Sofia Garcia-Torres, Laura Albareda, Marta Rey-Garcia and Stefan Seuring
This paper aims to examine how companies enact traceability in their global supply chains (SCs) to achieve sustainability goals and how this so-called traceability for…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine how companies enact traceability in their global supply chains (SCs) to achieve sustainability goals and how this so-called traceability for sustainability (TfS) can contribute to (sustainable) supply chain management ([S]SCM). For this, the paper focuses on the paramount example of the apparel industry.
Design/methodology/approach
This study presents an integrative and systematic literature review of 89 peer-reviewed journal articles on the confluence of traceability and sustainability in global apparel SCs. It comprises content analysis and abductive category-building based on previous literature.
Findings
A conceptual framework emerges to describe TfS as an evolving cycle, comprising three dimensions: governance, collaboration and tracking and tracing. Resources and capabilities literature set the foundations for conceiving TfS as a distinctive meta-capability construct. Hence, besides being associated to increased performance, risk management and SC process transformation, TfS ultimately blurs boundaries and integrates non-traditional SC actors into the same ecosystem with important implications for sustainability and (S)SCM. This study refers to the industrial upgrading potential of global SCs to explain how leveraging enabling technologies for TfS may help to improve the triple-bottom-line (TBL) performance of the actors in the broad ecosystem while reducing the risks associated to those technologies. Thus, TfS can contribute to (S)SCM and to TBL sustainability within and beyond SC boundaries.
Originality/value
This study conceptually frames (S)SCM exploring TfS as a meta-capability and contributes to the underexplored question of how to achieve sustainability in global SCs.
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This paper presents an analytical framework to understand the complex CSR accountability standard architecture, studying the CSR standardization cycle through the organizational…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper presents an analytical framework to understand the complex CSR accountability standard architecture, studying the CSR standardization cycle through the organizational studies perspective. It has two main aims: to discuss the theoretical approach to CSR governance, proposing a matrix to classify international CSR accountability standards; and to study the CSR multi-industry standardization cycle (setting and design, diffusion and implementation), creating an analytical framework to understand the innovative dynamics adopted through CSR standard-setting.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on empirical research on global CSR multi-industry standards and the emergence of a regulatory dynamic based on competition-collaboration. The paper's arguments stem from a case study of the Global Reporting Initiative and its inter-linkage and convergence with the UN Global Compact and ISO 26000. The author analyzes this case based on the global governance and institutional dynamics of regulation research.
Findings
Based on the study of CSR standards, the paper presents an analytical framework with various elements to analyze CSR accountability standards: scope, type of actors, performance type and mechanisms and type of legitimacy and monitoring strategies. Second, the paper advances the study of emerging inter-linkages between GRI, UNGC and ISO 26000 and analyzes the emergence of a meta-standardization process generated by the competition-collaboration dynamic.
Research limitations/implications
Further research is needed to focus on the role of agency and different stakeholders on the meta-standardization process. Other research has to focus on the institutional logic and the multi-level analysis of the convergence between CSR standards and the self-regulation advanced process. In this respect, this research serves to demonstrate the leading innovative role adopted by private actors (mostly companies) in developing private standard setting for global governance.
Originality/value
The value of this paper is its analysis of the main convergence dynamic adopted by the most popular, global-scope CSR multi-industry standards, GRI, UNGC and ISO 26000. The findings show how this standardization cycle helps a new collaborative governance dynamic to emerge based on the adoption of private standard-setting. The paper is also useful for practitioners, helping them understand the growing convergence among CSR multi-industry standards, and how the convergence of sustainability reporting processes is advancing towards the integration and drafting of homogeneous guidelines with the prevalence of the GRI model.
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Laura Albareda, Antonio Tencati, Josep M. Lozano and Francesco Perrini
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the changing role of governments promoting corporate responsibility (CR) as a result of the challenges raised by globalisation.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the changing role of governments promoting corporate responsibility (CR) as a result of the challenges raised by globalisation.
Design/methodology/approach
CR is linked to the restructuring of governments' agendas in the framework of government/private sector/civil society relationships. It is a result of the research project that applies the Relational State Model Approach to the analysis of CR public policies. The relational state situates the relations between the public and private sectors, between the state and society, in the sphere of co‐responsibility.
