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1 – 10 of 16
Article
Publication date: 21 September 2022

Nicolas Roos, Remmer Sassen and Edeltraud Guenther

Higher education institutions, as influential social institutions, play an important role in promoting social responsibility and sustainable practices. However, approaches to…

Abstract

Purpose

Higher education institutions, as influential social institutions, play an important role in promoting social responsibility and sustainable practices. However, approaches to implementing sustainable development (SD) in higher education institutions (HEIs) themselves remain fuzzy. One way to achieve holistic embedding can lie in organizational culture. This study aims to examine ways by which internal sustainability governance can promote sustainability culture by using empirical data from German HEIs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses factor analysis to identify relevant governance indicators. With a regression analysis, this study assesses the indicators’ effects on organizational sustainability culture in HEIs. A moderator analysis tests potential determinants derived from literature and their influence on sustainability governance and sustainability culture.

Findings

Operationalizing formalized sustainability governance for holistic implementation reveals a gap in sustainability management at HEIs. This study proposes a model for operationalizing sustainability governance and shows an effect on sustainability culture at the formal organizational level.

Originality/value

Based on the operationalization of sustainability governance, this empirical study provides evidence for the development of a holistic approach along a sustainability culture in organizations. This paper proposes a model for operationalization, analyzes multiorganizational data and shows the effects of sustainability governance on formalized organizational sustainability culture. This paper provides a transorganizational perspective for implementing SD following a top-down approach.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 June 2018

Samanthi Silva and Edeltraud Guenther

The purpose of this paper is to first present potential areas of research for measuring sustainability performance that emerged in a joint researcher–practitioner workshop at the…

1459

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to first present potential areas of research for measuring sustainability performance that emerged in a joint researcher–practitioner workshop at the 19th Environmental and Sustainability Management Accounting Network Europe Conference, organized in cooperation with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Second, the methodology applied to gain these insights, the world café approach, is critically reviewed.

Design/methodology/approach

The applied method, a world café approach, facilitates collaborative dialogue and was used in the workshop to uncover underlying research themes. A generalized process flow diagram for a world café is presented, highlighting critical aspects that can guide researchers considering the use of the world café method. The results are structured by means of the 5 W (who, what, where, when, why) and 2 H (how) questions, also known as the elements of circumstance.

Findings

Key topics discussed by conference attendees are identified and an overview of potential areas of research are established concerning “measuring sustainability performance”, with a topical focus on impact measurement and value of sustainability. Furthermore, based on the topics identified by practitioners and researchers, this paper develops a list of questions that can guide future research. Finally, the world café method as a means of generating insights into complex topics such as sustainability performance is evaluated.

Practical implications

The list of research questions identified in this paper can serve as guidance for researchers for selecting relevant, practice-oriented research topics. The value of the world café method as an approach to facilitating the generation of participatory and collaborative insights was confirmed for sustainability management. The generalized process flow diagram can act as a starting point when considering the world café method for facilitating large transdisciplinary groups.

Social implications

The world café is a method for facilitating practitioners and researchers exchange, and thereby presents an opportunity for spanning the research–practice gap. By bringing practitioners and researchers together to identify research areas, future research is more likely to have positive social implications.

Originality/value

The paper presents a recent interpretation of future research gained from a large number of sustainability professionals, including practitioners and researchers, by bringing them together using a world café. The world café is a valuable method for a collaborative set-up with immediate feedback loops, which encourages dialogue, in contrast to surveys or individual interviews, on future developments in the field.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 August 2020

Matthias Damert, Lisa Koep, Edeltraud Guenther and Jonathan Morris

The purpose of this study is to examine how the pressures from stakeholders located in company's country of origin and level of internationalization of the company influence the…

1299

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how the pressures from stakeholders located in company's country of origin and level of internationalization of the company influence the implementation of socially responsible supply chain management (SR-SCM) practices.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess this level of influence, an SR-SCM performance index is developed by building on existing theoretical frameworks and using secondary data from ThomsonReuters’ WorldScope and ASSET4 databases to capture responsible supply chain actions categorized in communication, compliance and supplier development strategies. The analysis is based on 1,252 international companies from diverse countries and sectors between 2007 and 2016.

Findings

The effectiveness of stakeholder pressures in facilitating the adoption of socially responsible practices varies greatly with regard to the strategic element of SR-SCM and the type stakeholders considered. Companies that are more internationalized tend to adopt a greater number of SR-SCM practices, whereas home country stakeholders are of diminishing relevance with the increasing internationalization of a company.

Practical implications

Governments in companies’ countries of origin should ensure that social issues in supply chains are adequately covered by regulations. Ideally, laws should not only cover firms’ domestic operations but also their global activities.

Social implications

Citizens should be given the opportunities to raise their voice and publicly express their disagreement with business misconduct and non-compliance. Apart from that, the role of workers’ associations and investors in the social sustainability debate should be strengthened.

