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Digital transformation, sustainability, and purpose in the multinational enterprise

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  • George, Gerard
  • Schillebeeckx, Simon J.D.

Abstract

We discuss how environmental and pandemic crises in combination with digitization are presenting the multinational enterprise (MNE) with increasing geopolitical, organizational, and market tensions. Institutional pluralism is creating a more complex global environment. The organization of productive work is shifting, which challenges how MNEs structure and coordinate their activities. Changing consumer and investor expectations are broadening the understanding of value creation with implications for business models. We contend that the tensions invite MNEs to reconsider how they frame, formalize, and realize corporate purpose. We close with a research agenda that recognizes the need for MNEs to become purpose-driven actors.

Suggested Citation

  • George, Gerard & Schillebeeckx, Simon J.D., 2022. "Digital transformation, sustainability, and purpose in the multinational enterprise," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 57(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:57:y:2022:i:3:s1090951622000190
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2022.101326
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    Cited by:

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    2. Mohammed Hammam Mohammed Al-Madani & Yudi Fernando & Ming-Lang Tseng, 2022. "Assuring Energy Reporting Integrity: Government Policy’s Past, Present, and Future Roles," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-24, November.
    3. Rafael Martínez-Peláez & Alberto Ochoa-Brust & Solange Rivera & Vanessa G. Félix & Rodolfo Ostos & Héctor Brito & Ramón A. Félix & Luis J. Mena, 2023. "Role of Digital Transformation for Achieving Sustainability: Mediated Role of Stakeholders, Key Capabilities, and Technology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-27, July.
    4. Inam ul Haq & Sofia Anwar & Abdul Quddoos & Faraz Riaz, 2022. "Estimation of Digital Transformation in South Asian Economies: An Application of Broad-Spectrum Approach," Journal of Economic Impact, Science Impact Publishers, vol. 4(3), pages 152-160.
    5. Bag, Surajit & Sabbir Rahman, Muhammad & Rogers, Helen & Srivastava, Gautam & Harm Christiaan Pretorius, Jan, 2023. "Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in the garment industry supply chain network," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    6. Kudryashov, Alexander, 2023. "ESG Transformation: A Roadmap for Russia’s Sustainable Development /– Tallinn : OPEN EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF PUBLIC SCIENCES OÜ, 2023," OSF Preprints 6j8ux, Center for Open Science.
    7. Witt, Michael A. & Lewin, Arie Y. & Li, Peter Ping & Gaur, Ajai, 2023. "Decoupling in international business: Evidence, drivers, impact, and implications for IB research," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 58(1).
    8. Jingtao Yi & Jiatao Li & Liang Chen, 2023. "Ecosystem social responsibility in international digital commerce," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(1), pages 24-41, February.
    9. Agnieszka A. Tubis & Katarzyna Grzybowska & Bartosz Król, 2023. "Supply Chain in the Digital Age: A Scientometric–Thematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-25, July.
    10. Qiong Xu & Xin Li & Fei Guo, 2023. "Digital transformation and environmental performance: Evidence from Chinese resource‐based enterprises," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(4), pages 1816-1840, July.
    11. Yu, Honglan & Fletcher, Margaret & Buck, Trevor, 2022. "Managing digital transformation during re-internationalization: Trajectories and implications for performance," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(4).
    12. Klaus E. Meyer & Jiatao Li & Keith D. Brouthers & Ruey-Jer ‘‘Bryan’’ Jean, 2023. "International business in the digital age: Global strategies in a world of national institutions," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(4), pages 577-598, June.
    13. Marco Cioppi & Ilaria Curina & Barbara Francioni & Elisabetta Savelli, 2023. "Digital transformation and marketing: a systematic and thematic literature review," Italian Journal of Marketing, Springer, vol. 2023(2), pages 207-288, June.
    14. Wang, Lei & Ramsey, Thomas Stephen, 2024. "Digital divide and environmental pressure: A countermeasure on the embodied carbon emissions in FDI," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).
    15. Hua Feng & Fengyan Wang & Guomin Song & Lanlan Liu, 2022. "Digital Transformation on Enterprise Green Innovation: Effect and Transmission Mechanism," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-31, August.

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