1. Introduction
According to the latest findings from UN Climate Change News, a staggering 30 million individuals were compelled to vacate their residences in the year 2020 as a direct consequence of climate-induced disturbances. The exacerbation of climate issues in recent times has posed a grave threat to the existence and well-being of the human species. In the year 2021, the occurrence of severe climatic conditions in isolation has led to substantial financial ramifications, with insurance claims amounting to a staggering sum exceeding USD 120 billion. The escalating prevalence of a myriad of environmental concerns has engendered a considerable amount of interest in the pursuit of remedies to effectively tackle these issues and bolster the prospects of environmental sustainability [
1,
2,
3,
4]. Environmental issues arise primarily as a consequence of human behaviour. In order to ameliorate the current state of the environment, it is imperative that a shift in behavioural patterns is undertaken. Engaging in environmentally conscious behaviour serves as a potent instrument in tackling environmental challenges and upholding the integrity of our natural surroundings. This practice effectively curtails the squandering of precious natural resources, mitigates the release of harmful pollutants, and mitigates the detrimental impact on our environment [
5,
6]. As per the scholarly works of [
7,
8,
9], it is posited that pro-environmental behaviour encompasses a repertoire of deliberate actions or conduct that seeks to mitigate the adverse ramifications of one’s actions on the ecological and constructed realms. It may encompass endeavours such as engaging in recycling practices, actively participating in environmental advocacy initiatives, or conscientiously employing eco-conscious products, thereby encompassing both communal and personal spheres. The adoption of pro-environmental behaviours has been shown to have a significant impact on enhancing environmental sustainability and performance, resulting in a reduction in emissions, pollution, and environmental degradation [
10,
11,
12,
13,
14]. Pro-environmental behaviour, when viewed through the prism of sustainability, can be delineated as the conscious and deliberate engagement in activities that foster and enhance the overall ecological equilibrium, thereby promoting long-term environmental sustainability. In essence, this study posits that endeavours undertaken with the deliberate intention of safeguarding the environment and enhancing its capacity for long-term viability are deemed to be pro-environmental in nature [
15].
Smart manufacturing, a distinguished domain within the realm of manufacturing, harnesses the power of computer-integrated technologies and capabilities to enhance the efficacy of production processes, bolster the potential for recyclability, and optimize the intricate web of supply chain operations. The methodologies encompassed within this framework encompass the strategic arrangement of supply chains, the implementation of automation and industrial robotics, the application of intelligent production planning and control techniques, the utilization of intelligent procurement strategies, and the establishment of intelligent supply chains. Utilizing internet-enabled apparatus for the purpose of overseeing the production process, smart manufacturing represents a technologically advanced approach [
16,
17]. The underlying concept of intelligent manufacturing revolves around the optimization of supply and demand requirements, both in the present and future, through the harmonization of physical and digital operations within factory settings and throughout various supply chain endeavours. As per the scholarly works of [
5,
6,
18,
19,
20], it has been established that the concept of smart production is precisely employed to denote the realm of digital production networks. A smart manufacturing system represents a concerted endeavour to optimize its capacities through the utilization of state-of-the-art technologies that enable expeditious and extensive dissemination of digital information across diverse industrial systems. In order to optimize energy and labour utilisation and enhance manufacturing efficiency, “smart manufacturing” [
21,
22,
23] incorporates and utilizes advanced robotics, big data processing, and artificial intelligence.
In the nation of Ghana, numerous governing bodies have endeavoured to implement policies and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable industrialization, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 9. Additionally, their efforts have been directed towards promoting decent employment opportunities and fostering economic development, aligning with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 8. Furthermore, Ghana’s commitment to sustainable consumption and production, as emphasized in Sustainable Development Goal 12, has been a focal point of their endeavours. Lastly, the pursuit of climate action has also been a prominent aspect of their agenda, recognizing the urgent need to address environmental concerns. An illustrative instance would be the manifestation of Ghana’s enduring strategic vision aimed at cementing its middle-income status and fostering an economy propelled by industry, capable of generating commendable employment opportunities that are both suitable and enduring for the purpose of development. This vision finds expression in the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP). Furthermore, it is imperative to acknowledge that the fundamental objectives of NEIP encompass the provision of unwavering assistance to nascent enterprises, with the ultimate aim of fostering their transformation into prosperous ventures. Moreover, NEIP is resolute in its commitment to furnish financial resources and establish incubation centres, as substantiated by the scholarly works of [
24,
25]. Furthermore, in July 2021, a transitory collaboration between Results for Development and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs was inaugurated, aiming to delve into the intricacies of Ghana’s innovation ecosystem. In the interim, it has come to our attention that several challenges persistently recur in previous assessments of Ghana’s innovation ecosystem. Ghana harbours a substantial and burgeoning reservoir of innovations that possess the capacity to profoundly enhance developmental outcomes. Nevertheless, there exist several impediments that hinder the triumphant alignment of this abundant supply with the corresponding demand, encompassing both the individual inventors and the broader ecosystem. The UNDESA-R4D Demand-Led Innovator Support Program serves as a prime illustration of an endeavour aimed at formulating a comprehensive strategy that effectively harmonizes and equalizes the requisites of the ecosystem (demand) with the necessities of innovators (supply) [
25,
26].
