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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM64604
Volume:
10 |
6 |
Jun 2026
Pages:
1-7
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Research Scholar School of Commerce, Finance and Accountancy St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangaluru – 575003, Karnataka, India
St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangaluru – 575003, Karnataka, India
Assistant Professor St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangaluru – 575003, Karnataka, India
St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangaluru – 575003, Karnataka, India
Micro entrepreneurs constitute a vital segment of local economies by supporting employment generation and grassroots economic activity. Despite their significance, limited empirical attention has been given to their engagement with sustainability-oriented practices, particularly within the framework of the circular economy. This study investigates the extent of adoption of circular economy practices among micro entrepreneurs and examines their impact on business performance. Employing a survey-based research design, primary data were collected from micro entrepreneurs operating in both rural and urban areas of Dakshina Kannada district. Circular economy initiatives were analysed through dimensions such as material reuse, waste reduction, recycling, energy-saving and operational efficiency activities. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied to identify and assess the circular economy practices adopted in their day-to-day business activities and to examine the relationship between circular economy initiatives and micro business performance. The findings reveal a positive and significant association between circular economy practices and business performance among micro enterprises. By providing context-specific empirical evidence, the study offers policy-relevant insights for fostering sustainable practices among micro entrepreneurs and support programmes targeting grassroots entrepreneurship.
KEYWORDS
This study investigated the relationship between circular economy practices and micro business performance in Dakshina Kannada. The results confirm that core circular practices material reuse, waste reduction, recycling, and energy saving significantly enhance business performance, with waste reduction showing the strongest adoption. The findings extend circular economy literature to micro enterprises in a developing economy, demonstrating that simple, low-cost practices can yield substantial performance benefits. Policy efforts should therefore promote operationally feasible circular practices. The study is limited by its cross-sectional design, single-district focus, and self-reported data. Future research should employ longitudinal and multi-region analyses.
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Publication Date
6/8/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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