Entrepreneurial Integration of Sustainable Development in Business Practices

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore how the concept of sustainable development influences entrepreneurs' behaviors and the overall process of managing a company. The study employs a combination of desk research and survey research methods to analyze the extent to which sustainable development principles are integrated into business practices and how they shape managerial decision-making. The findings reveal that the impact of sustainable development on entrepreneurial behavior varies significantly, largely depending on the entrepreneur's level of awareness and understanding of the concept of social responsibility in business. For some entrepreneurs, sustainability is a core component of their business strategy, influencing decisions across all levels of the organization. For others, however, the integration of sustainable practices is more superficial, often driven by external pressures or compliance requirements rather than a deep-seated commitment to sustainability. The study also highlights that the meaning and implementation of social responsibility in business are not uniform but are influenced by various factors, including the entrepreneur's personal values, industry norms, and the broader socio-economic environment. This variability suggests that while sustainable development is increasingly recognized as important, its application in business practice is far from consistent. The article underscores the need for greater awareness and education on sustainable development among entrepreneurs to foster more consistent and impactful integration of these principles into business management. The findings suggest that enhancing entrepreneurs' understanding of sustainability could lead to more meaningful and effective adoption of socially responsible practices, ultimately contributing to more sustainable business operations and long-term economic viability.