Corporate Practices Research Articles

SDG walking or washing? A cross‐sectoral analysis of business contribution to the SDGs

AbstractScholars and practitioners have increasingly focused on how business contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is disclosed through SDG reporting. However, corporate sustainability literature and practice suggest that SDG reporting may be purely symbolic, potentially leading to SDG washing. This paper proposes two indices to detect, through their discrepancy, the presence of symbolic approaches to SDG reporting. The SDG Coverage Index measures the completeness of the disclosed SDG‐related data, while the SDG Commitment Index describes the level of detail in the disclosed data, assessed according to SDG‐related Global Reporting Initiative indicators. The paper presents a content analysis of the sustainability reports of 376 companies to measure SDG coverage and commitment. The results suggest that, although companies tend to cover a wide range of SDG‐related indicators, this does not necessarily translate into significant commitment to the SDGs, revealing the presence of symbolic approaches and potential SDG washing practices.

Bridging Profitability and Sustainability: Insights from Carbon Emission Disclosures and Governance Practices

Background: This study investigates the impact of Good Corporate Governance (GCG), profitability, and carbon emission disclosure on firm value in the mining sector listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from 2019 to 2022. The mining sector's significance in Indonesia's economy and the growing importance of sustainable corporate practices provide the context for this research. Methods: The study employs multiple regression analysis to analyze data from 11 mining companies. The variables include GCG mechanisms (managerial ownership, institutional ownership, independent commissioners, and audit committees), profitability (measured by Return on Assets), and carbon emission disclosure. Firm value is proxied by Tobin's Q. Results: The findings indicate that profitability has a positive and significant impact on firm value. However, GCG mechanisms such as independent commissioners and audit committees have negative effects on firm value. Carbon emission disclosure does not significantly influence firm value. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of profitability in driving firm value but also underscores the need for effective GCG mechanisms and greater emphasis on environmental responsibility. The results contribute to the discourse on sustainable corporate practices and their implications for investor confidence, emphasizing the necessity of balanced approaches that integrate financial performance with environmental sustainability.

Adaptation and Challenges: The State, Impact, and Corporate Implementation of Global ESG Disclosure Regulations

In the current global context, the disclosure of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) information has emerged as a crucial factor influencing investment decisions and corporate evaluations. This has led to strengthened regulatory requirements aimed at enhancing the transparency and quality of disclosures. This paper thoroughly investigates the regulatory frameworks for ESG information disclosure and the challenges faced by companies in adapting to these regulatory demands. It analyzes how regulatory bodies formulate and implement policies, as well as how companies respond to these policy requirements. Employing a comparative research approach, this paper analyzes the ESG information disclosure regulatory policies across different countries and regions, uncovering the key elements of effective regulatory practices and the differences between regions. Additionally, through case studies, this paper deeply explores the main challenges companies face in complying with ESG information disclosure requirements, such as the complexity of data collection and processing, inconsistencies in performance evaluation standards, and the issues related to the cost and benefit assessment of disclosure. By systematically analyzing the interaction between regulatory frameworks and corporate practices, this paper aims to guide companies in effectively dealing with the complexities of global ESG information disclosure, while also providing references for regulatory bodies to develop more effective policies.

Channels of influence in sustainable finance: A framework for conceptualizing how private actors shape the green transition

Abstract Since the Paris Agreement, interest in decarbonization and sustainable finance has grown rapidly. Within the prevalent derisking regime, investment for decarbonization must come predominantly from the private sector. However, growth in ‘sustainable finance’ assets is not necessarily causing more sustainability-advancing productive investment to drive the green transition. We thus argue that sustainable finance is not exclusively about investing or providing finance, but crucially also about changing corporate practices toward greater sustainability. To shed light on how private financial actors can influence sustainability in a derisking context and to facilitate this broader research perspective on sustainable finance, we introduce the conceptual framework of ‘channels of influence’. These channels are different strategies and mechanisms used by private actors that influence the behavior of financial and non-financial corporations to increase financial flows to sustainable productive investments. We identify ten channels of influence concerning sustainable finance: (1) initial financing; (2) refinancing; (3) (re)insurance; (4) ratings; (5) climate-litigation; (6) company engagement; (7) divestment; (8) reputation; (9) coalition-building; and (10) standard-setting. These are grouped according to the specificity and breadth of their sustainability impact. Using these channels enables private actors to advance sustainability within the status quo of state-market relations and regulation.

