Sustainable Business Environment Research Articles

Beyond breathing exercises: rethinking mindfulness through a Buddhist lens to combat unethical decision-making in organizations

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the intersection of mindfulness practices and ethical decision-making within organisational leadership. Drawing from ancient Buddhist principles and contemporary neuroscience, this study aims to illuminate how mindfulness can enhance cognitive and emotional regulation, thereby fostering ethical behaviour and improved decision-making among leaders and employees. By examining the theoretical and practical implications of mindfulness in the context of organisational behaviour, this research seeks to contribute to the development of more compassionate, ethical and effective leadership practices, ultimately promoting a more mindful and sustainable business environment. Design/methodology/approach This concept paper explores the integration of mindfulness meditation practices with decision-making, particularly its influence on ethical choices, through a comparative study of modern techniques and the ancient teachings of the Tripitaka. Using a methodology that spans literature review in organisational behaviour and leadership, alongside in-depth analysis of the Tripitaka and contributions from scholars like Bhikkhu Bodhi, the paper examines the potential of mindfulness in enhancing ethical decision-making. It incorporates a range of sources, including peer-reviewed journals and seminal books across various disciplines, to underscore the transformative potential of mindfulness in addressing contemporary challenges and guiding leadership practices. Findings This discussion explores how mindfulness, rooted in ancient Buddhist philosophy and aligned with modern neuroscience, can significantly enhance managerial decision-making by fostering a balance between cognitive and emotional factors. It delves into the transformative potential of mindfulness in refining thought processes, promoting ethical decision-making and mitigating cognitive biases. By bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific insights, the analysis underscores mindfulness as an active, dynamic process crucial for personal growth and effective leadership in complex environments. Research limitations/implications One limitation of this research is its reliance on theoretical frameworks and literature reviews, which may not capture the full range of practical challenges in implementing mindfulness practices within organisations. Additionally, the diversity in mindfulness methodologies and the subjective nature of mindfulness experiences may affect the generalisability of the findings. Future research should include empirical studies to validate the proposed benefits of mindfulness in organisational settings and explore the most effective strategies for integrating mindfulness practices into leadership and decision-making processes. This would help in understanding how mindfulness can be tailored to suit different organisational cultures and individual preferences. Practical implications The practical implications of applying mindfulness in organisational settings include enhanced decision-making abilities, improved leadership effectiveness and increased employee well-being. Mindfulness training can equip leaders and employees with the skills to manage stress, navigate complex ethical decisions and maintain focus amidst distractions, leading to more thoughtful and responsible business practices. Organisations might see a reduction in conflict, enhanced creativity and better teamwork, contributing to a more harmonious and productive workplace. Implementing mindfulness programmes could also support talent retention and attraction by promoting a workplace culture that values mental health and ethical behaviour. Social implications The social implications of integrating mindfulness into organisational decision-making and leadership, as suggested by the document, include promoting ethical behaviour, enhancing emotional regulation and improving team dynamics. Mindfulness practices can lead to more informed and conscious decision-making, reducing cognitive biases and fostering a culture of ethical awareness within organisations. This shift towards mindful leadership could potentially transform organisational cultures, encouraging greater compassion, ethical responsibility and collective well-being, thereby contributing positively to broader societal values and norms. Originality/value The originality and value of this research lie in its novel integration of mindfulness concepts derived from ancient Buddhist teachings with contemporary neuroscience and organisational behaviour studies. By exploring the deep-rooted philosophical underpinnings of mindfulness and their applicability to modern ethical decision-making and leadership practices, this work offers a unique perspective that bridges historical wisdom with current scientific understanding. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the transformative potential of mindfulness in organisational settings, highlighting its capacity to foster ethical leadership, enhance decision-making processes and contribute to a more mindful, compassionate and sustainable business environment.

Institutional Pressure and Business Sustainable Performance: Does Environmental Management Accounting Matter?