This paper examines the implications of smart manufacturing practices on pro-environmental behaviour using the Natural Resources-Based View (NRBV) and the Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT). It also develops a baseline moderated mediation model to explain the relationship between smart manufacturing and pro-environmental behaviour and green dynamic capability and green innovation. In order to promote responsible consumption and production, sustainable industrialization, climate action, respectable work, and economic growth, as well as the achievement of Agenda 2030, this study offers substantial and intriguing insights for policymakers, practitioners, academics, and theorists. Furthermore, an additional significant contribution pertains to the implementation of smart manufacturing practices within the manufacturing industry, which serves to promote environmentally conscious behaviour, attain environmental sustainability, and enhance environmental performance. Again, the social implication of the study includes the realisation of SDGs including no poverty, zero hungry, decent job and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, as well as actions taken to combat climate change. Finally, this paper has re-examined the relationship between smart manufacturing practices and pro-environmental behaviour with a focus on a developing country where such innovative studies have not been adequately explored.
The study has been guided by the following research questions: RQ1—What are the relationships between smart manufacturing practices and pro-environment behaviour. RQ2—What is the mediating role of smart manufacturing adoption on the relationship between sustainable production intention and pro-environmental behaviour? RQ3—What is the moderating role of green dynamic capability and environmental orientation on the relationship between sustainable production intention and pro-environmental behaviour? This paper is divided into six parts. The introduction is covered in part one, the literature review and creation of hypotheses are covered in
Section 2, the research methodology is covered in
Section 3, the findings are covered in
Section 4, the discussions are covered in
Section 5, and the conclusions and implications are included in
Section 6.
3. Research Methodology
The primary focus of this study pertains to the private sector within the nation of Ghana. The study, with this specific focus, delves into the realm of private business investors within the confines of two prominent urban centres in Ghana. Specifically, the two cities in question are Accra and Kumasi. As per the findings of the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), it has been determined that a total of 2825 business entities have been duly formalized and registered under the agency. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the GEA has established a network of 190 operational district offices to effectively administer its functions and provide support to these registered enterprises. The research primarily concentrated on enterprises situated within the metropolitan regions of Kumasi and Accra. The rationale behind this decision is predicated upon the findings of the GEA report, which posit that the metropolitan regions of Kumasi and Accra persist in their pre-eminence within the small and medium enterprises sector, both in terms of sheer quantity and the breadth of commercial pursuits. Moreover, owing to Accra’s status as the esteemed administrative capital of Ghana, a multitude of enterprises are inclined towards establishing a formidable presence within the city’s boundaries, primarily driven by the desire to harness the abundant opportunities presented by the readily accessible market. The participants selected for this study comprise a cohort of SMEs owners and managers, chosen through a random sampling method. Of the designated sample size of 450, a total of 422 questionnaires were successfully collected. After conducting a more thorough examination, it was discovered that a total of 18 questionnaires had to be excluded from the analysis due to inconsistencies and the presence of multiple responses. Additionally, an additional 22 questionnaires were deemed unfit for inclusion as they were completed by individuals who were neither owners nor managers of the organization under study. Consequently, the final number of questionnaires deemed suitable for analysis amounted to 382, which represents an impressive response rate of 84.89%. The latest research endeavours [
81,
82] conducted in a congruous setting have yielded comparable and valuable insights. Furthermore, it is imperative to note that the present study has employed a confirmatory research design alongside a quantitative research approach. The utilization of a quantitative research approach in this study is justified by its reliance on statistical models and adherence to the notion of objectivity in comprehending social reality. The present study employed a survey methodology, utilizing items that were quantitatively assessed using numerical ratings.
