Date of Conferral
2021
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Management
Advisor
Erica Gamble
Abstract
Some early learning business owners (ELBOs) lack implementation strategies for eco-friendly programs. ELBOs that can successfully implement eco-friendly programs in their organizations can promote long-term sustainability. Grounded in Freeman’s stakeholder theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to identify ELBOs’ implementation strategies for eco-friendly programs. The participants comprised of three ELBOs from three certified eco-friendly organizations. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Five themes emerged: (a) managing stakeholders’ expectations, (b) health and wellness for sustainability, (c) business sustainability, (d) environmental sustainability, and (e) partnerships and community involvement. A key recommendation is for ELBOs to adopt eco-friendly programs unique to their environments to promote long-term sustainability. The implications for positive social change include the potential to improve ELBOs resource utilization and reduce children’s exposure to health hazards during the earliest, most vulnerable years of life.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Henry, "Exploring Eco-Friendly Strategies in Early Learning Businesses" (2021). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 9892.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/9892
Included in
Other Education Commons, Pre-Elementary, Early Childhood, Kindergarten Teacher Education Commons, Sustainability Commons