This study investigates the relationship between institutional pressures (IP) and sustainable business performance (SP) within Oman’s industrial sector, emphasizing on the mediating role of environmental management accounting (EMA). Drawing from the institutional theory, a sample of 307 respondents from Oman-based manufacturing firms listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange was considered. Data were gathered via an online questionnaire directed at accounting and finance professionals, with an impressive response rate of 96%. Using structural equation modelling through SPSS and AMOS, the analysis revealed that coercive pressure has a positive yet insignificant influence on SP, while normative pressure significantly correlates with SP. Additionally, while most dimensions of IP positively influence EMA, normative pressure was found to have no significant relationship with EMA. The results further confirm the significant positive impact of EMA on SP. This study underscores the pivotal role of EMA in fostering a sustainable business environment in Oman, accentuating the need for environment-friendly policies driven by IP.

Ethical management and stakeholder relations: Insights from Slovak companies with foreign participation

The practice of ethical management has gained traction due to its role in enhancing stakeholder relations, which can have severe repercussions for organisations. By prioritising ethics, companies not only uphold moral principles but also gain a competitive advantage. This is particularly true in societies that value socially responsible business and give preference to companies that go beyond the requirements of the law. Understanding the significance of ethical management practices is therefore becoming key to creating a responsible and sustainable business environment that benefits both an organisation and its stakeholders, such as employees, consumers and society. The purpose of this article is to present a comprehensive exploration of the impact of selected aspects of ethical management in Slovak companies with foreign participation on the ethicality of their relationships with stakeholders. By examining a range of factors related to ethical management, the article seeks to identify statistically significant differences among companies with different approaches to managing business ethics. Employing this analysis, the article contributes to the understanding of ethical practices in Slovak companies and provides insights for academics and practitioners of business ethics. The data used for this analysis was collected through an online questionnaire survey, resulting in a sample size of 179 monitored subjects, all of whom are Slovak companies with foreign participation. The research design included two groups of factors: “general factors of business ethics” or “ethical management approaches” and “ethicality of company-stakeholder relationships.” The statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, followed by the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test, and post hoc analysis using the Bonferroni adjustment for previously identified significances. The results of the research presented in the article indicate a predominantly positive ethical stance towards employees, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders among Slovak companies. Statistically significant differences were found in the levels of ethicality in relation to legal form, with limited liability and joint-stock companies showing different perceptions towards supplier ethics. The research also proves that an ethical organisational climate is a major determinant of the ethicality of Slovak companies and suggests that a robust integration of ethics into strategic planning significantly improves their stakeholder relations. It can also be concluded that the scope of a code of ethics is particularly significant for community relations, whereas the frequency with which it is updated has less impact. This research holds significant value because it explores the impact of ethical management practices on stakeholder relations and ethical issues in Slovak companies with foreign participation. By focusing on the specific context of Slovak companies, the research offers unique insights into the relationship between ethical management factors and stakeholder dynamics. This research aims to bridge a gap by shedding light on the intricate dynamics between ethical management and stakeholder relations. The findings provide valuable guidance to organisational leaders, policymakers and stakeholders in fostering ethical behaviour and mitigating ethical risks within companies.

The influence of corporate social responsibility, investment opportunities, and profitability on tax avoidance

The analysis conducted on the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Investment Opportunity, Profitability, and Tax Avoidance in Energy Sector Companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange between 2017 and 2021 has yielded significant insights. While the influence of CSR on Tax Avoidance was found to be insignificant, both Investment Opportunity and Profitability demonstrated notable effects, with the latter displaying a negative influence. Furthermore, the combined impact of CSR, Investment Opportunity, and Profitability on Tax Avoidance was found to be substantial, explaining 63% of the observed variance. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between corporate practices, financial performance, and tax management strategies, offering valuable implications for various stakeholders. In light of these conclusions, several recommendations can be drawn. Firstly, collaboration between tax authorities and relevant stakeholders is essential to refine tax policies, integrating sustainability considerations and ensuring transparency in corporate tax practices. Secondly, investors should adopt a comprehensive approach when assessing investment opportunities, taking into account factors beyond financial performance, including corporate social responsibility and tax management strategies. Additionally, companies are encouraged to enhance their disclosure practices concerning CSR activities, thereby promoting greater transparency and accountability. Finally, future research efforts should focus on expanding the scope of analysis across different sectors and incorporating additional variables to deepen our understanding of tax avoidance dynamics in the Indonesian context. By implementing these recommendations, policymakers, tax authorities, investors, and corporate entities can collectively contribute to fostering a more responsible and sustainable business environment.

