Ana Maria Gomez-Trujillo and Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez
This paper aims to summarize previous research findings on the mutual relation between digital transformation and sustainability at a firm-level. Up to date, there is a gap in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to summarize previous research findings on the mutual relation between digital transformation and sustainability at a firm-level. Up to date, there is a gap in the literature linking both concepts and a generalized call for more studies.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a systematic literature review of 89 published studies. After detailed content analysis filters, the authors used 75. The authors present the results following the “Six W” guidelines for systematic literature reviews.
Findings
Findings reveal that it is possible to suggest a research framework that considers digital transformation as a driver and a predecessor of sustainability. To survive the digital revolution, companies need to enhance their digital capabilities and balance their economic, environmental and social impacts.
Research limitations/implications
The precision of the equation used to search manuscripts might have excluded some critical studies that analyze both topics with different connotations beyond merely “Digital transformation” and “Sustainability.” Moreover, the heterogeneity of the findings makes it difficult to classify the findings in a specific context.
Originality/value
The present paper serves as a base to understand the implications of digital transformation on sustainable development for businesses and societies.
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Ana Maria Gomez-Trujillo and Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez
The purpose of this study is to provide a revision of the literature that links the concepts of sustainability and internationalization in the context of emerging markets
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide a revision of the literature that links the concepts of sustainability and internationalization in the context of emerging markets
Design/methodology/approach
The results are presented following the recommendations of Challahan (2014), who introduced the concept of the “Six W” as components of a literature review.
Findings
It can be noted that there are common characteristics among the study of internationalization and sustainability in emerging markets. It is possible to suggest a framework of research that considers internationalization as a driver for the pursuit of sustainability initiatives.
Originality/value
There is an increasing evidence of the inclusion of corporate social responsibility activities and sustainable development on international business. This way, the present paper can serve as a base to understand the internationalization processes of emerging market multinationals (EMNEs) and their commitment to sustainability.
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Ana Maria Gomez-Trujillo, Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez and Jose Jaime Baena-Rojas
The purpose of this paper is to examine the process of integrating sustainability into the corporate strategy of an emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNE) to achieve and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the process of integrating sustainability into the corporate strategy of an emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNE) to achieve and maintain corporate legitimacy over time. The research explores how deploying a corporate sustainability strategy enhances the company’s long-term competitive relevance by creating and maintaining corporate legitimacy and transferring practices based on sustainable development goals within the organization.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a qualitative single-case design, focusing on a corporate energy services company (Interconexión Eléctrica S.A.) operating in volatile, uncertain and turbulent environments.
Findings
The findings indicate that integrating sustainability into the corporate strategy enables subsidiaries to effectively meet global requirements, considering internal and external pressures. This integration also fosters the development of unique capabilities and the internalization of standards, addressing liabilities in foreign markets, thus providing a competitive advantage and safeguarding corporate legitimacy among stakeholders.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the international business literature by providing insights into strategy development and implementation in EMNEs. Specifically, it demonstrates how a Latin American emerging multinational enterprise (multilatina) adopts new sustainability strategies to enhance its business competitiveness. The study also offers guidance for emerging market companies on developing sustainability strategies and transferring them to subsidiaries operating in complex institutional environments. Furthermore, the research provides a rationale for governments and civil society organizations on why firms are committed to sustainability, highlighting its positive impact on firm’s competitiveness and survival in international markets.
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Ana Maria Gomez-Trujillo, Juan Velez-Ocampo and Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez
The purpose of this paper is to summarize previous research findings of the relationship between reputation and sustainability at the firm level.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to summarize previous research findings of the relationship between reputation and sustainability at the firm level.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a systematic literature review of 306 retrieved articles that matched the search criteria. After applying filters and narrowing the sample to a total of 156 articles of a 19-year period (2000–2019) that were finally content analyzed for this study in order to identify sources, authors, theories, methodologies, and opportunities for future research.
Findings
Findings demonstrate that in most of the cases, sustainability appears to be an antecedent of corporate reputation and a tool to enhance stakeholders' acceptance and perceptions on companies' activities.
Practical implications
The study shows the potential of sustainability reporting as a tool to enhance corporate reputation; moreover, it also discussed the likely effect of sustainability over brand equity. This research confirms the importance of having strategic management of both corporate sustainability and reputation management. Including both reputational management and sustainability in the corporate strategy can be a potential source to create value, protect against difficulties and liabilities, and maximize business survival.
Social implications
For business, establishing clear positions in relation to environmental and social issues, building collaborative global networks and authentic local relations, giving signals that reaffirm business purposes with all stakeholders, and adhering to the sustainable development agenda enhance positive corporate reputation.
Originality/value
In addition to answering the stated research question and in fact filling a gap in the literature, this study led us to identify 25 research questions classified in seven different areas (measurement and scales; causes and effects; longitudinal studies; geographical contexts; theory building; digital as a novel environment; and new actors and institutions).
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Ana-Maria Parente-Laverde, Laura Rojas-DeFrancisco and Izaias Martins
Reputation transfer between countries and companies, and its impact on the internationalization process of organizations is an emerging topic in the international business and…
Abstract
Purpose
Reputation transfer between countries and companies, and its impact on the internationalization process of organizations is an emerging topic in the international business and marketing field. Using the resource-based view (RBV) and institutional theory as a theoretical framework, this study aims to describe the relationship between Colombia's reputation and its companies' perception from the perspective of the food and software industries.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study is based on data collected through the application of 24 interviews with experts and Colombian and global company's leaders. An analysis of the concepts, categories and relationships was conducted, followed by thick descriptions.
Findings
There is reputation transfer between countries and organizations in the following cases: (1) during initial stages of the internationalization process, (2) within companies and industries that share values with the country of origin perceptions and (3) when the country of origin institutional context leverages the reputation transfer between companies and countries.
Research limitations/implications
It contributes to the field by helping to the conceptualization of the process and adding important elements to the transfer process, such as actors and values, especially in country repositioning cases.
Practical implications
The study provides inputs to policymakers for the creation of the country brand and the management of country image, and to businesses in their corporate image and reputation strategies.
Originality/value
The uniqueness of this paper is based on the analysis of reputation transfer in an emerging country that is repositioning its image and reputation.