malleability, and the design of the questionnaire conforms to the scientific rigour in the process of design. In the design process, my mother will focus on the content of the questionnaire so that the respondents can answer the questions accurately.
4.3 Data collection
In Table 1, we designed the question of the questionnaire based on the variables of the questionnaire. Our questionnaire is designed by relevant scholars to extend the design. We can see from Table 1 that the design of the questionnaire is rigorous and ductile, which is in line with the design and concept of questionnaire survey.
4.4 Data collection and respondents’ profiles
In the questionnaire distribution, we used related software groups such as Weiqstar, WECHAT, QQ and facebook group to distribute questionnaires. In total, N = 230 was collected. Five variables were designed for structural equation model analysis (SEM). Our design is to collect samples by questionnaire survey. The overall demographic data analysis can be seen from Table 2, and its main correlation analysis and proportional relationship can be clearly seen.
4.5 Common method bias
Common method bias refers to the artificial covariation between predictor and criterion variables caused by the same data source or rater, the same measurement environment, the project context, and the characteristics of the project. This kind of artificial covariation seriously confuses the research results and potentially misleads the conclusions, which is a kind of systematic error. Common method bias exists widely in psychology, behavioral science and management science, especially in the research using questionnaire method.
Two random variables may or may not be independent. The so-called independence is random independence, we know that the value of one variable has no effect on the value of the other variable. If two random variables are not independent, then there is a relationship between them. This relationship may be strong or weak, and it is necessary to introduce the way in which the relationship between the cause variable and the effect variable is strong. The relationship between random variables is indeed strong and weak.
5 Data analysis and findings
We developed a new structural equation model, we applied Amos 28.0, and analyzed the entire data structure with significant relationships. SEM mainly observes the correlation between its variables and potential variables, and constructs one or more factors for analysis. SEM is divided into two types, mainly analyzing its measurement and model (Anderson and Gerbing, 1988) [77]. We design the architecture diagram analysis, mainly observing the causal relationship, and can clearly see the correlation through data analysis. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a statistical method used to analyze causal patterns, as well as path analysis (PA), factor analysis, regression analysis, and variance analysis.
5.1 Assessment of the measurement model
Our main research applies structural equation models to design, further estimate and measure the relationship between the entire structure. We first analyzed 65 projects to evaluate the structure and measure whether there was a good combination. Throughout the course of our study, we did the whole fit status, the whole structure and measure to see its fit status. Our design conforms to the concept of structural equation model and is designed for the whole SEM architecture concept.
5.2 Assessment of the structural model
We applied that the overall fit of the structural model was acceptable because all fit measures reached acceptable levels (χ2 = 3580.776, df = 977, α = 0.001; GFI = 0.627; AGFI = 0.587; CFI = 0.889; NFI = 0.854; RMSEA = 0.108). Our overall measure and structure accord with the fit degree of the overall structural equation model.
5.3 Test of mediating effects
In order to check the existence of the intermediary effect of the structural equation model, the existence of the intermediary relationship between them can be seen in Tables 3 and 4. It includes Independent Variable (environmental protection, economic development, social responsibility), intermediary Variable (governance), Dependent Variable (enterprise sustainable development). In Table 5, we can see the overall coefficient of differential validity and its highly correlated coefficient, which has a certain validity relationship. The AVE square root value is greater than 0.76, and we can see its correlation through Table 5. In order to test the overall reliability of the structural equation, we can see from Table 5 that the overall reliability is greater than 0.7, which conforms to the detection of the whole SEM.
5.4 Hypotheses’ testing
In the whole process of SEM data, our data analyzed the relationship between the cause variable and the effect variable of the overall deconstructed equation model. We applied ML estimates for prediction and analysis, and we can see the entire path relationship in Fig. 2. It can be seen that these four hypothesis tests support the original hypothesis tests, and the four hypotheses meet the positive correlation. We can clearly see from Fig. 2 that four hypotheses have significant positive correlation.
Research model
Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a statistical method used to analyze causal patterns, as well as path analysis (PA), factor analysis, regression analysis, and variance analysis.
In the whole study, the relationship between mean and significance can be seen in the factor analysis in Table 5. It can be seen from Table 5 that the Cronbach's α value of each variable is greater than 0.7, which accords with the reliability of confirmatory analysis of the structural equation model. We can see the coefficient relationship of the whole matrix report from Table 5. We can see the reliability and validity in Tables 5 and 3, and the relationship between its path analysis can be seen in Table 4. The direct and indirect relationships between them can be seen in Table 6. It can be seen from Table 7 that its reliability conforms to the relationship of structural equation. Table 5 shows the coefficient relationship of the differential validity analysis. The path analysis can be seen in Table 3, and the relationship between direct effects and indirect effects is shown in Table 4.
We can see the comparison between single factor and multi-factor in Table 8. It can be clearly seen that there is no CMV problem.
From Fig. 2, we can see the significance of the four assumed relationships as positive relationships. The same place we were Guess Fig. 1 is the relationship of consistency.
5.5 Multi-group analysis
From Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, we can clearly see that environmental protection, economic development and social responsibility are positively correlated to governance, and governance has a positive and significant impact on the sustainable development of enterprises. In the whole architecture, we can see from the study model in Fig. 2 that H1, H2, H3 and H4 have positive correlation significance.
We did the structure of the cohort, the cohort gender and the cohort analysis. There were significant differences in the relationship between the two groups during the analysis. Cluster analysis is a method to simplify data. According to the common properties between samples, relatively similar samples are gathered together to form a cluster. Distance is usually used as the basis for classification. The closer the relative distance is, the higher the similarity degree will be. After grouping, the differences within the group will be small and the differences between the groups will be large.
6 Discussion
According to the hypothesis designed by us, this paper designs five variables, including environmental protection, economic development, social responsibility, and governance, to produce sustainable development of enterprises. As shown in Fig. 2, it is clear that four hypotheses have significant positive correlations. Such a finding is consistent with previous relevant studies (Cohen and Prusak) [78]. We can see the whole research framework, environmental protection, economic development, social responsibility positive correlation significance of enterprise sustainable development, governance positive correlation significance of enterprise sustainable development. We can clearly understand that the impact of environmental issues on the sustainable development of enterprises will be affected by the content factors of the entire enterprise operation. And it further becomes the effect of decision theory in the process of enterprise sustainable development. We can learn from this discovery that decision theory has a very important key factor for the sustainable development of enterprises. Our research has contributed a lot to the sustainable development of China's environmental protection and helped enterprises upgrade their operations. No scholars have done research on such a concept, so we have combined environmental management, psychology, marketing, management and other concepts to do a series of design and research. In Tables 9 and 10, we made a gender grouping with significant differences.
6.1 Theoretical implications
We are developing a new research model for corporate sustainability, and the research ideas and concepts are as follows. Our study clearly shows that all four hypotheses are positively correlated. We also use decision theory to observe the development of psychological relationship factors between firm sustainability. Finally, we find that in the process of enterprise sustainable development, decision theory can affect the relationship and governance of the overall enterprise sustainable development. Specifically, decision theory is an important concept of the whole article, and environmental protection is a new concept, which can understand the upgrading of products and services between the sustainable development of enterprises, and further understand the meaning behind the buyers for the sustainable development of enterprises. We know that the Chinese mainland market has begun to pay attention to environmental protection products, and traditional products have gradually changed into the concept of environmental protection. Environmental protection has become a new trend direction for the future sustainable development and application of enterprises. We believe that environmental protection and enterprise sustainable development is an interesting topic worth studying.
6.2 Managerial and practical implications
Our research focuses on the process management of environmental protection for the sustainable development of enterprises, and then our research transmits the governance and management of the sustainable development of enterprises through the decision theory. First of all, decision theory is an important conceptual factor. We know that in psychology, executives and consumers can learn about environmental protection products, and further consider the overall market atmosphere. Such decision theory is a very important concept. Secondly, the emergence of social responsibility can be seen between the views of buyers and sellers. The third is to manage the process of operation, and ultimately make the sustainable development of enterprises can become a new business model. We can understand such a series of business operation models, so that we can provide a newer and better management service in the future, and achieve a sustainable business model.