Research Landscape of Sustainable Marketing: Thematic Analysis and Future Trends

Sustainability has been recognized as an integral business strategy leading to competitive advantage. The aim of the study is to generate a bibliometric blueprint for the sustainable marketing research domain and further identify emerging trends in this area. The data is collected from one of the most prominent bibliographic databases, Scopus. After narrowing our search keywords, a result of 4,889 articles is produced. Following the use of Boolean operators, 1,004 bibliographic resources were found, which were analysed in this study. The data is then visualized using a comparison visualization programme (VOSviewer) to demonstrate the possible outcomes graphically. The research findings are presented in the form of article categorizations into 11 thematic categories. The thematic categories outlined previous studies’ trends and contribution characteristics under the individual category, illustrating their implications. The article sums up the emerging and future themes in the area of sustainability. From the perspective of sustainability, the study demonstrates the importance of a sustainable business environment, green marketing, ecological marketing, sustainable tourism, and sustainability and development. The study brings out the role of multiple stakeholders to prevent the depletion of natural resources, secure waste management, prevent pollution, and cooperate with the nation’s compliance. This will promote economic development, which can be improved if we consider taking wiser steps to prevent the economy from degrading.

CREATING A SUSTAINABLE DIGITAL BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR GLOBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

This research aims to analyze the challenges and opportunities in creating a sustainable digital business ecosystem to support inclusive global economic growth. The research method used includes collecting and analyzing various documents such as research reports, academic publications, government policies, and industry documents related to digital business ecosystems, sustainability, and global economic development. The results show that the integration between the concepts of digital business ecosystems and sustainability has a crucial role in creating a sustainable business environment. Key factors such as digital inclusion, sustainable innovation and multi-stakeholder partnerships were identified as important elements in achieving this goal. The implications of this research highlight the need for collaborative action between governments, companies, and non-governmental organizations in designing policies and business practices that support sustainable economic growth. Building a comprehensive, forward-thinking, and environmentally friendly digital business network is essential for long-term economic development that positively impacts society. Stakeholders can achieve long-term improvements that benefit future generations by prioritizing economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This research aims to build a durable digital business environment for the betterment of the world economy through its contribution to academic literature and business practice.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND GREENWASHING: AN ANALYSIS OF SUFFICIENT CONSUMPTION IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY

The article examines how the fashion industry has been exploiting marketing tactics that encourage overconsumption and generate a mass consciousness among consumers, where a person's social status is determined by the clothes and accessories they use. However, these tactics have contributed significantly to global environmental pollution and socio-economic issues. The fashion industry has been driven by profit-first interests that rely on cheap materials, accelerated aging of products, aggressive advertising, and an offshoring strategy that provides cheap labor and low tax rates. It is high time that companies reassess their marketing strategies and focus on sustainable development. The current climate crisis demands that companies make informed decisions and take proactive measures toward sustainability. This article revealed the impact of fast fashion marketing on consumer behavior and the environment, highlighting the need for sustainable fashion practices. The article analyzes the initiatives fashion companies take to incorporate sustainability into their core business strategies, for instance, innovative raw materials, recycling, and repair services. The article examines the practice of greenwashing, where companies make false or exaggerated claims about their environmental efforts to appear more sustainable. The article emphasizes the need for companies to encourage consumers to sufficient consumption to stay sustainable and achieve zero emissions to solve climate problems. Achieving and maintaining consumer well-being and social equity are critical goals in today's global business environment. One strategy for achieving these goals is through sufficient consumption, which involves optimizing resource use and reducing waste. Sufficient consumption can be realized by revaluing personal needs and desires, limiting excessive consumption, and minimizing waste. By adopting a mindful and responsible approach to consumption, consumers and companies can promote social equity and cultivate a sustainable business environment.

