The effect of external drivers on sustainability where the role of industry 4.0 related practices is considered.
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2021-07-01
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en
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Abstract
Following the theory of Bansal and Roth (2000), this study analysed which drivers affect the different forms of sustainability within companies that use industry 4.0 related techniques. The mediating role of industry 4.0 related practices on the level of sustainability is also included. The drivers of Bansal and Roth (2000) are all elaborated in literature, which can be found in the second chapter of this research. This qualitative research is based on twelve interviews held within Dutch companies active in the manufacturing industry. Based on these interviews, it was found that legislation generally has a (+) positive effect on the level of sustainability, but the mediating role of industry 4.0 on this relation did not become apparent. Furthermore, it was found that stakeholder pressures generally have a positive (+) effect on the level of sustainability. Industry 4.0 related techniques are used to fulfil the need for higher levels of sustainability initiated by stakeholders. Furthermore, it was found that economic opportunities have a positive effect (+) on the level of sustainability. The relation between economic opportunities and sustainability is positively mediated by industry 4.0. Ethical motives do have a positive effect on the level of sustainability; however, the research did not show the mediating role of industry 4.0 on this relation. The intention was to analyse in advance which drivers affect which forms of sustainability. However, based on the data of this study, it was not possible to draw a valid conclusion on that. In chapters four and five, the specific course of these relationships is further discussed. Besides these findings, chapter six looks back through a discussion and maps out further research directions.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen