Analyse comparative des pratiques de gestion durable dans les PME industrielles françaises et allemandes

Thesis Abstract

This study investigates the comparative practices of sustainable management within small and medium-sized industrial enterprises (SMEs) in France and Germany, addressing the growing concern over environmental and social responsibility in global manufacturing sectors. Recognizing the discrepancies and similarities in sustainability strategies adopted across these two leading European economies, the research aims to identify critical factors influencing sustainable management practices and to understand how contextual differences shape sustainability outcomes among SMEs. The specific objectives include analyzing the extent of adoption of sustainable management principles, examining the influence of organizational, cultural, and regulatory factors, and evaluating the impact of sustainability practices on organizational performance. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. The population comprises 600 SMEs from the industrial sectors of France and Germany, selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representation across various subsectors and business sizes. A structured questionnaire, constructed from validated sustainability assessment frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), will serve as the primary data collection instrument. To supplement quantitative data, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 30 managers and sustainability officers from a subset of participating firms. Reliability and validity of data collection instruments will be ascertained through pilot testing, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and expert reviews. Data analysis will incorporate descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and ANOVA to detect significant differences in practices between the two countries, while regression analysis will explore predictors of sustainable management adoption. Thematic analysis will be employed to interpret qualitative data, revealing insights into contextual influences and managerial perceptions. Expected findings anticipate that German SMEs demonstrate higher levels of sustainability integration driven by robust regulatory frameworks and strong cultural emphasis on environmental responsibility. Conversely, French SMEs may adopt primarily compliance-driven practices but show potential for integrating broader sustainability strategies. The study predicts that organizational size, managerial commitment, and regulatory environment significantly influence sustainability practices, with cultural and national contexts mediating these relationships. The findings are expected to contribute novel insights into the comparative effectiveness of sustainability initiatives in European SMEs, filling existing gaps in empirical research that predominantly focus on larger corporations or single-country studies. This research will make a significant contribution to the body of knowledge by elucidating the differential drivers and barriers faced by French and German SMEs in implementing sustainable management practices, thus informing policymakers, industry practitioners, and academic scholars. By applying theoretical frameworks such as the Stakeholder Theory and Institutional Theory, the study will deepen understanding of how external influences and internal organizational factors shape sustainability strategies. The conclusions emphasize the importance of tailored policy interventions and organizational capacity-building to enhance sustainable practices among SMEs, emphasizing cross-national learning and cooperation. The study recommends strengthening international collaborations, developing industry-specific sustainability guidelines, and fostering managerial awareness of sustainability’s long-term benefits. Additionally, future research directions include longitudinal studies to examine the evolution of sustainability practices over time and comparative analyses involving other European countries or emerging economies. Overall, this research aims to provide actionable insights to promote sustainable development in SMEs, contributing to more resilient, environmentally responsible, and socially equitable industrial sectors across Europe.