AIM OF THE SPECIAL ISSUE
We are pleased to announce a call for papers for a special issue that seeks to explore how the introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), as well as the generally growing emphasis on sustainability, has influenced corporate activities across various dimensions.
BACKGROUND
The evolving focus on corporate sustainability has fundamentally reshaped how organizations view and manage their activities, pushing beyond financial performance to encompass broader social and environmental impacts (Bebbington & Unerman, 2018). Sustainability matters are now pivotal to corporate strategy, shaping decisions in accounting, management control, stakeholder engagement, supply chain management, innovation, and organisational changes (Hristov et al., 2023). To this end, the CSRD focuses on reporting related to a company’s business model and strategy, policies, governance, time-bound targets, indicators, and due diligence processes related to sustainability matters. While reporting concerns detailed public disclosures at periodic intervals, the CSRD’s broad requirements have clear implications for measurement, which is reflected in its references to targets and indicators, and management, which is reflected in its references to policies, strategy, and governance, among other issues (Hristov & Searcy, 2024). This perspective fosters a holistic approach to corporate decision-making and highlights the need for long-term value creation that is inclusive and sustainable (Clarkson, 1995). Companies now face pressure to adopt more transparent and responsible sourcing methods, invest in eco-friendly technologies, and reduce waste, thus aligning operations with societal expectations and ecological imperatives (Hart & Milstein, 2003).
Management practices have similarly evolved to incorporate sustainability measures, aiming to better capture the full scope of organizational impact (Cristofaro et al., 2023). Traditional financial measures are being complemented by sustainability metrics, which address areas such as carbon footprint, water usage, and social contributions. Such measures reinforce transparency, enabling stakeholders to hold companies accountable while also informing strategic decisions that align with sustainability goals (Bouten et al., 2011).
Sustainability demands have also triggered organizational change, prompting companies to adopt innovative business models, revise strategic priorities, and develop new competencies in response to stakeholder expectations (Sroufe, 2017). Innovations in product design and sustainable supply chain strategies initiatives are examples of how companies are evolving to create both economic and social value. By embedding sustainability into their core operations, organizations not only reduce risks but also enhance their reputation and gain competitive advantage, as consumers increasingly prefer brands that demonstrate ethical practices (Falkenberg and Brunsæl, 2011).
In conclusion, sustainability is reshaping corporate activities across all functional areas, requiring companies to adopt a more integrated approach to governance, strategy, and operations. As organizations navigate these challenges, research should contribute to a growing body of knowledge on sustainable business practices that can lead to a more resilient and equitable economy. Thus, this special issue invites submissions that examine these vital transformations and investigate the ways in which sustainability is redefining all the corporate activities.
LIST OF TOPICS
In this context, utilizing diverse research methodologies, we propose a non-exhaustive list of potential topics that offer valuable insights into the shifts and challenges organizations encounter when embedding sustainability into their practices:
• Sustainability Accounting: Integrating environmental and social metrics into financial reporting.
• Management Control Systems for Sustainability: Designing control systems that support long-term sustainability goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Sustainability: Strategies for effectively involving stakeholders in sustainable practices.
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Innovations and challenges in creating eco-friendly and ethical supply chains.
• Organizational Change for Sustainability: How organizations adapt to incorporate sustainable practices.
• Corporate Governance and Sustainability: The role of board structure and practices in promoting sustainability.
• Sustainable Business Models: Developing and scaling business models that prioritize social and environmental impact.
• AI and Data Analytics in Sustainability Measuring and Reporting: Using artificial intelligence to enhance the accuracy and transparency of sustainability metrics.
• Ethical Decision-Making and Sustainability: Exploring ethical frameworks for corporate sustainability.
• Employee Engagement in Sustainability Initiatives: The impact of employee involvement on sustainability success.
• Innovation for Sustainability: Technological and product innovation as drivers of sustainable development.
• Strategic Sustainability Integration: How sustainability shapes long-term strategy and competitive positioning.
• Circular Economy Practices in Organizations: Implementing circular models to minimize waste and resource usage.
• Impact of Regulatory Changes on Sustainability Practices: Analyzing how new regulations like the CSRD influence corporate behavior.
• Social Responsibility and Corporate Reputation: Examining how sustainability efforts impact brand reputation and customer loyalty.
• The Role of Leadership in Sustainability Transformation: Leadership styles and skills needed for guiding sustainability transitions.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as Part of Corporate Sustainability: Integrating initiatives within broader sustainability frameworks.
• Sustainability and Organizational Culture: The role of culture in promoting or hindering sustainable practices.
• Risk Management in Sustainable Organizations: Assessing and mitigating environmental and social risks.
• Greenwashing and Corporate Ethics: Identifying and addressing deceptive sustainability claims.
REFERENCES
Adams, C. A., & Frost, G. R. (2008). Integrating sustainability reporting into management practices. Accounting Forum, 32(4), 288–302.
Bebbington, J., & Unerman, J. (2018). Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: An enabling role for accounting research. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 31(1), 2–24.
Bouten, L., Everaert, P., Van Liedekerke, L., De Moor, L., & Christiaens, J. (2011). Corporate social responsibility reporting: A comprehensive picture? Accounting Forum, 35(3), 187–204.
Clarkson, M. E. (1995). A stakeholder framework for analyzing and evaluating corporate social performance. Academy of Management Review, 20(1), 92–117. doi:10.5465/amr.1995.9503271994.
Cristofaro, M., Giardino, P. L., Camilli, R., & Hristov, I. (2023). Unlocking the sustainability of medium enterprises: A framework for reducing cognitive biases in sustainable performance management. Journal of Management & Organization, 1-31.
Falkenberg, J., & Brunsæl, P. (2011). Corporate social responsibility: a strategic advantage or a strategic necessity?. Journal of Business Ethics, 99, 9-16.
Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Cambridge University Press.
Gray, R. (2006). Social, environmental and sustainability reporting and organizational value creation? Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 19(6), 793–819.
Hart, S. L., & Milstein, M. B. (2003). Creating sustainable value. Academy of Management Executive, 17(2), 56–69.
Hristov, I., & Searcy, C. (2024). Integrating sustainability with corporate governance: a framework to implement the corporate sustainability reporting directive through a balanced scorecard. Management Decision.
Hristov, I., Appolloni, A., & Chirico, A. (2022). The adoption of the key performance indicators to integrate sustainability in the business strategy: A novel five?dimensional framework. Business Strategy and the Environment, 31(7), 3216-3230.
Sroufe, R. (2017). Integration and organizational change towards sustainability. Journal of Cleaner Production, 162, 315-329.
|