Landing sustainable innovation values in business management

Introduction: Values define the organizational culture, identity, and other essential attributes of the company. Hence the importance of their definition, which must be assumed by all parties involved, and if possible be aligned with them. This is especially relevant in companies seeking sustainability-oriented innovation. Methodology: In this work, we analysed 234 studies focused on sustainability-oriented innovation, in order to learn about the values that govern these types of organizations and how they are put into practice. In the research conducted, we found four types of values that influence the implementation of sustainability-oriented innovation in the company: institutional values, organization’s values, individual values and consumer values. Results: The implementation of these values in the company is problematic due to a lack of knowledge about them and show the need for symbiotic learning. We present a conceptual framework of sustainability-oriented innovation values that is not static but feeds back. Likewise, we collect innovative practices of sustainability-oriented companies, organized according to the typology of values studied. Conclusions: Sustainable innovation in companies is deeply influenced by a complex interplay of institutional, organizational, individual, and consumer values. Continuous learning and adaptability, driven by strong leadership and stakeholder engagement, are crucial for embedding sustainability into corporate practices and achieving long-term sustainable development goals.

Factors Affecting Sustainable Consumption in the Era of Consumerism: An Empirical Study in the Context of Circular Economy

Sustainable consumption is one of the best ways to address global environmental challenges in an era dominated by consumerism. The circular economy model emphasizes reducing waste, maximizing resource use, and promoting environmentally friendly production and consumption patterns. At the same time, consumers play an equally important role in this change by making responsible choices that prioritize durability, repairability, and recyclability. But despite growing awareness, challenges such as the intention-behaviour gap and infrastructural barriers still exist, limiting the widespread adoption of sustainable practices. Bridging these gaps requires collaborative efforts across sectors and a cultural shift toward mindful consumption. This paper explores the importance of consumer behaviour, business strategies, and policy interventions in promoting sustainable consumption within the circular economy framework. Greater awareness and encouragement of responsible actions can help society transition towards a more sustainable future, ensuring both environmental preservation and economic resilience. A sample of 209 consumers were surveyed to know the factors that affects sustainable consumption in the era of consumerism and found that Consumer Environmental Awareness, Economic factors, Corporate Practices and Policy Implementation are the factors that affects the sustainable consumption.

Strategic silence in corporate communication concerning deadstock and overstock in the fashion industry

PurposeOur study aims to fill in the gap in corporate strategic silence in the fashion industry. Given the insights into the industry practices, we asked whether important sustainability issues, namely deadstock and overstock, are discussed or disclosed in corporate sustainability reports. We assumed that only the most fashion-forward corporations would address this pressing issue. However, based on our content analysis of sustainability reports of companies listed as the signatories of the UN Global Compact’s Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action (N = 95), we found out that only one-fifth of them touch the issues to a varied extent. Our study’s results point to a significant discrepancy between the sustainability claims of fashion companies and their communication about overproduction and demonstrate the existence of the shared industry practice of corporate silence strategy concerning uncomfortable issues, such as deadstock and overstock.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a content analysis of selected corporate reports (N = 95) available publicly on the company’s websites, such as sustainability, environmental or corporate social responsibility reports. Initially, we analyzed the documents to see if they addressed the issue of deadstock. Subsequently, we performed a detailed content analysis using NVivo on these reports, which mentioned the issue of deadstock (N = 23).FindingsOur study reveals strategic silence in the fashion industry regarding deadstock and overstock. Analyzing reports of 95 signatories of the UN Global Compact’s Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, only one-fifth address these issues. Our research, employing content analysis with NVivo, indicates a significant discrepancy between sustainability claims and actual communication practices. Most companies focus on recycling or materials management rather than addressing deadstock and overstock directly. The findings highlight an industry-wide practice of strategic silence and the practice of shared corporate silence, avoiding transparent discussion on overproduction and its environmental impact.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited by its focus on publicly available corporate reports from signatories of the UN Global Compact’s Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, which do not fully capture all corporate communication practices (those companies shall be the “pioneers” of sustainability and transparency). Additionally, the reliance on content analysis via NVivo is subject to interpretative biases, and the findings may not be generalizable across all fashion industry sectors. Future research could explore broader datasets, including internal corporate communications and consumer-facing narratives, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of strategic silence in sustainability communication.Practical implicationsDespite ongoing environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts and sustainability initiatives, this study suggests that fashion corporations may strategically employ collective silence as a communication tactic to avoid addressing complex issues like overproduction and deadstock. This practice can undermine stakeholder trust and transparency. Therefore, fashion companies genuinely committed to sustainability and corporate responsibility should proactively incorporate discussions of unsold goods and overproduction into their ESG, impact and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive reports. By addressing these challenges openly, companies can enhance their credibility, foster greater consumer trust and lead the industry toward more responsible and transparent practices.Social implicationsOur research presents alarming evidence of corporate silence being strategically used to avoid addressing pressing issues in the industry. Several cases have drawn public attention to this problem, such as using the Västerås power plant in Sweden by a fashion conglomerate to incinerate clothes and disposing a vast amount of textile waste in Africa and the Atacama Desert in Chile. Our findings demonstrate that fashion corporations are reluctant to openly address these issues.Originality/valueOur study analyzes the quiet practice of corporate silence in the fashion industry, especially around deadstock and overstock to emphasize the overproduction problem. Its unique contribution comes from using content analysis and subsequently, cluster analysis with NVivo, offering a new approach to content analysis. This approach helps reveal the gap between what companies communicate about sustainability and what they actually do. The findings add to the discussion on corporate environmental practices, suggesting a need for more transparent and responsible communication in sustainability discourse – focus more on the unsaid than published data.