The study centres its attention on SMEs that are engaged in various sectors such as transportation, oil and gas, hospitality, construction, recreation, and tourism, among other industries. The criteria for inclusion were as follows: (i) SMEs that are owned by individuals of Ghanaian nationality; (ii) SMEs that are duly registered in accordance with the legal framework; and (iii) SMEs that have demonstrated a commendable longevity of over three years. The measurement instruments underwent adaptation based on prior studies that were closely aligned with the underlying theoretical assumptions.
Table 1 provides additional information regarding the measurement of constructs, including the quantity of measurement items utilized and the underlying theoretical foundations. The process of data collection was carried out through the utilization of structured questionnaires and the implementation of a 5-point Likert scale of measurement. In this particular context, we assign the numerical values of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 to represent the levels of agreement or disagreement. More specifically, a rating of 5 signifies a strong inclination towards agreement, while a rating of 4 indicates agreement, a rating of 3 denotes neutrality, a rating of 2 signifies disagreement, and a rating of 1 represents a strong inclination towards disagreement.
Ethical Considerations
This paper involves human participants and, as a result, all due ethical considerations have been observed, including respecting human rights, anonymity, confidentiality, protection from harm, and informed consent. Ethical approval of the ethical review committee of the Kumasi Technical University in Kumasi, Ghana was obtained to conduct this study.
In order to enhance comprehension and discern intricate connections and patterns among latent variables, scholars employ the structural equation modelling framework offered by partial least squares (PLS-SEM). By adhering to the structural plan illustrated in
Figure 1, this enquiry employed a reflective framework and concentrated on a solitary variable (an indicator). In the context of PLS-SEM, the external model and the internal model are two distinct categories of model fit requirements that must be identified and carefully considered. The external model evaluates the reliability and validity of the connection between variables. In order to assess the fit of the external model, measurement models were employed, while regression analyses served as the foundation for evaluating the structural model of the internal model [
83,
84]. A thorough examination was conducted on path coefficients and T-values to derive an approximation of the structural model. The statistical measures mentioned above were employed to assess the validity of the hypothesis. The measurement model was evaluated for construct validity, specifically focusing on the assessment of convergence and variability of the measures. To establish the construct validity of a test, it is crucial to demonstrate both strong convergent and discriminant validity. Strong correlation between the test results and results of other assessments measuring the same premise is crucial, indicating significant convergent validity. The test results should demonstrate a lack of correlation with assessments designed to measure different constructs, indicating a high level of discriminant validity [
85]. This study employed composite reliability (CR), Cronbach’s alpha, and factor loading as analysis techniques to evaluate the adequacy of convergent validity. Furthermore, discriminant validity was evaluated using Average Variance Extracted and Cross Loading techniques.
5. Discussions
A broad subdivision of the manufacturing sector, smart manufacturing entails the application of technology and computer-integrated functionalities to enhance product recycling, supply chain effectiveness, and production efficiency. It is imperative to reassess the correlation between environmentally conscious behaviour and “smart” manufacturing practices (including Smart Procurement, Smart Supply Chain, Smart Production Planning And Control, Automation and Industrial Robots, and Supply Chain Configuration), particularly in the context of a developing nation, due to the insufficient number of innovative studies in this area. More specifically, the subsequent goals have been accomplished.
In answer to RO1—to ascertain the implication of SMP on PEB among manufacturing companies—this study has found that smart manufacturing practices, specifically Smart Procurement, Smart Supply Chain, Smart Production Planning and Control, Automation and Industrial Robot, and Supply Chain Configuration, significantly affect pro-environmental behaviour. This is consistent with prior related studies. Smart manufacturing, a distinguished domain within the realm of manufacturing, harnesses the power of computer-integrated technologies and capabilities to enhance the efficacy of production processes, bolster the potential for recyclability, and optimize the intricate web of supply chain operations. The methodologies encompassed within this framework encompass the strategic arrangement of supply chains, the implementation of automation and industrial robotics, the application of intelligent production planning and control techniques, the utilization of intelligent procurement strategies, and the establishment of intelligent supply chains. Utilizing internet-enabled apparatus for the purpose of overseeing the production process, smart manufacturing represents a technologically advanced approach [
17]. The underlying concept of intelligent manufacturing revolves around the optimization of supply and demand requirements, both in the present and future, through the harmonization of physical and digital operations within factory settings and throughout various supply chain endeavours. As per the scholarly works of [
5,
6,
18,
19,
20], it has been established that the concept of “smart production” is precisely employed to denote the realm of digital production networks [
84,
85].
