Why Do Companies Engage in Sustainability? Propositions and a Framework of Motivations

Abstract

This article proposes a framework of corporate motivations for sustainability based on the study of sustainability engagement most prevalent in the different UN-defined macro-regions. Four main motivations were uncovered in the literature: Legitimacy -the perception that the actions are appropriate within a system of norms and beliefs; Market Success -increase in turnover, brand equity, or innovation due to sustainable practices; Process Improvement -sustainabilityoriented optimization of processes; and Social Insurance -preemptive insurance against reputation or goodwill losses. Field articles were selected via a bibliometric review to develop the propositions. They indicate which motivations are of more academic concern in general and in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Northern America, and Oceania. Legitimacy appears as the most prevalent motivation, followed by Market Success. More developed regions tend to have more studies on Market Success, while Social Insurance seems linked to less developed markets, where corporations must provide access to needs beyond their business.

Technology and Innovation: A Systematic Literature Review on Sustainability Research in the Amazon

“…The institutional context and the local setting also play essential roles in determining innovative behavior; they can also discourage other kinds of innovative activities (Blake & Hanson, 2005). Each locale has its own characteristics, needs, and priorities, especially those related to sustainability issues (Simões-Coelho & Figueira, 2021). For example, the traditional debate around reducing greenhouse gas emissions to address global warming BAR-Brazilian Administration Review, 20(4), e220020, 2023.…”

Reputação Corporativa E Desempenho Empresarial: Uma Revisão Dos Estudos Brasileiros.

“…(Almeida-Santos et al, 2012). Ainda no que diz respeito a reputação corporativa de sustentabilidade como fator resultante de sucesso no mercado, estudo em diferentes macrorregiões definidas pela ONU, constatou que essa motivação de sucesso no mercado se destaca em segundo lugar após a motivação de legitimidade, concluindo que regiões mais desenvolvidas tendem a ter estudos sobre sucesso de mercado (Simões-Coelho et al, 2021).…”