Findings
The paper concludes that in the UK a more systemic, national government‐centred and business‐oriented approach prevails, while Italy has a more extensive, multi‐stakeholder and multi‐level approach.
Research limitations/implications
Future research should complete the comparative analysis expanding it to other European countries: northern and central European countries to analyse the difference between all European governments in order to promote CR.
Practical implications
The analytical framework of this paper could be used for academic, business leaders and policy makers to develop future actions in relation to CR public development.
Originality/value
The objective to be achieved is to understand the new political and public framework incorporating CR as a new form of governance. We compare two countries that represent two very different models of government action. The theoretical approach of the paper is based on the comparative analysis of CR governmental vision, objectives, strategies and internal government CR structure.
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The aim of this paper is to analyze the changing role of business in a globalized society, focusing on transnational corporations as private authorities which have gained power in…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to analyze the changing role of business in a globalized society, focusing on transnational corporations as private authorities which have gained power in global governance. The paper will aim to address the following issues: the development of CSR as a voluntary framework based on self‐regulation instruments through which corporations can manage their social and environmental impacts; corporations' exercise of power and authority in developing CSR standards globally through inter‐firm cooperation; and CSR as a mechanism to transform business culture through the development of co‐regulatory instruments between corporations and their stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper describes the emergence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a new governance framework, essentially created by the pressure of global civil society on corporations. The research focuses on the analysis of new forms of business political activities: self‐regulation and co‐regulation.
Findings
The findings describe how transnational corporations have become private authorities, competing or collaborating with global civil society or public authorities to develop a new framework of social and environmental regulations to manage their responsibilities and exercise their global power.
Practical implications
This paper highlights the need for regulatory tools to transform global governance. CSR requires the development of public accountability mechanisms for private authorities, an issue that can be resolved by developing global governance networks between public and private actors.
Originality/value
This paper explains why CSR has taken shape through the creation of self‐regulation management standards and co‐regulating norms and instruments where transnational corporations are a major driving force.
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This paper intends to compare the sustainability reporting (SR) in three different national and institutional contexts, namely Italy, Brazil and USA, and aims to investigate…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper intends to compare the sustainability reporting (SR) in three different national and institutional contexts, namely Italy, Brazil and USA, and aims to investigate whether companies show a different approach to SR depending on the institutional setting where they operate.
Design/methodology/approach
To reach this goal, a sample of 150 reports was content-analyzed through a methodology based on a coding process which overcomes part of the limitations in previous works.
Findings
Results observed a relationship between the SR and the characteristics of institutional contexts, thus suggesting that while there is a general acceptance and use of international SR standards and initiatives, the content is influenced by and shaped on the characteristics of the national institutional context. In other words, although a widely diffused base of data and information can be found in the SR of companies in different contexts, the accent is put on specific issues which reflect the political, cultural, religious, legal and otherwise defined institutions in the national system.
Originality/value
Using the institutional theory the paper demonstrated that institutional contexts is one of the drivers of contents of sustainability reports.
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Constantin Bratianu, Dan Paiuc and Laura Brancu
This article aims to delve into the connections between DNA, cultural intelligence (CQ) and knowledge dynamics (KD) as native ingredients of the global mindset of multicultural…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to delve into the connections between DNA, cultural intelligence (CQ) and knowledge dynamics (KD) as native ingredients of the global mindset of multicultural managers and leaders. Cognitive science and knowledge management researchers show that business process decision-making is not entirely rational, based on explicit knowledge. They depend on the dynamics of rational, emotional and spiritual knowledge fields and on the capacity to integrate those dynamics into cultural intelligence. Most business process management studies show that managerial competencies depend on native and educational components. The literature usually addresses the developing process of those competencies through educational programs and leaves a knowledge gap concerning their native ingredients.
Design/methodology/approach
We designed an integrated research approach containing a critical literature review, supported by a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer and a quantitative analysis derived from questionnaires and their statistical processing using SPSS, version 28. Based on VOSviewer variant 1.6.20, the bibliometric approach is used to understand the intricate correlation between DNA, CQ and KD, while the quantitative analysis is rooted in a questionnaire’s results from a sample of 101 managers with cross-cultural experience.
