Effective Green Alliances: An analysis of how environmental nongovernmental organizations affect corporate sustainability programs

Abstract

While corporate sustainability is attaining more spotlight, the role environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs) play in corporate sustainability programs (CSPs) continues to be ambivalent. Some ENGOs take on policing roles towards CSPs, whereas others form "Green Alliances" with corporations to enhance their CSPs. This paper takes a deep dive into CSPs, ENGOs, and communication problems associated with CSPs, namely, reporting inadequacies and greenwashing. Potential angles from which ENGOs can help foster or enhance corporate sustainability are then identified and examined. This empirical study examines several factors to improve corporate sustainability through partnerships with ENGOs. From the survey results, the top areas in which ENGOs can influence CSPs are determined-these include external value creation and the identification and monitoring of corporate negative environmental impact.There is evidence found in support of a correlation between trust in ENGOs and the perceived effectiveness of Green Alliances.

The influence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on the development of voluntary sustainability accounting reporting rules

“…The report was well received by both industrialized and developing countries, as well as IDOs, and bilateral and multilateral organizations. NGOs supported the report due to its balanced growth programs for corporate sustainable performance (Lee, 2019). The report became the foundation for the national and international policies of sustainable development for business performances.…”

“…They have long partnered with multinational corporations (MNCs) to address civil and environmental issues and increase civilian participation in business sustainability performance (Harangozo and Zilahy, 2015). They help mitigate the impact of economic growth on the environment through public lobbying and serving as members of the board for MNCs (Lee, 2019). They also lobby policy makers and regulatory agencies to enact legislation.…”

“…That is, enhanced interactions between NGOs and MNCs facilitate the development of legislation and accounting rules for sustainability performance. Lee (2019) discussed how the cooperative policies of environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) mitigated the negative effects of corporations' environmental programs. ENGOs form alliances by partnering their activities with policy makers as advisory groups, and by making the public aware, through media and other outlets, that they make corporations responsive and commit to the future by enacting programs that protect the environment.…”

A review of corporate social responsibility in developed and developing nations

“…NGOs serve as middle channels for the companies to pursue their social work agendas. Joint CSR statements by NGOs and corporations can be incredibly powerful due to additional authority and trust borrowed from NGO's own status (Lee, 2018). Finding solutions like these gives a push towards an increased number of campaigns being conducted in the nations without being held back by fears of all efforts being lost in translation.…”

Ambidexterity in the context ofSMEalliances: Does sustainability have a role?

“…In this context, no study so far has investigated the role of CS in moderating the relationship between ambidexterity strategies adopted by SME alliances and their possible success in terms of economic performance. Such a gap in the literature seems critical given the emphasis corporate leaders place on sustainability as a necessity to create value (Lee, 2019; Ludema, Laszlo, & Lynch, 2012).…”