Article: Unravelling net zero practices, strategies and barriers among businesses in a UK region Journal: International Journal of Business Performance Management (IJBPM) 2025 Vol.26 No.8 pp.1 - 22 Abstract: This paper investigates how far business organisations are moving towards net zero goals. Using a qualitative methodology consisting of 18 semi-structured interviews with senior managers of businesses in a region in the UK, this research looked at the shared experiences in terms of the practices, strategies and barriers that they face. Technological transformation and management practices improvement were identified as commonly used strategies among businesses. Whereas limited supporting infrastructure, guidance from government and funding posed significant barriers to transitioning towards net zero. This paper classified the participating businesses according to Berger-Schmitz et al.'s (2023) framework, where most organisations followed an 'opportunity-seeking' response, with the exception of the agricultural sector, which followed a 'conformance' response, interestingly no 'avoidance' response organisations were found. Recommendations for businesses as well as future research avenues are provided. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Unravelling net zero practices, strategies and barriers among businesses in a UK region

Authors: Luisa Huaccho Huatuco; Juan Ramon Candia; Ruby Christine Mathew; Graciela Zevallos Porles

Addresses: School for Business and Society, University of York, Church Lane Building, Church Lane, York, YO10 5DF, UK ' School for Business and Society, University of York, Church Lane Building, Church Lane, York, YO10 5DF, UK ' York Business School, York St John's University, Lord Mayor's Walk, York, YO31 7EX, UK ' School of Economics, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK

Abstract: This paper investigates how far business organisations are moving towards net zero goals. Using a qualitative methodology consisting of 18 semi-structured interviews with senior managers of businesses in a region in the UK, this research looked at the shared experiences in terms of the practices, strategies and barriers that they face. Technological transformation and management practices improvement were identified as commonly used strategies among businesses. Whereas limited supporting infrastructure, guidance from government and funding posed significant barriers to transitioning towards net zero. This paper classified the participating businesses according to Berger-Schmitz et al.'s (2023) framework, where most organisations followed an 'opportunity-seeking' response, with the exception of the agricultural sector, which followed a 'conformance' response, interestingly no 'avoidance' response organisations were found. Recommendations for businesses as well as future research avenues are provided.

Keywords: net zero strategies; technological transformation; management practices improvement; qualitative methodology; UK.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2025.144423

International Journal of Business Performance Management, 2025 Vol.26 No.8, pp.1 - 22

Received: 20 Aug 2024
Accepted: 07 Jan 2025
Published online: 12 Feb 2025 *

Title: Unravelling net zero practices, strategies and barriers among businesses in a UK region

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