Measurement and evaluation of low-carbon tourism development on islands: A case study in Changdao, China.

China's island tourism is still in the exploratory stage, and the carbon emissions due to island tourism development are still prominent. This study assesses the development of low-carbon tourism on Changdao Island in China. We constructed an evaluation model for low-carbon tourism on islands based on the driver-pressure-state-impact-response model, and the Entropy Weight Method-Analytical Hierarchy Process Method was combined with the weighting method to determine the index weights of ench evaluation-indicator. The annual changes in the development level of low-carbon tourism, the weights of the indicators, the characteristics of the scores, the low-carbon development mode, and key factors of island tourism were analyzed. The results of the study showed that the indicator "impact" was the most influential element of the island's low-carbon tourism, and the ecological environment value was higher than that of the economic value. Moreover, energy saving and consumption reduction helped tourists to have a better experience, which further enabled island tourism to have a larger market size. The "response" also occupied a crucial position, where the weighted value of government planning was twice as high as that of corporate practice. The other elements were "pressure", "state", and "driving forces", which showed that low carbon emissions are an important criterion for the island tourism environment and economic factors have the greatest effect in terms of the "driving forces". The study evaluated the level of low-carbon development in island regionals across multiple dimensions, filled the literature gap, and provided a reference for the study of regional low-carbon and sustainable development of tourism.

Data disaffection: Toward a relational and affective understanding of datafication

Research on user experiences with datafication, the transformation of social life into data, identifies “digital resignation” and “privacy cynicism” as rational responses to feeling overwhelmed and disempowered. But how, exactly, do shared feelings and emotions mediate relationships between datafication and disengaged responses – both individually and institutionally? We develop a relational analysis of datafication, deploying an infrastructural perspective and drawing on affect theory to develop the concept of data disaffection, which we define as the structural cultivation of accepting data accumulation as inevitable. Data disaffection is a structure of feeling that conditions processes across scales of analysis: it manifests in resignation and cynicism on an individual level while simultaneously structuring commercial practices. We illustrate how data disaffection highlights alternative sites and methods for understanding datafication, and we conclude by discussing the implications for understanding datafication as a cultural dynamic as well as a corporate practice.

Integrating ESG Criteria in Corporate Strategies: Determinants and Implications for Performance

This study explores the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into corporate practices, focusing on the methodologies used for their evaluation and the factors influencing their adoption. Through a qualitative and comparative analysis of European and Saudi Arabian contexts, the research examines how companies align their strategies with ESG requirements in diverse regulatory and cultural environments. Data is drawn from established ESG rating agencies, corporate sustainability reports, and case studies, allowing for a thorough investigation of internal and external evaluation processes and their implications for ESG scores. The study identifies key challenges in ESG implementation, including ambiguities in definitions, resource disparities, sector-specific considerations, and resistance due to cost or unfavorable ratings. It also highlights the role of legal and regulatory frameworks, such as the ESG Disclosure Guidelines introduced by the Saudi Capital Market Authority and global standards like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), in shaping corporate ESG practices. Recommendations emphasize the need for standardized evaluation criteria, targeted support for smaller enterprises, and stronger legal frameworks to promote transparency and compliance. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of ESG dynamics and provide actionable insights for advancing corporate sustainability on a global scale.