Originality/value

This study contributes to SR-SCM theory development by operationalizing existing conceptual frameworks, showing how domestic stakeholders shape SR-SCM performance and analyzing whether the influence of certain stakeholder groups diminishes or increases when a company is more globally-oriented in its operations.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2018

Frederik Plewnia and Edeltraud Guenther

In order to guide sustainability research on the sharing economy, the purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive framework that captures the wide range of activities and…

6010

Abstract

Purpose

In order to guide sustainability research on the sharing economy, the purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive framework that captures the wide range of activities and business models that are considered to be part of the sharing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a systematic literature review and a content analysis, existing typologies are identified and analyzed for their conceptual intersections. Finally, categorizations from 43 documents are integrated into one framework.

Findings

Four main dimensions are identified as being used in different contexts to characterize sharing systems and were combined to form one comprehensive typology: shared good or service, market structure, market orientation, and industry sector.

Originality/value

The proposed typology is able to distinguish sharing activities based on their similarities and differences. Social, economic, and communicational avenues for the term “sharing” are merged into a conceptual foundation of the sharing economy. This enables researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to position their projects in the broad field of sharing. By discussing inherent tensions with regard to sustainability of the sharing economy, the offered categorizations can help to guide future research and policy intervention. Last but not least, professional managers should find valuable ideas for new business models.

Article
Publication date: 4 February 2020

Nicolas Roos and Edeltraud Guenther

As social institutions, higher education institutions (HEIs) play a key role in the distribution of knowledge and skills for sustainable development and societal structures. To…

1043

Abstract

Purpose

As social institutions, higher education institutions (HEIs) play a key role in the distribution of knowledge and skills for sustainable development and societal structures. To fulfill this task, the institutionalization of sustainability within the organization’s structures is essential. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the status quo of environmental management performance (EMP) in HEIs and conclusions for the application of management control systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Within a systematic literature review, 56 international publications were analyzed along a qualitative thematic content analysis. The coding followed the dimensions of EMP by Trumpp et al.

Findings

Structuring environmental sustainability efforts along the concept of EMP reveals a major weakness in environmental sustainability management of HEIs. Therefore, the study proposes a model for a processual integration of steering mechanisms for management bodies to systemize appropriate efforts to gain excellence in operations.

Originality/value

By applying the concept of EMP by Trumpp et al., this systematic review provides an overview of the status quo of environmental management performance at HEIs and proposes a model for the implementation of advanced top-down steering striving a whole institution approach.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 14 May 2018

Edeltraud Guenther, Timo Busch, Jan Endrikat, Thomas Guenther and Marc Orlitzky

The purpose of this literature review is to reorient empirical research on the causal links between corporate ecological sustainability (CES) and corporate financial performance…

Abstract

The purpose of this literature review is to reorient empirical research on the causal links between corporate ecological sustainability (CES) and corporate financial performance (CFP). Toward this end, we summarize the findings of four meta-analyses (conducted between 2012 and 2016), which indicate that there is, on average, a small positive association between CES and CFP. In addition, these empirical associations seem to be contingent on the firm’s strategic approach with regard to ecological sustainability (e.g., proactive vs reactive approach) and on the operationalization of both constructs. We conclude that future research may benefit from an even more explicit, analytic shift to the circumstances under which it pays for firms to go green. The main research limitations we point out are model misspecifications, endogeneity, and problems in the measurement of both CES and CFP.

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2016

Nele Glienke and Edeltraud Guenther

The present paper aims to identify, map and assess the existing empirical evidence on this body of knowledge to examine what actions for corporate climate change mitigation (3CM…

1564

Abstract

Purpose

The present paper aims to identify, map and assess the existing empirical evidence on this body of knowledge to examine what actions for corporate climate change mitigation (3CM hereafter) decision-makers undertake, under what circumstances and with what results. Firm-level activities conducted to mitigate climate change are increasingly becoming a strategic issue for all corporations worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a systematic review, and a vote-counting approach, the vastly dispersed collection of qualitative and quantitative data available in the literature is integrated, to explore how 3CM is conceptualised and measured in empirical research. In particular, common trends and contradictory findings are illustrated.

Findings

The present review demonstrates that no researchers have yet analysed the role of 3CM in corporate management control systems. Furthermore, three shortcomings of existing empirical research were identified and some directions for future research were outlined. These regard analysing the positioning of 3CM in corporate management control systems, the further development of measurements of 3CM performance and a consideration of the evolution of 3CM over time.

Originality/value

Firm-level activities carried out to mitigate climate change are increasingly becoming a strategic issue for all corporations worldwide. However, the growing stream of management literature on climate change has not yet diffused across disciplinary boundaries, as it suffers from a remarkably diverse terminology and differing conceptualisations and measurements of its research objectives. The present review elaborates on the existing empirical evidence and suggests recommendations for future research.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2010

Edeltraud Guenther, Lilly Scheibe and Vera Greschner Farkavcová

The management of procurement processes can be one important factor in achieving an integrated stewardship of resources. This paper's purpose is to complete an empirical study to…

Abstract

Purpose

The management of procurement processes can be one important factor in achieving an integrated stewardship of resources. This paper's purpose is to complete an empirical study to record the current perception of hurdles in German industries.

