Artikel

Moving beyond “the” business case: How to make corporate sustainability work

One of the most investigated research topics in the corporate sustainability literature is “the” business case. Long lionized for linking the profit motive to corporate environmental initiatives, the business case for sustainability is now vehemently criticized. These critics generally argue for a return to the state and stronger regulatory frameworks. Others counter that because the private sector's capabilities are uniquely suited to realizing effective sustainability innovations and outcomes, we must not abandon but further develop our business case understanding. In this view, firms' voluntary efforts are key for innovative solutions to sustainability problems. This article overviews and unites these seemingly disparate positions. We move the field forward by placing in context criticisms and also opportunities for more meaningful positive impacts from corporate sustainability. Specifically, we argue that an effective business case orientation requires shifting to a broader “all stakeholders win” approach. This entails impact orientation, collaborative approaches, and economic restraint.

Language
Englisch

Bibliographic citation
Journal: Business Strategy and the Environment ; ISSN: 1099-0836 ; Volume: 33 ; Year: 2023 ; Issue: 2 ; Pages: 776-787 ; Hoboken, NJ: Wiley

Classification
Wirtschaft
Subject
business case(s)
grand challenges
net present value
stakeholder capitalism
stakeholders
win–win

Event
Geistige Schöpfung
(who)
Busch, Timo
Barnett, Michael L.
Burritt, Roger Leonard
Cashore, Benjamin W.
Freeman, R. Edward
Henriques, Irene
Husted, Bryan W.
Panwar, Rajat
Pinkse, Jonatan
Schaltegger, Stefan
York, Jeff
Event
Veröffentlichung
(who)
Wiley
(where)
Hoboken, NJ
(when)
2023

DOI
doi:10.1002/bse.3514
Last update
10.03.2025, 11:42 AM CET

Data provider

This object is provided by:
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Object type

  • Artikel

Associated

  • Busch, Timo
  • Barnett, Michael L.
  • Burritt, Roger Leonard
  • Cashore, Benjamin W.
  • Freeman, R. Edward
  • Henriques, Irene
  • Husted, Bryan W.
  • Panwar, Rajat
  • Pinkse, Jonatan
  • Schaltegger, Stefan
  • York, Jeff
  • Wiley

Time of origin

  • 2023

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