Global business and emerging economies: Towards a new perspective on the effects of e-waste

• The evolution of electronic waste is examined.
• The study advances three main theoretical perspectives on the effects of e-waste.
• Illustrative case of an emerging economy is used to shed light on the conceptual integration.
• The study outlines the implications of e-waste for emerging economies and public policy formulation.

Although there has been a growing body of research on the detrimental effects of electronic waste (e-waste) in emerging economies, this fails to capture a complete picture of the subject. The purpose of this paper is to address this deficit in our understanding by developing a unified perspective of the effects of e-waste. The paper advances three main perspectives (i.e. the positive, detrimental and the unified perspectives) of the effects of e-waste in emerging economies. These perspectives unify the existing scattered streams of research on the subject to offer more robust explanations of the effects of e-waste in developing countries. Through an illustrative case of an emerging economy, the paper demonstrates that contrary to the perceived view that e-waste from advanced economies to developing countries is detrimental; some sectors such as the second-hand market, aftermarket and repair industry have flourished. The paper outlines a range of strategies for countries that can be adopted to develop and enhance environmental sustainability.