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Institutional Pressures, Sustainable Development Goals and COVID-19: How Are Organisations Engaging?

Author

Listed:
  • Bárbara Galleli

    (Business Department, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 80210-170, Brazil)

  • Elder Semprebon

    (Business Department, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 80210-170, Brazil)

  • Joyce Aparecida Ramos dos Santos

    (Business Department, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 80210-170, Brazil)

  • Noah Emanuel Brito Teles

    (Business Department, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 80210-170, Brazil)

  • Mateus Santos de Freitas-Martins

    (Business Department, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 80210-170, Brazil)

  • Raquel Teodoro da Silva Onevetch

    (Business Department, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 80210-170, Brazil)

Abstract

This article aimed at answering the following research question: How do institutional pressures influence the engagement of organisations with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic? To address it, we applied a survey with Brazilian organisations in late 2020. From group analysis and the comparison of means (test-t), we conclude that, in the pandemic scenario, organisations from various sectors and industries are affected mainly by coercive pressures but also by normative and, to a lesser extent, mimetic pressures. Furthermore, this study has shown that while opportunities are arising from normative and mimetic institutional pressures, it is in the coercive pressures that the guidance lies for the re-establishment of economic, social, and environmental development and prosperity in a post-pandemic scenario. Thus, despite some optimistic results, achieving the purpose outlined by the 2030 Agenda seems to be distant or at least needs an even more substantial effort if its responsibility rests solely with legislative and governmental forces.

Suggested Citation

  • Bárbara Galleli & Elder Semprebon & Joyce Aparecida Ramos dos Santos & Noah Emanuel Brito Teles & Mateus Santos de Freitas-Martins & Raquel Teodoro da Silva Onevetch, 2021. "Institutional Pressures, Sustainable Development Goals and COVID-19: How Are Organisations Engaging?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-21, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:21:p:12330-:d:674645
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    Cited by:

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    2. Giovanni Zampone & Isabel‐María García‐Sánchez & Giuseppe Sannino, 2023. "Imitation is the sincerest form of institutionalization: Understanding the effects of imitation and competitive pressures on the reporting of sustainable development goals in an international context," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(7), pages 4119-4142, November.
    3. María Garrido-Ruso & Beatriz Aibar-Guzmán & Albertina Paula Monteiro, 2022. "Businesses’ Role in the Fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-35, July.

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