First, H1 shows that environmental protection has a positive and significant correlation with governance. Lee et al. highlighted that an increasing number of consumers have developed a positive attitude toward environmental protection, which has now become a global concern and a new perspective that demands attention [79]. Valenzuela-Fernandez et al. observed that after the COVID-19 pandemic, people became more focused on environmental protection [80]. Similarly, Tu et al. noted that both individuals and businesses are increasingly prioritizing environmental protection, with a willingness to consider the Earth’s well-being when developing products [81]. Dhenge et al. examined gender differences in attitudes toward environmental protection and provided recommendations for future environmental efforts [82].
Second, the correlation between economic development and governance is also positive and significant. Wen et al. emphasized that China’s economic growth is essential for future global economic development [83]. Lee et al. noted that many enterprises contribute to economic growth by reducing CO2 emissions. Christensen and Raynor argued that companies positively influence economic development through the creation of innovative products and business technologies, further benefiting local economies [6]. Ahlstrom et al. (2019) pointed out that the production of innovative products has a broader impact on future economic development [5].
Third, social responsibility is positively and significantly correlated with governance. David Eriksson and Göran Svensson discussed how social and economic changes have led companies to assume greater social responsibilities [84]. Korhonen et al. stated that corporate social responsibility primarily involves creating value for society through responsible relationships [85]. Eveline Van de Velde et al. added that social responsibility requires companies to consider the needs of social stakeholders [86].
Fourth, governance is positively and significantly correlated with the sustainable development of enterprises. Hussain et al. introduced the concept of a qualitative relationship between corporate governance and social responsibility [8]. Klettner emphasized that corporate governance should reflect shareholder concerns through the internal board of directors [87]. Kim and Davis explained that corporate governance, shaped by an enterprise’s management system, influences the company’s overall sustainable development [66]. Huq and Stevenson further supported the idea that corporate governance has a positive impact on enterprise sustainability [17].
Our main goal is to solve a goal that consumers can identify with the United Nations: responsible consumption and production. Such a proposition is consistent with the goal of our article and has value contribution.
7 Conclusion and future research
We know that decision theory has a certain impact on business operators and external consumers. We apply the questionnaire survey method to see the whole environmental protection for the sustainable development of enterprises. The questionnaire survey method is representative to select the final and effective respondents, and the questionnaire data collection is rigorous and persistent in the whole process of questionnaire survey.
7.1 Limit
We conducted an online questionnaire survey to assess the views of environmental protection operators and consumers on the products. During the data collection process, we encountered limitations such as duplicate IP addresses. To address this, we removed invalid questionnaires. Additionally, we monitored for repeated use of the same email or name, and we checked for patterns of random or identical responses to filter out unreliable data.
However, due to constraints in resources—human, material, and financial—there are some shortcomings in the research process. We recommend that future researchers refine and innovate the design to address these limitations.
We also suggest that future studies incorporate additional variables into the hypotheses, such as ‘Partnerships for the Goals’ and ‘Justice and Strong Institutions.’ Including these variables could enhance the depth and contribution of the research.
7.2 Future research
We recommend that future researchers expand the comparison to include other European, American, and developed countries, as well as China. Countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and the United States could be included in studies on the impact of environmental protection on sustainable business development. This would allow for valuable domestic and international comparisons, providing significant research insights and contributions. Future research could also integrate various fields, such as consumer behavior, marketing, environmental management, and information technology, fostering innovation through interdisciplinary approaches. These ideas can offer useful guidance for future studies.
Starting in 2030, several countries, including China, Europe, and the United States, will implement product carbon taxes. The global goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 is also central to our research’s innovation and contribution.
Data availability
Our data comes from a questionnaire survey designed by ourselves, which belongs to first-hand information. In terms of questionnaire design, our article has shown the content of the questionnaire to experts and doctoral students. We have conducted pre-tests in advance and complied with the ethical operation method.
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Conceptualization: Li-Wei Lin. Formal analysis: Jao-Hong Cheng. Empirical analysis: Kuo-Liang Lu.
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Lin, LW., Cheng, JH. & Lu, KL. The impact of environmental protection, economic development, social responsibility and governance on the sustainable development of enterprises. Discov Sustain 5, 497 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00705-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00705-5