RO2—to determine the mediating role of smart manufacturing adoption and sustainable production intention between SMP and PED. This study has found that smart manufacturing adoption and sustainable production intention significantly mediates the relation between smart manufacturing practices and pro-environmental behaviour. Engaging in environmentally conscious behaviours serves as a potent instrument in tackling environmental challenges and upholding the integrity of our natural surroundings. This practice effectively curtails the squandering of precious natural resources, mitigates the release of harmful pollutants, and mitigates the detrimental impact on our environment [
5,
6]. As per the scholarly works of [
7,
8,
9], it is posited that pro-environmental behaviour encompasses a repertoire of deliberate actions or conduct that seeks to mitigate the adverse ramifications of one’s actions on the ecological and constructed realms. It may encompass endeavours such as engaging in recycling practices, actively participating in environmental advocacy initiatives, or conscientiously employing eco-conscious products, thereby encompassing both communal and personal spheres [
85,
86].
RO3—to determine the moderating role of environmental orientation and green dynamic capability on the relationship between SMP and environmental orientation. This study has found that the relationship between smart manufacturing and pro-environmental behaviour is influenced by green dynamic capacity and environmental orientation. The adoption of pro-environmental behaviours has been shown to have a significant impact on enhancing environmental sustainability and performance, resulting in a reduction in emissions, pollution, and environmental degradation [
10,
11,
12,
13,
14]. Pro-environmental behaviour, when viewed through the prism of sustainability, can be delineated as the conscious and deliberate engagement in activities that foster and enhance the overall ecological equilibrium, thereby promoting long-term environmental sustainability [
85,
86]. In essence, this study posits that endeavours undertaken with the deliberate intention of safeguarding the environment and enhancing its capacity for long-term viability are deemed to be pro-environmental in nature [
15].
6. Conclusions and Implications
This paper has examined the implications of smart manufacturing practices (Smart Procurement, Smart Supply Chain, Smart Production Planning and Control, Automation and Industrial Robot, and Supply Chain Configuration) on pro-environmental behaviour and developed a baseline-moderated mediation model to explain the relationship between smart manufacturing and pro-environmental behaviour as well as the indirect effects of environmental awareness and green dynamic capability. It was demonstrated that smart manufacturing practices correlate significantly and positively with pro-environmental behaviour [
5,
6]. In addition, green dynamic capability and environmental attitude establish the connection between smart manufacturing and pro-environmental conduct. This study concludes that a baseline model has been built to guide policymakers, practitioners, and academicians to explain the relationship between smart manufacturing and pro-environmental emerging countries including Ghana, Gambia, Nigeria, and Kenya. Again, the findings from this study could be used to prospect the realisation of decent job and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, as well as actions taken to combat climate change [
7,
8,
9]. The practical and policy implications of these results are elaborated upon in the next section.
The theoretical implication of the study includes the creation of a fundamental model that can assist policy makers, practitioners, and academics in understanding the connection between smart manufacturing and pro-environmental behaviour in low-developed economic context [
4,
8,
9,
15]. Again, the social implication of the study includes the realisation of decent job and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, as well as actions taken to combat climate change. Moreover, the study has established that smart manufacturing practices significantly and positively relate to pro-environmental behaviour. Moreover, green dynamic capability and environmental orientation moderate the relationship between smart manufacturing and pro-environmental behaviour. Moreover, another important contribution is to achieve environmental sustainability and improve environmental performance, there is the need to adopt smart manufacturing practices in manufacturing industries to promote pro-environmental behaviour [
10,
11,
12,
13,
14].
Again, the social policy implication of the study includes the realisation of SDGs including no poverty, zero hungry, decent job and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, as well as actions taken to combat climate change. The Government of Ghana is required to intensive and re-enforce environmental laws, policies, and frameworks in order to sustain the environment [
85,
86]. Other stakeholders and environmental actors should continuously encourage best environmental practices. Finally, this paper has re-examined the relationship between smart manufacturing practices and pro-environmental behaviour with a focus on a developing country where such innovative studies have not been adequately explored. The paper has its own limitations, which predominantly include the scope and time horizon. This paper focused on manufacturing companies using a cross-sectional survey design. It is suggested that future studies should consider multiple industries and longitudinal studies.