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Article
Publication date: 18 January 2021

Marina Mattera, Federico Soto Gonzalez, Carmen Alba Ruiz-Morales and Luana Gava

The purpose of this study is to analyse how implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies following United Nations’ Global Compact (UNGC) guidelines can…

2738

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse how implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies following United Nations’ Global Compact (UNGC) guidelines can contribute to firm’s performance during a global crisis, such as the case of COVID-19. Based on the triple bottom line theoretical framework, this work explores the relation between the creation of value and sustainable business models with long-term strategies and strong policy commitments, and their performance in the stock market years later during a crisis. By doing so, new insights on strategic management to create value and consolidate sustainable business models are provided.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study analyses firms within the context of the European Union, considering the involvement of the region in achieving sustainable development. In particular, the long-term impact in the usage of the UNGC management model and the firm's sustainability performance based on the results during COVID-19 crisis. To achieve this goal, energy firms operating in Spain and subscribing to UNGC were evaluated, specifically those publicly listed in the IBEX35, benchmark index of Spain's Stock Market Interconnection System. In addition, firms were also considered regarding the strong impact within their industries not only nationally but also worldwide.

Findings

Findings show long-term CSR strategies and a strong commitment to sustainable development contribute to firm’s overcoming periods of economic crisis. In addition, considering the environmental impact of the firms’ actions, transition to sustainable business and widening portfolio in the case of energy firms proved to have a positive impact in overcoming a hard context such as COVID-19. The virtuous cycle can be created by honouring the social contract, yet the tools and management models shall be further tailored to ensure an effective win-win situation.

Originality/value

This study evaluates a company's strategic involvement in sustainability, considering the UNGC 10 principles and SDG and the effects of these strategies in the long-term. Specifically, the role of UNGC management model is evaluated in designing effective policies that can help firms better overcome a context of crisis such as COVID-19. Consequently, researchers studying business strategy can incorporate the findings in strategic planning. Practitioners can learn the implications of CSR strategic planning in the long-term. Moreover, work illustrates corporate results in sustainability matters after the first decade of the UNGC management model and the impact of a crisis context.

Details

Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 December 2021

Marina Mattera, Carmen Alba Ruiz-Morales, Luana Gava and Federico Soto

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the implementation of sustainable business models contributes to improving a firm’s performance during a global crisis, such as…

1768

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the implementation of sustainable business models contributes to improving a firm’s performance during a global crisis, such as the one caused by COVID-19. Based on the triple bottom line theory, the paper explores the relation between the creation of value through solid corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies, United Nations (UN) Global Compact’s (GC) business model proposals and Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) reporting scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper studies companies within the European Union, focusing specifically on the long-term impact of using the world’s most widely used standards for sustainability reporting – the GRI’s standards and/or the UNGC management models, as well as on the firm’s performance based on the financial results during COVID-19 crisis. To achieve this goal, the study analyses the share price of firms publicly listed in the FTSEMIB (benchmark index of Italy’s largest trading platform) out of those companies that are implementing the UN and GRI’s tools.

Findings

Findings show how a commitment to sustainable business models and long-term CSR strategies can contribute to firm’s ability to overcome periods of economic crisis. Furthermore, implementing GRI standards and UNGC guidelines within the business model seems to have a positive impact in overcoming a hard context such as COVID-19. In addition, it contributes to a better understanding of stakeholders’ needs, consumer profiling and value creation.

Originality/value

This study evaluates firms’ business models, considering the effects of decisions made in the context of COVID-19. The role of UNGC and GRI is evaluated in terms of their contribution to firms’ financial performance and corporate reputation during a context of hardship. Consequently, this study contributes to academia and practice, adding value in areas related to strategic planning and business model design.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal , vol. 32 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 July 2020

Marina Mattera and Carmen Alba Ruiz-Morales

The purpose of this study is to analyze the perception of CSR policies and the implementation of UNGC management model in firms operating at a national and an international level…

1780

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the perception of CSR policies and the implementation of UNGC management model in firms operating at a national and an international level. Specifically, in the framework of stakeholder theory, this work explores the relation between internationalization and the usage of UNGC management model in the design and implementation of successful CSR strategies. By doing so, new insights on CSR management to gain competitive advantage are provided.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study analyzes impact of internationalization in their sustainability performance, as well as the relationship between the usage of the UNGC management model and the firm's sustainability performance. To achieve this goal, the Spanish firms subscribing to the UNGC were evaluated following the tenth anniversary of the Spanish UNGC Chapter's inauguration. Both internationalized companies and companies only operating at a national level were evaluated, first through a survey, followed by a focus group and lastly a qualitative analysis of their CSR performance reports.

Findings

Findings show that perception of CSR performance and relevance allocated to CSR matters is consistent with the firms' practices. However, internationalization does not hold a relation with the companies' performance in sustainability matters as expected due to a series of factors. Similarly, the implementation of the UNGC management model does not correlate to the firm's perception and performance. The virtuous cycle can be created by honoring the social contract, yet the tools and management models shall be further tailored to ensure an effective win-win situation.

Originality/value

This study evaluates a company's perception and strategic involvement in sustainability, considering the UNGC 10 principles and SDG. Specifically, the role of internationalization and usage of the UNGC management model are evaluated. Consequently, researchers studying business strategy can incorporate the findings in strategic planning. Practitioners can learn the implications of CSR strategic planning using the UNGC management model and the limitations of this tool, to ensure sustainable growth of their firms. Moreover, work illustrates corporate results in sustainability matters after the first decade of the UNGC management model implementation in a specific UNGC Chapter.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 May 2021

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

117

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Disruption to business is inevitable during a global crisis situation. Organizations can be better positioned to manage negative consequences by developing business models that shape a long-term commitment to sustainable goals which can bring benefits to the firm and its different stakeholders.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Details

Strategic Direction, vol. 37 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0258-0543

Keywords

Content available

Abstract

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal , vol. 32 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2021

Davide Giacomini, Mattia Martini, Alessandro Sancino, Paola Zola and Dario Cavenago

This paper aims to analyse stakeholder sentiment about the corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions implemented by Italian companies between February 20, 2020 and April 20…

1041

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse stakeholder sentiment about the corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions implemented by Italian companies between February 20, 2020 and April 20, 2020, which was the first peak in the outbreak of the COVID-19 health emergency in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

Using sentiment analysis, the impact of COVID-19 on CSR actions is analysed through reactions to the news published on Twitter by a sample of Italian news agencies.

Findings

The analysis indicates that the actions most appreciated are those that are more radical, e.g. where the company has converted part of its production to make goods that are useful in dealing with the COVID-19 emergency. The study identifies a new category of actions definable as “crisis-shaped CSR.”

Practical implications

This is one of the first studies concerning the effects of the pandemic on both CSR actions and organizational legitimacy.

Originality/value

This work explains which strategic approach to CSR is the most effective in supporting corporate reputation in times of crisis, this study identified which of the CSR initiatives adopted by companies in Italy were more effective in stimulating positive interactions and sentiment among the general public.

Details

Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

Keywords

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