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The influence of feedback and awareness of consequences on the development of corporate sustainability action over time

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  • Jacob Hörisch
  • Isabell Wulfsberg
  • Stefan Schaltegger

Abstract

The current level of corporate sustainability is insufficient for overcoming pressing environmental and social issues. Research is therefore needed about processes that lead to increased corporate action that fosters sustainable development. This study investigates the influence of feedback and corporate awareness of consequences on the development of corporate sustainability action over time. It uses action regulation theory to quantitatively analyse data of 59 large German companies measured at two points in time. The results reveal a positive temporal development of corporate sustainability action, and awareness of consequences positively mediates the relationship between corporate sustainability actions in two different time periods. Feedback acts as a moderator between the positive effect of corporate sustainability action in the first period on corporate awareness of consequences in the second period. Based on these findings, recommendations for organisations include the importance of seeking and processing feedback.

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  • Jacob Hörisch & Isabell Wulfsberg & Stefan Schaltegger, 2020. "The influence of feedback and awareness of consequences on the development of corporate sustainability action over time," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(2), pages 638-650, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:29:y:2020:i:2:p:638-650
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.2394
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    2. Maria Jesus Bonilla‐Priego & Juan‐José Nájera‐Sánchez & Xavier Font, 2022. "Beyond ethics: The transformational power of overlapping motivations in implementing strategic sustainability actions," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(3), pages 685-697, March.
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    6. Hans Jaich, 2022. "Linking environmental management and employees' organizational identification: The mediating role of environmental attitude," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(2), pages 305-315, March.
    7. George Lăzăroiu & Luminița Ionescu & Mihai Andronie & Irina Dijmărescu, 2020. "Sustainability Management and Performance in the Urban Corporate Economy: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-13, September.
    8. Enrico Fontana & Hyemi Shin & Chikako Oka & Jos Gamble, 2022. "Tensions in the strategic integration of corporate sustainability through global standards: Evidence from Japan and South Korea," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(3), pages 875-891, March.
    9. Saridakis, Charalampos & Angelidou, Sofia & Woodside, Arch G., 2023. "How historical and social aspirations reshape the relationship between corporate financial performance and corporate social responsibility," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).

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