Circular Economy Business Model in the Construction Industry: A Systematic Review

The construction business environment is becoming competitive and intense, and Business Models (BMs) are receiving considerable attention as potential sources of sustainable survival and growth. Converse to the Linear Economy (LE) model that industry follows, the Circular Economy (CE) model has the potential to create a sustainable construction industry while also creating a sustainable business environment in construction organisations. Nevertheless, in traditional BMs, value is often concentrated on the financial value for the stakeholders; in the Circular Economy Business Model (CEBM), value is seen more broadly by considering a comprehensive range of value chain partners, the environment, and society. Hence, implementing the CE in the construction industry requires reforms in each value chain. Thus, the aim of this paper is to develop a conceptual model for construction organisations’ adoption of CEBM for their organisations. To accomplish this aim, the objectives of this paper are twofold: (i) to define the concept of CEBM and (ii) to map a conceptual Circular Economy Business Model Canvas (CEBMC) that is applicable in the construction organisational context. This research adopted a systematic document review, including a content analysis of selected papers. This study contributes significantly by proposing a CEBMC where construction organisations can successfully transform their businesses from linear to circular environments.

THE ROLE OF ESG DISCLOSURE PRACTICES IN INVESTMENT DECISIONS

Purpose: This study explores the role of ESG disclosure practices on investment decisions, focusing on how this information is used by investors for risk assessment and informed choice. It is essential for expanding knowledge about the monetary advantages of sustainable activities. In order to support investors, enhance their ESG practices and promote a more ethical and sustainable business environment, the research attempts to provide insightful analysis and actionable suggestions. Design: This paper delivers a thorough examination of the role served by ESG disclosure practices during the entire process of investment decision-making. Moreover, it furnishes insights pertaining to the advantages, challenges, opportunities for enhancement, and prospective developments linked to these practices. Finding: The findings from the case study unveil novel perspectives on how ESG disclosure practices influence investment decision-making, offering potential assistance to investors in refining their strategies and cultivating a financial system with a stronger emphasis on sustainability. This significantly expands ESG integration knowledge, offering valuable insights for stakeholders pursuing a sustainable financial future. Originality value: ESG disclosure has a crucial part in investment decisions by providing valuable information about a companys ESG performance. This information helps assess risks and opportunities, identify investment themes, and determine effective choices. Companies with robust ESG disclosure attract and retain investors, while investors factoring in ESG considerations enhance their potential for long-term returns. Paper type: Case Study KEYWORDS: ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), Investment decision, SWOT Analysis, individual investors, ESG integration.

Investing in social responsibility to achieve full sustainability

Purpose This article aims to analyze sustainability in tourism as the unavoidable path for the sector and the planet.Design/methodology/approachArgues that through sustainability, it will be possible to develop companies in full harmony with the already evident needs of the planet and that it is urgent that they continue to evolve, without further erosion by creating a firm and sustainable basis for the future.FindingsProposes that it is necessary to think about social responsibility to achieve full sustainability but that above all, each of us—individually and collectively, has a role to play. In fact, for this path of sustainability to be followed, it is necessary to create a sustainable business environment that companies, in particular the smaller ones, can adopt.Originality/valueThe article presents the views and main initiatives of the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Similar Establishments of Portugal as they interconnect social responsibility and full sustainability and illustrates these with several projects and a best practice case in energy management for restaurants.