Findings
The analysis reveals that DNA diversity can play a notable role as a vector and predictor of CQ and KD. The results demonstrate the connection between geo-genetic diversity, CQ and the ability to be effective in multicultural business environments. Furthermore, the study highlights the impact of DNA on knowledge dynamics, revealing how geo-genetic variations impact the transfer and transformation of knowledge within sociocultural contexts—with implications for organizational behavior and cross-cultural and multicultural management.
Research limitations/implications
This study may encounter limitations in establishing a direct and unique causal relationship between DNA, cultural intelligence and knowledge dynamics, as the complex interplay of various factors, such as individual experiences, social environment and education, could influence the interpretations of the findings. Additionally, generalizing the results across diverse populations would be challenging due to the potential ethnic and geographic variations in genetic and cultural contexts (Alexander et al., 2021). Also, for future research, we could reverse the process and measure a self-reported CQ before the DNA test in order to avoid any potential cultural bias or extended perception. Business process management within a multicultural environment is strongly nonlinear and more complex models should be developed to reveal the inner correlations between main constructs.
Practical implications
This research extends beyond academia into practical domains such as organizational behavior, cross-cultural and multicultural leadership, and sustainable business processes. Acknowledging the role of genetic diversity in these phenomena encourages further inquiry, prompting scholars and practitioners to investigate the organization’s concrete ways to increase creativity and innovation, adaptability and resilience toward successful navigation in the international business environment based on diversity, inclusion and global mindset.
Social implications
Comprehending the genetic underpinnings of cultural intelligence and knowledge dynamics has potential implications for various fields, such as education, cross-cultural communication and even policy-making. By acknowledging and harnessing the influence of genetic diversity in these domains, we aim to create more inclusive and opportunity-rich environments that foster intercultural learning and cooperation. We also aim to generate more sustainable business approaches based on flexibility, continuous learning and cultural adaptation.
Originality/value
Previous literature mainly concentrated on environmental and individual factors acting on CQ and KD; however, this study is focused on uncovering DNA’s influence on these concepts and topics. The originality of this study lies in challenging conventional views on CQ and KD by introducing genetic factors to understand individual differences. Recognizing the impact of diverse genetic roots on CQ and KD, this paper emphasizes values like respect for the culture and historical background, understanding others' values, diversity and inclusion, and learning and agilely adapting. These vectors are the foundation for modern business processes in multicultural environments.
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Senthilkumaran Piramanayagam, Jyothi Mallya and Valsaraj Payini
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a method intended to create awareness, knowledge, competence and attitude amongst stakeholders towards Sustainable Development Goals…
Abstract
Purpose
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a method intended to create awareness, knowledge, competence and attitude amongst stakeholders towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through higher education curricula. This bibliometric analysis, coupled with a systematic review, presents a comprehensive and objective assessment of the evolution of Sustainability in Hospitality Education (SHE) literature.
Design/methodology/approach
This study integrated two review techniques: a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of peer-reviewed scientific articles published in journals indexed in Scopus. This study discloses the research landscape and thematic evaluation of the structure of existing literature on SHE.
Findings
The results show that SHE is an emerging field comprised of five main themes. The themes that emerged were SHE and perspectives, sustainability and curriculum, implications of sustainability education (SE), sustainability and learning and sustainability, students' perception and literacy.The authors' study findings also revealed that SHE is imbalanced and scarce in developing countries.
Practical implications
This systematic review, integrated with a bibliometric analysis, indicates that SHE is an emerging field. The findings offer a broadened perspective on scholarly research on the concept, current trends and future research direction.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first study that attempts to uncover various research themes of SHE literature. The authors' work also acts as an entry point for critical conceptual ideas and empirical discoveries of SHE research. The study findings are helpful for future researchers in the SHE domain.
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Francesco Perrini, Laura A. Costanzo and Mine Karatas-Ozkan
There is currently a wide range of methods for measuring social impact. Each method uses specific indicators, mainly because of the diverse characteristics of social enterprises…
Abstract
Purpose
There is currently a wide range of methods for measuring social impact. Each method uses specific indicators, mainly because of the diverse characteristics of social enterprises (SEs) and the type of impact that is analysed, thus hindering the definition of a single, shared measurement system and, at the same time, prompting the proliferation of countless alternative methods. Many enterprises experience difficulties in selecting the best method to carry out the measurement process correctly. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to filling in conceptual gaps inherent to measuring impact and value creating in the domain of social entrepreneurship (SE), as well as equipping the social entrepreneur with better knowledge of the methodologies available for measuring impact and supporting their decision-making process.
