A theoretical approach to address environmental management accounting implementation barriers in small and medium enterprises in developing countries

Abstract Universal approaches to implementing environmental management accounting (EMA) have resulted in a paradigm shift in managing the physical and monetary aspects of the environment globally. While in developing countries, large enterprises continue to lead in implementing EMA, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are finding it difficult to optimally benefit from embracing EMA. Hence, various players such as policymakers, academics, and environmental experts promote the establishment of new approaches that SMEs can apply to overcome a wide range of barriers inhibiting the successful implementation of EMA. Theories of small business growth, such as stakeholder and institutional, resource-based, and knowledge-based theories, advocate that an enterprise's success depends on the influence of stakeholders' expectations and institutional requirements and the management of the available resources and relevant expertise. A customised framework for applying these four (4) theories to understand the position of SMEs regarding EMA implementation barriers and the approach to address them is lacking. Therefore, in this article, we used a systematic literature review (SLR) using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Literature Review (PRISMA) to define the main aspects of these four (4) theories in the context of EMA implementation and identify EMA implementation barriers confronting SMEs. We recommend that SMEs consider applying the proposed framework to address EMA implementation barriers. The outcomes presented have implications for SME owners, government, environmental regulators, and large enterprises in establishing strong networks to encourage the implementation of EMA across the business spectrum.