Survival characteristics of food and beverage businesses in a gentrified commercial area—A case study in Seoul, Korea

Commercial gentrification is a common cause of urban transformation in modern cities. Former residential and industrial areas are being transformed into commercial ones specializing in the food and beverage (F&B) industry because of their unique atmosphere. However, F&B businesses in the gentrified commercial areas are prone to intense competition for survival that debate on the emerging commercial street's sustainability. Thus, this study analyzed F&B street businesses' survival characteristics where commercial gentrification has occurred. The research site was selected among Seoul's commercial streets by performing data analysis. The Cox proportional hazards model and urban spatial indicators were used to analyze the factors affecting survival time. The research findings were as follows: First, physical attractiveness, such as openness or visual accessibility, lowered the closure risk. Second, accessibility to cultural facilities or open spaces was beneficial for the nearby F&B demands; however, it occasionally intensified the competition. Finally, competitive businesses' agglomeration increased the closure risk, while non-competitive ones' agglomeration and diversification decreased it. This research's results could be useful for policymakers in promoting a more sustainable business environment for F&B entrepreneurs.

Unlocking the link between company attributes and sustainability accounting in shanghai: firm traits driving corporate transparency and stakeholder responsiveness

Sustainability accounting is crucial for corporate transparency and responsibility, but its relationship with firm characteristics in Shanghai, China’s financial center, remains poorly understood. This study uses a descriptive-analytical methodology to examine the impact of firm size, industry type, and profitability on sustainability accounting practices. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of 43 studies provide insights into the extent and drivers of sustainability reporting. The findings reveal a positive association between firm size (r = 0.389) and profitability (r = 0.327) with sustainability reporting. Larger, more profitable firms, including state-owned enterprises, exhibit extensive sustainability accounting practices. However, the effect of industry type is inconclusive (r = 0.061), indicating a contingent relationship dependent on firm-specific contexts. The study suggests implementing regulations mandating minimum sustainability disclosure for large and profitable enterprises. Capacity-building initiatives for small private firms and the adoption of integrated reporting policies can enhance transparency. These outcomes contribute contemporary insights into corporate sustainability accounting in China’s evolving landscape. The implications extend to policy development and collaborative efforts to expand sustainability measurement and disclosure in Shanghai. Tailoring regulatory initiatives to firm profiles, such as size and profitability, enhances sustainability accounting practices. Targeted capacity-building programs, assurance mandates, and integrated reporting regulations improve the quality and usefulness of sustainability accounting information. Collaboration with the investor community is crucial for mainstreaming sustainability measurement and disclosure. This study deepens the understanding of sustainability accounting practices in Shanghai, an emerging economy financial hub. It provides insights for policy development, emphasizing firm and sector-specific factors driving sustainability accounting. Policymakers can promote transparency and responsibility by considering firms’ unique characteristics, fostering a more sustainable business environment.

Religiosity and Risk: Association of Judeo-Christian Ethicality with a Sustainable Business Environment

Prior research has examined the relationship of religiosity to aspects of business risks, notably, the ethical environment in which business firms operate. Religiosity is connected to economic factors and societal factors. This study examines the relationship of religion-based ethics, specifically Judeo-Christian ethicality, in a country (measured by Judeo-Christian presence as a proportion of the population) to economic freedom, economic activity, gender equality, social progress, and corruption. Modern business firms, in efforts to embrace diversity, accommodate cultural factors such as religiosity, particularly so in multinational operations where diverse religions will be encountered. Findings show that Judeo-Christian ethicality has a positive relationship to factors connected to a society’s sustainable business culture—that is, more economic freedom, higher economic activity, improved gender equality, better social progress, and lower corruption.