Design/methodology/approach
The aims of this paper are, therefore, threefold: to identify the common conditions of how to measure social impact (literature); to analyse how measurement is actually undertaken in practice (process); and to compare the four main methodologies, among the numerous ones, that have been developed to measure the impact generated by SEs so far (methods and comparison). The authors compared four of the most commonly used methodologies in the field of social impact measurement, analysing advantages, disadvantages and application fields. They evaluated whether a method can be considered preferable to others in each case.
Findings
The paper demonstrated the high fragmentation that characterised the existing literature concerning the measurement of social impact and the wide range of methodologies used, thus leading to a great confusion in regard to the selection of the most appropriate methodology for the pursuit of one's own ends. This often discourages the undertaking of the measurement process. The analysis used in this paper leads us to conclude that the social return on investment method is more popular than the other three alternatives.
Research limitations/implications
There are significant deficiencies in methodologies adopted, and researchers must use innovative, situated approaches that fit with the SE literature. The authors concluded that for the future, there is a need to do a SLR in a disciplined way. Further research is strongly recommended in this area, to provide more comparative studies of existing methods. It is hoped that enterprises can be directed towards using a limited range of formal methods that can capture the diversity of the various application cases, thus making it possible to compare different situations: a limited range of formal methods that can capture the diversity of the SEs considered and the impacts generated will be promoted.
Practical implications
The authors also want to analyse how the SEs concretely realise the measurement of their impact that often do not use the formal methodologies presented in the literature but rather tools created by the ad hoc companies on the basis of their specific needs.
Originality/value
This paper makes a theoretical contribution to the literature of the theory on social value within the SE field by having regard to how to measure social impact. It partially responds to Choi and Majumdar’s (2014) and Hlady-Rispal and Servantie’s (2016) calls for the development of a theory of measuring social value.
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Anna Mina’ and Laura Michelini
This paper aims to identify the archetypes of business models and illustrate how firms create, deliver and capture value by juxtaposing the firm’s aspired value emphasis with its…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify the archetypes of business models and illustrate how firms create, deliver and capture value by juxtaposing the firm’s aspired value emphasis with its strategic agility.
Design/methodology/approach
The two-by-two matrix is constructed based on an analysis of existing literature and conceptual development.
Findings
We advance a conceptualization of strategic agility to emphasize speed and flexibility as the main drivers, along with attention toward stakeholder expectations. Additionally, we unveil four different archetypes of business models based on the firm’s aspired value emphasis (economic vs plus social/environmental) and the type of strategic agility (defensive vs proactive).
Research limitations/implications
Studies that empirically corroborate the proposed conceptualization of strategic agility are needed. In addition, empirical investigations on the evolutionary paths underlying the development of firms’ business models are requested.
Practical implications
Managers learn about aspects and actions that they should pursue to shift from one business model archetype to another.
Originality/value
We identify the features – in terms of focus on all the components of the triple bottom line (or not) and in terms of strategic agility – that firms need to face or even anticipate environmental and social transformation.
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Joona Keränen and Laura Olkkonen
This paper highlights the potential of social activism – defined as a public act that aims to challenge the status quo by bringing alternative views or narratives to the debate �…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper highlights the potential of social activism – defined as a public act that aims to challenge the status quo by bringing alternative views or narratives to the debate – in transformative service research and proposes a future research agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper builds upon a review of social activism in the management and communications literature to identify its potential for social change in service (eco)systems.
Findings
This paper outlines three ways in which social activism can influence companies (external activism, internal activism, and activism as practice) and illustrates how they can be used to advance transformative service research in selected priority areas.
Research limitations/implications
This paper develops a future research agenda and suggests research questions that could guide scholarly inquiry at the intersection of social activism and transformative service research.
Practical implications
For managers and policy makers, this paper highlights how social activism can influence companies' attempts to drive social change.
Originality/value
This paper is among the first to link social activism and transformative service research and highlight novel research opportunities at their intersection.