A multi‐level analysis of individual green entrepreneurial orientation: Evidence from Taiwan's environmental protection sectors

Abstract

Green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) plays a pivotal role in reconciling economic growth with environmental sustainability. This research focuses on the individual green entrepreneurial orientation (IGEO) of mid‐level managers. In particular, it aims to explore how individual, environmental, and organizational factors foster IGEO. The data were collected from a total of 102 small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as 510 mid‐level managers operating within Taiwan's environmental protection sector. Subsequently, the gathered data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) techniques. The study found that green opportunity identification and entrepreneurial motivation notably influence various aspects of IGEO. In addition, elements like a green institutional environment, corporate green resources, and corporate environmental policies significantly boost IGEO. However, no significant links were found between a green institutional environment and green innovativeness or between corporate environmental policies and green proactiveness. This study provides a valuable contribution to GEO research, specifically focusing on SMEs and environmentally sustainable initiatives within developing economies.