Relationship between sustainable strategies and export performance: An analysis of companies in the Brazilian gems and jewelry industry

摘要

This study was conducted to develop an understanding of how the adoption of sustainable management strategies influences the export performance of Brazilian industrial companies internationalized in the gems and jewelry industry. The sustainable strategies were evaluated based on the adaptation of Battelle American Institute's strategic model as presented by Placet et al. (2005, Research-Technology Management, 48, 32-41), which notably considers innovation as a perspective as it addresses the interactions of the economic, social, and environmental aspects that are reflected in a company and in society. The surveyed companies' export performances were analyzed based on an adaptation of a model by Papadopoulos and Martin (2010, International Business Review, 19, 388-406), which develops and tests a formative measure of export performance and identifies and quantifies the relative contribution of its consequences within the economic and strategic dimensions. The research consisted of a descriptive study, and it was also characterized as quantitative research through the application of a survey. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analysis. It was possible to observe which dimensions of sustainable development influenced the export performance of the companies in the gems and jewelry industry and to establish significant correlations. The results may contribute to a better understanding of this industry, which has been contributing to Brazil's positive balance of the trade on a yearly basis. The companies surveyed are in the early stages of internationalization. The changes that accrue to industrial companies undergoing internationalization in this sector can be perceived, and they have an influence on the strategic management and growth of these companies.