Consumption of Instagram corporal practice content by women consumption of corporal practice

This study aims to understand women’s perception of consuming corporal practices content present on social network platform Instagram. This is a qualitative descriptive research, which included 45 women, aged 18-55 years, from 26 Brazilian states, and who are Instagram users. The semi-structured interview model was used as a data collection instrument, and online interviews were conducted and later recorded and transcribed into an electronic file. Data analysis was performed by non-aprioristic categories. Results found that some of the volunteers consume Instagram corporal practices content and it is possible to observe different preferences about this consumption. It can also be seen that on the one hand content shared on Instagram generated volunteers’ interest in trying and joining new modalities, an also made them know modalities hitherto unknown or that had not called their attention, but, on the other, possible issues in relation to mental health and aesthetic pressure were identified. In conclusion, consumption of Instagram information can be a way to encourage women to maintain their corporal practices if allied to the interests of Physical Education.

Econometric analysis of cement companies in an emerging market: A sustainability outlook

Cement plays a crucial role in India’s infrastructure projects and contributes significantly to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employment. India’s urbanization relies heavily on this sector as the world’s second-largest producer of cement. Given its economic importance, understanding and assessing financial health and predicting the likelihood of default by these companies are critical for stakeholders. This study investigates various financial ratios, assesses their significance, and explores their relationship with the Altman Z score, a financial ratio used to predict the probability of a company’s bankruptcy. Recent corporate practices show a growing trend toward incorporating corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting and sustainable growth rate (SGR) reporting into mandatory disclosures. These metrics are strategically used to improve public perception, build stakeholder trust, and convey a company’s reliability and operational performance. This study further explores the potential impact of CSR and SGR on bankruptcy risk, assessed using the Altman Z-score. Empirical analysis within the Indian cement industry reveals that, at present, CSR and SGR factors may not have a significant effect on financial distress. This study contributes significantly to the understanding of the financial health of the Indian cement industry while examining the evolving roles of CSR and SGR. It provides a nuanced perspective by empowering stakeholders to identify financial and non-financial indicators of stability. It also emphasizes the critical need for holistic assessment methodologies in the ever-evolving corporate landscape.

Technology for Good? Tencent’s Corporate Social Responsibility, Institutional Chameleon, and the Future of Platform Economies

There have been global regulatory debates and efforts aimed at holding digital platforms accountable for the public interest. Utilizing mixed methods of documentary research and expert interviews, this article examines how the Chinese digital giant Tencent leverages its adaptive capabilities for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in response to increasingly stringent regulation in China. Specifically, it explores Tencent’s organizational restructuring, including the establishment of the sustainable social value (SSV) division, as well as the accompanying corporate practices and discursive strategies aimed at enhancing its legitimacy. As an exemplar of the “institutional chameleon,” Tencent has deftly navigated regulatory waters through organizational metamorphosis. However, while Tencent’s enhanced CSR initiatives have certainly yielded some social benefits, the SSV initiatives are increasingly emerging as a new business frontier for the company, leveraging its vast infrastructural capacities to capitalize on the very social fabric it purports to support. This underscores the complexities and contradictions inherent in its CSR practices and the significance of the intrinsic logic of digital platforms as a modern business.

The Impact Of Tax Avoidance On Firm Value

Taxes are crucial because the government uses them to fund public welfare and development. Tax revenue in 2022 demonstrates an equally dispersed economic recovery in Indonesia across a number of industries. However, due to a number of factors, including instances of tax avoidance and corporate practices that exploit technicalities in tax laws, Indonesia's tax collection has fallen short of its proper amount. This study sought to ascertain how tax evasion affected the company value of coal mining businesses that were listed between 2018 and 2021 on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Panel data regression analysis techniques are employed in the data analysis method using the Eviews version 12 software. Choosing model estimates the Chow test, Hausman test, Langrange multiplier test, normality test, panel data regression test, and hypothesis testing is how data testing is done. The analysis concluded that there is no relationship between tax avoidance and corporate value.

Research on the Influence Mechanism of Leader Incivility on Employees' Complaints

Employee complaints are expressions of employee dissatisfaction related to work and organization, and it is a workplace phenomenon that cannot be ignored in today's society. Leaders' uncivil behaviors can bring negative psychological experiences to employees and affect their behaviors. Based on the theory of emotional events, this study takes negative emotions as mediating variables and justice sensitivity and self-monitoring as moderating variables to explore the influence mechanism of uncivilized leadership behavior on employee complaints, so as to provide references and lessons for the intervention management of leader incivility and the management of employees' complaints in corporate practice.

