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

Abstract

One of the most investigated research topics in the corporate sustainability literatureis “the” business case. Long lionized for linking the profit motive to corporateenvironmental initiatives, the business case for sustainability is now vehementlycriticized. These critics generally argue for a return to the state and strongerregulatory frameworks. Others counter that because the private sector's capabilitiesare uniquely suited to realizing effective sustainability innovations and outcomes, wemust 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 thefield forward by placing in context criticisms and also opportunities for moremeaningful positive impacts from corporate sustainability. Specifically, we argue thatan effective business case orientation requires shifting to a broader “all stakeholderswin” approach. This entails impact orientation, collaborative approaches, andeconomic restraint Show more