Unlocking sustainable success: Strategic approaches to carbon neutrality

This study aims to fill a significant research gap by examining the relationship between resource bricolage, dynamic capabilities (DC), stakeholder engagement, and carbon neutrality (CN) commitment in organizations facing resource constraints. While previous studies have explored various factors influencing CN commitment, limited attention has been given to the role of bricolage and the mediating role of DC in this relationship. Additionally, the boundary conditions of environmental justice orientation (EJO) and stakeholder responsiveness toward environmental uncertainty (SREU) in achieving CN commitments have yet to be extensively investigated. We developed a comprehensive conceptual model based on the resource-based view (RBV), DC theory, and stakeholder theory to address these gaps. Collecting data from 342 Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) firms using a time-lag approach, we empirically tested the proposed associations using structural equation modeling (SEM). Our findings reveal several noteworthy insights. First, contrary to expectations and prior studies, we found no direct association between bricolage and CN commitment. However, DC mediates the indirect effect of bricolage on firm CN commitment. Second, we identified a significant interaction effect, indicating that a proactive EJO enhances a firm's ability to navigate a changing environment and strengthens its CN commitment. Third, we discovered that SREU negatively moderates the relationship between DC and CN commitment. Overall, this study contributes to the existing literature by shedding light on the multifaceted nature of achieving CN commitments and the importance of DC, stakeholder engagement, and EJO. The practical implications of our findings highlight the need for organizations operating under resource constraints to integrate bricolage and DC while considering stakeholder concerns and fostering environmental justice principles.