Investigating Sustainable Business Ecosystems and the University Role: A Cluster Analysis

Abstract This research paper aims to identify the factors, components, and key aspects that significantly contribute to the establishment of a sustainable business ecosystem through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. By analysing prominent publications, we seek to describe coherent strategies with an expected impact. Our objectives encompass exploring trends from both theoretical perspectives, such as predictions by scientists, and empirical perspectives, including figures derived from studies. We outline several secondary objectives that guide our step-by-step approach. Firstly, we identify defining elements of a sustainable business environment based on insights from specialized literature. Secondly, we categorize ecosystems into different types, such as economic, digital, ecological, and entrepreneurial, providing further elaboration later in the paper. Thirdly, we present an updated understanding of the dynamic evolution of ecosystems and their components. This includes examining the influence of digital advancements and digitalization on the business environment, as well as the opportunities and threats they generate. Of particular importance is the role of universities as a significant landmark within the business ecosystem. We discuss the university's involvement in technological and informational transfer to ensure sustainability, focusing on the levers through which universities consolidate and stimulate the business ecosystem. To achieve our objectives, we employ bibliometric analysis, utilizing the VOSviewer software, which offers valuable insights for constructing diagnostic schemes and development models tailored to specific business environment challenges. The research methodology relies on the VOSviewer software for processing academic publication databases. To align with the theme and purpose of this study, we selected the SCOPUS database for its implicit certification of superior academic quality in the publications it contains.

Investing in green intellectual capital to enhance green corporate image under the Influence of green innovation climate: A Case of Chinese Entrepreneurial SMEs

Modern firms have been urged to play their role toward a sustainable business environment. The relevance of green prospects in the work environment continues to expand. Still, little research has been conducted to understand the role of green intellectual capital plays in promoting environmental behaviours and outcomes. With China's higher level of carbon emission, it has become imperative for businesses to investigate ways to improve their environmental performance. For this purpose, we collected the data from 451 entrepreneurial small and medium-sized enterprises based in Jiangsu province of China and then analyzed it through partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Based on the social cognitive theory assumptions, this research study argues that; green intellectual capital, measured with green human resource, relation capital, and structural capital, positively influences green core competence. And, Green core competence positively impacts the green corporate image (environmental performance and green innovation practices). Additionally, Green core competence was found to mediate the relationship between green intellectual capital and green corporate image. Lastly, the study's outcome delineated that innovative green climate moderates the relationship between green core competence and green corporate image. This study broadens the scope of social cognitive theory and presents a viable solution for entrepreneurial small and medium-sized enterprises stakeholders to use the knowledge generated by green intellectual capital and core competence to improve their green corporate image.

중소기업의 혁신전략이 개방형 혁신과 수출성과에 미치는 영향에 대한 연구

Open innovation and sustainability are highlighted as important factors to improve corporate performance. Creating a sustainable business environment that can promote open innovation is important for enhancing the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises. This study investigate the process in which innovation capacity possessed by SMEs affects open innovation and export performance. It is expected that innovation capacity directly affects open innovation and export performance of companies, and open innovation will have an indirect effect mediating innovation capacity and export performance. In particular, in the process of innovation deriving corporate performance, we tried to demonstrate how sustainable social factors that companies have with external organizations affect innovation-related variables. Using 2020 manufacturing data from STEPI's 'Korean Innovation Survey (KIS)', an empirical analysis was conducted on the survey results of a total of 930 small and medium-sized manufacturers. The relationship between innovativeness, open innovation and export performance was analyzed, and the role of sustainable social factors was verified. It was confirmed that the innovative capabilities possessed by SMEs directly or indirectly had a significant impact on their export performance, and that sustainable social activities facilitated the cooperation process between companies and internal and external stakeholders more smoothly. The implications were discussed.