CONSTRUCTING WORK ETHICS AND GENERAL HUMAN ETHICS PARADIGM IN INDONESIA

This research explores the significance of work ethics and general human ethics in the context of employee development within the corporate industry. Through an extensive review of literature encompassing 140 research findings, the study emphasizes the crucial role of employee development in enhancing human resource quality and company productivity. The research identifies key factors contributing to effective employee development, including the identification of employee needs and potentials, provision of training and coaching, utilization of technology, provision of constructive feedback, and regular evaluations. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of adapting development programs to meet the specific needs of employees and their work environments. It highlights the pivotal role of managers and supervisors in providing support and guidance to employees throughout the development process. Additionally, the research emphasizes the significance of evaluating the effectiveness of employee development programs to ensure continual improvement and success. By integrating these findings into corporate practices, companies can design and implement more effective employee development initiatives tailored to their workforce. This, in turn, will lead to improved employee performance, strengthened competencies, and ultimately, enhanced company growth and sustainability. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by Jurnal Bisnis Terapan. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons. Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Role of green bonds in developing ESG projects in Eastern provinces of China

In today’s global economy, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment exerts considerable influence, guiding investment decisions and corporate practices towards sustainability. This research explores the nexus between green bonds and ESG investment in China’s Eastern provinces, crucial for regional economic development and the shift towards sustainable growth. Examining data from 2015 to 2022 across 12 provinces reveals a significant finding: a 1% increase in green bonds correlates with a 0.33% increase in ESG investment, underscoring the pivotal role of green financing. While the size of financial markets and private investments shows minimal impact, economic growth demonstrates a positive association with ESG investment, reflecting a heightened awareness of sustainability. Conversely, deteriorating air quality reduces ESG investment due to increased environmental costs. To enhance ESG investment, effective policies should focus on expanding the green bonds market, improving transparency, fostering collaboration, implementing supportive regulations, and raising public awareness.

Extractivism, Profits and People: Environmental, Social and Economic Costs of Fluorspar Mining In Kerio Valley, Kenya

This paper examines the disruptive effect of resource extraction through fluorspar mining in Kerio-Valley. Focus is on how this process sparked off economic contestations, intense ecological crisis, and heightened social tensions. The discovery and subsequent mining of Fluorspar deposits in Kerio Valley has created economic opportunities and caused profound challenges for the indigene Keiyo community. Mineral extraction has caused environmental degradation, deforestation, water contamination, cultural desecration, and land dilapidation, which has adversely affected local agriculture and biodiversity. One thousand four hundred families have suffered the disruption of traditional livelihoods occasioning food shortage and hunger, leading to the cultural disintegration of a once vibrant and self-sustained community. Despite government efforts to manage these impacts through various policies and partnerships with multinational corporations, the socio-ecological crises persist. Using grounded theory, this paper argues that the benefits of fluorspar mining is negated by the long-drawn demands for adequate compensation, pollution, and social upheaval. This paper recommends a re-evaluation of governance frameworks and corporate practices in the extractive sector.

To Trust or Not to Trust: Sensemaking of Trust Building and Maintenance Between Expatriates and Host Nationals in a Multinational Corporation

ABSTRACT This study examined communication messages and behaviors expatriates and host nationals relied on to make sense of whom to (continue) trust(ing) in a multinational corporation, using sensemaking theory. Thirty-two participants (16 Japanese expatriates and 16 U.S. host nationals) were recruited from a Japanese manufacturing company in the U.S. Semi-structured individual interviews revealed that expatriates and host nationals relied on one’s competence, skills, and dedication to work, support from one another, and personal and emotional connections in making sense of whom to trust. Notably, some host nationals already trusted expatriates to begin with. In maintaining trust, host nationals and expatriates relied on constant interpersonal interactions and continued to observe work-related behavior, such as support, collaboration, competence, and proactivity. These findings are discussed in relation to organizational practices in multinational corporations, culture, and sensemaking to provide theoretical insights to literature but also practical recommendations for diverse workplaces.

ТРАНСФОРМАЦИЯ КОРПОРАТИВНОЙ КУЛЬТУРЫ ДЛЯ ДОСТИЖЕНИЯ ЦЕЛЕЙ УСТОЙЧИВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ

The article is devoted to the study of corporate culture as a factor in the sustainable development of an organization, which can both contribute to and hinder the achievement of goals and the implementation of sustainable development principles in corporate practice. The main features of the corporate culture of sustainable development are presented, determining the directions of transformation of existing cultures, as well as the characteristics of the manifestations of strong and weak cultures of sustainable development and their impact on the development of the organization. A model of the organizational culture of sustainable development is proposed and, based on the generalization of existing experience, corporate practices are identified that contribute to its formation and development, including ensuring the involvement of employees in solving existing problems. The strengths of various types of corporate culture are highlighted, which must be aligned with the goals of sustainable development in the corporate strategy. Additional opportunities for transforming corporate culture to achieve sustainable development goals when implementing technology based on artificial intelligence are shown.