Methodology

The questionnaire‐based survey was conducted with the major 883 large and all medium‐sized companies that are members of the “German Association of Materials Management, Purchasing, and Logistics (AMMPL)” 24 theory and experience‐based questions regarding several areas (legislation, company objectives, knowledge of products and services, costs, motivation) were asked in an explorative design.

Findings

The study identified hurdles that are perceived as significantly greater than others. There are differences in hurdles between the industries, but also within a particular industry. Medium‐sized companies feel more uncertainties regarding legislation or bemoan the absence of supportive guidelines.

Research limitations/implications

The 24 theory‐ and experience‐based questions could not be sorted into clearly defined hurdles groups. Further research in this direction is recommended as well as in‐depth analyses of industries and actors.

Practical implications

Sustained and concerted efforts to reduce the hurdles to further legislation or information campaigns initiatives on those hurdles that have been identified.

Originality/value

The paper indicates that hurdles to green procurement exist and companies have to cope in their efforts to increase their environmental responsibility. The paper provides strategies to handle and overcome such hurdles to firstly support the companies and secondly provide a basis for further in‐depth research on this topic.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2015

Claudia Zopf and Edeltraud Guenther

The concept of corporate environmental performance (CEP) is both used in and discussed with respect to international and regional standards, scientific work and business. Yet…

Abstract

Purpose

The concept of corporate environmental performance (CEP) is both used in and discussed with respect to international and regional standards, scientific work and business. Yet, there is no concensus on the meaning of the concept itself and on what elements or components it comprises. Moreover, although there is a discussion on interactions between the different levels of CEP, there is a lack of detailed and rigorous analysis. This paper merges the various insights on CEP and its underlying dimensions and addresses existing interactions between strategic and operational CEP. The interactions can be explained by two organizational theories prevailing in empirical studies namely institutional theory (IT) and the natural resource-based view (NRBV). The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the two theories to explain the different interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

First, recent papers that summarized research on the concept of CEP and its existing dimensions are reviewed yielding strategic and operational dimensions of CEP. Second, IT and the NRBV are analyzed in terms of how they are applied to CEP. The results are presented in a matrix which shows the interplay of CEP within its external pressures and strategic capabilities. Third, 37 empirical studies were analyzed by applying the method of an integrative research review. The review synthesized the theoretical approaches of the studies in their specific context, summarized their findings and categorized them into the theoretical arguments on which they are based.

Findings

Most studies are conducted on the pollution prevention level with different forms of institutional mechanisms. The studies are diversified and most positive results are found on that level. The studies analyzed differ widely in their methodological approaches, the measures applied and the theory on which they are based on, which may explain why the results were very heterogeneous.

Practical implications

The authors results should help environmental researchers understand how both dimensions are connected to each other and reveal that a combination of theories is essential when empirically investigating interactions within the construct of CEP. Moreover, the authors show that empirical research on CEP is imbalanced as too much studies concentrate on simple compliance measures for CEP. The authors contribute to the literature by summarizing important empirical work on CEP, classifying them into the matrix of IT and NRBV and showing neglected dimensions of CEP, namely higher strategic integration of environmental aspects into CEP measurements.

Originality/value

The present paper should be of particular interest to researchers investigating CEP both in theory and in terms of practical empirical analysis, as the authors show that both external and internal factors must be considered simultaneously in any evaluation. This may lead to far greater efforts in gathering information and data for future empirical research, but it is essential to do so, in order to obtain sufficient and reliable results that account adequately for the complex nature of CEP. Researchers should especially consider the matrix of IT and NRBV before commencing an empirical investigation, by locating their study in one of the fields of the matrix. This can support the choice of appropriate measurement indicators for the specific context and help focus on important external and internal items.

Details

Annals in Social Responsibility, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-3515

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2010

Edeltraud Guenther and Vera Greschner Farkavcová

The environmental impacts of transportation are rarely brought into decision making frameworks. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework and tool to help in these…

3962

Abstract

Purpose

The environmental impacts of transportation are rarely brought into decision making frameworks. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework and tool to help in these organizational decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey analysis was carried out amongst waste‐management companies within the project ETIENNE. Using this information, drivers and hurdles to the environmentally motivated optimization of transport were identified.

Findings

This research framework presents results of perceived hurdles in transport process optimization. Results of the research are grounded with definitions and discussion of the relevance of logistic processes.

Research limitations/implications

Analysis provided in this paper shows that there is no practicable tool to consider environmental impacts in management decisions in transportation. Therefore, a software tool, the so‐called ETIENNE‐Tool, for the evaluation of transportation alternatives, is developed. Theoretical principles for the environmental evaluation of transport processes are also proposed.

Practical implications

Organizational tasks – such as the selection and planning of transportation relations; employment of means of transportation; planning of locations; finally performing of operative business – can be fulfilled in a more environmentally sound manner.

Originality/value

Based on the ETIENNE‐Tool and taking into consideration stakeholders' requirements, different transportation chains for one transportation task can be easily compared and transportation can be planned efficiently.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

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