Evaluation and optimization of business environment based on sustainable development perspective: Exploring the role of the reform of government functions

AbstractThe existing research on the business environment index system has a single viewpoint, which can hardly reflect the requirements of SDGs on the business environment. Few studies have focused on the “front end” factors determining the business environment. Based on panel data from 2011 to 2020, this study measures the business environment in 275 Chinese cities and uses the ArcGIS software and Natural Breaks (Jenks) to examine its spatiotemporal characteristics. The PSM‐DID model is utilized to examine the policy implications of the reform of government functions on the business environment. The findings demonstrate that China's urban business environment's total score has risen, and its geographic characteristics are “strong in the east and weak in the west.” Among the various sub‐dimensions of the business environment, the largest contribution is the infrastructure environment, followed by the rule of law environment. The reform of government functions can improve the business environment from the second year onward. Regional and city‐level heterogeneities exist in the effects of the reform of government functions on the business environment. In addition, informatization level, population density, and consumption level can optimize the business environment. This study provides a guide for accelerating the creation of a marketized, legalized, international, and sustainable business environment.

The Interest Shown by Potential Young Entrepreneurs in Romania Regarding Feasible Funding Sources, in the Context of a Sustainable Entrepreneurial Education

Among the most important factors that favor the development of a sustainable business environment are the sources of financing and the skills developed by the higher education system, according to recent studies. To align with these, several universities have started providing entrepreneurship knowledge. Are these sufficiently well-known by the students in Romania? The current paper aims to carry out an in-depth analysis of concepts. The primary objective of this study is to explore the most relevant sources of entrepreneurial financing in the context of a sustainable entrepreneurial higher education. For such an endeavor, quantitative research was conducted, being designed and distributed through a questionnaire. Data were collected from a sample of 285 students of Transilvania University in Brasov interested in entrepreneurship. Results indicate that the main sources of entrepreneurial financing are retained earnings/profit, personal sources, supplier credits, European funds, loans (bank credits), leasing, and business angels. Evidence shows that most respondents assert great confidence in European funds. Notably, the entrepreneurial qualities of the founder are one of the enablers of a successful and sustainable business. Additionally, this research opens new ways of collaboration between the academic and the business environment to better train future professionals in the economic field.

CSR–brand relationship, brand positioning, and investment risks driven towards climate change mitigation and next perspectives emerging from: “Litigation, projections, pathway, and models”

This study delineates the relationship between CSR and brands, unveiling pragmatic steps towards achieving the sustainable business environment, while unveiling its potential towards climate changes mitigation cognizant of investment risks, leading to an action plan-framework for proffering practical solutions coupled with establishing future paths and projection towards addressing climatic changes consequences, risen incidences in litigation trends and environmental issues. Trends manifesting in risen litigation incidences linked to industrial and economic activities that adversely impact the climate, environment and society makes it imperative to look extensively beyond prediction models while establishing and building on brand relationship with CSR, while strategically establishing a practically realistic business model for translating this relationship to value-creation and applied in abating climate change, addressing all environmental concerns, redressing litigation incidences, among other issues resulting from impacts of business and socio-economic pursuits of humans. The twenty-first century realities towards a green planet demands doing business strategically, optimize resources by imbibing investment risks as a trend and organizational culture—strategic fit, adopting brand as a potential tool for addressing climate change and environmentally related activities and adversaries from business activities and negligent practices from such, while achieving climate change mitigation as outlined and extensively inundated.

Business environment distance and innovation performance of EMNEs: The mediating effect of R&D internationalization

Sustainable business environment plays an important role in creating conditions favorable to innovation. However, is this the case for all types of multinational enterprises (MNEs)? While recognizing the importance of sustainable business environment in innovation, we address this question by examining the impact of sustainable business environment distance on the innovation performance of emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs). A panel dataset of Chinese MNEs listed on the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges between 2005 and 2018 is employed. Our findings suggest that sustainable business environment distance positively affect the innovation performance of MNEs. R&D internationalization plays a mediating role in the relationship between business environment distance and innovation performance. Migrant networks can strengthen the positive impact of business environment distance on the parent company's R&D internationalization. Highly skilled migrants have a greater strengthening effect than do less skilled migrants on the relationship between business environment distance and R&D internationalization. Our study contributes to the literature by providing new insights into the relationship between business environment distance and outward foreign direct investment (OFDI).