Gaps in environmental performance among different levels of environmental resources of Korean small and medium sized exporters

The aim of this study is to analyze gaps in environmental performance among different levels of environmental resources in small and medium sized exporters (SMEs) in the Republic of Korea (Korea). To achieve this aim, the study develops measurement variables and items based on prior research, conducts a survey of SMEs, and collects 204 responses. The data are tested for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha and for validity using factor analysis. The relationships between variables are examined through cluster analysis, analysis of variance, and post hoc analysis. The results are as follows: First, environmental performance is classified into reduction of environmental pollution, operational performance, and environmental cost savings. This classification indicates that environmental performance is divided into non-financial performance (reduction of environmental pollution), process performance (operational performance), and financial performance (environmental cost savings). Second, there are gaps in environmental performance among different levels of environmental resources. Environmental resources are firms’ unique resources, and when combined with environmental pressures, they shape the environmental strategies, leading to variations in environmental performance. SMEs achieve environmental performance by securing environmental resources as strategic assets. Third, there are real gaps in environmental performance among different levels of environmental resources. Firms with high levels of environmental resources attain high levels of environmental performance, whereas firms with low levels of environmental resources achieve low levels of environmental performance.