This paper undertakes a qualitative investigation into the cultivation of sustainability practices within medium and large manufacturing firms through the utilization of intellectual capital, aimed at effectively addressing environmental challenges. The study seeks to identify the challenges encountered by manufacturing firms and examine the mechanisms employed to implement sustainable practices.
Employing a phenomenological paradigm through conversational discourse, this study delves into the nuanced cultivation of sustainability practices. Drawing from 12 rich case studies, the research utilizes direct quotes, a causal-effect matrix and evocative vignettes for interpretive analysis.
There are diverse phenomenological perspectives on intellectual capital, such as human, relational and structural capital, as strategies to address specific sustainability challenges identified within manufacturing firms. The research provides insights into various sustainability practices adopted by these firms.
This study is constrained by several limitations, including a convenience sampling method, potential interview subjectivity and a narrow scope focusing on a subset of manufacturing firms.
Moreover, acknowledging the limitations of convenience sampling and potential interview biases encourages researchers and practitioners to consider broader sampling strategies and mitigate subjective influences in future studies.
This study contributes original insights by employing a phenomenological approach to investigate how intellectual capital perspectives – human, relational and structural – are leveraged by manufacturing firms to address specific sustainability challenges. By exploring diverse sustainability practices within a focused subset of firms, the research enhances understanding of how intellectual capital can be harnessed strategically.
