Entrepreneurial growth aspirations and the adoption of environmental actions: the role of regulatory stringency

Small Business Economics 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Joan-Lluís Capelleras, Ignacio Contín‐Pilart, Martin Larraza-Kintana, Victor Martin-Sanchez
DOI: 10.1007/s11187-025-01159-3
Cited by: 2
References: 105

Abstract

Abstract This study investigates how entrepreneurs’ growth aspirations relate to the adoption of environmental actions and how national environmental regulations moderate this relationship. We argue that growth-oriented entrepreneurs are more likely to adopt environmentally oriented behaviors due to long-term investment logic and legitimacy-seeking considerations. Moreover, we propose that stringent environmental regulations strengthen this relationship by reinforcing both mechanisms. Using a multisource dataset and applying a multilevel analysis, we find support for our hypotheses. The findings highlight the importance of both entrepreneurial growth aspirations and regulatory environments in shaping entrepreneurs’ engagement in environmental actions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences Environmental Sustainability in Business Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting

Publication details

Journal / source
Small Business Economics
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
66
Issue
4
Pages
1635–1663
Publication date
12 January 2026
Language
EN