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Contribution of Argentinian B Corporations to Sustainable Development Goals: Empirical Analysis Based on Their Practices and Solutions to Socioenvironmental Problems

Author

Listed:
  • Cecilia Ficco

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto (UNRC), Río Cuarto 5800, Argentina)

  • Paola Bersía

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto (UNRC), Río Cuarto 5800, Argentina)

  • Cecilia Bressan

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto (UNRC), Río Cuarto 5800, Argentina)

  • Edila Eudemia Herrera-Rodríguez

    (Regional University Centre of Los Santos, Universidad de Panamá—UP (University of Panama), Panama City 06001, Panama
    National Research System (SNI), National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Panama (SENACYT), Panama City 06001, Panama)

Abstract

This study aims at examining how B Corporations advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their practices by analyzing the socioenvironmental problems they address and the solutions they provide to those problems. All Argentinian B Corporations, certified by early 2023 (135 companies), were investigated using a mixed approach, combining social network analysis with textual data analysis. The results showed that the environmental practices are primarily linked to waste, water, energy and chemical management, as well as product innovation. In turn, the social practices address the training, education, and well-being of employees and other stakeholders, diversity, equity and inclusion management, and the creation of an inclusive and fair environment, integrating local communities. Thus, in the flow of their sustainability practices, Argentinian B Corporations contribute to SDGs 8, 12, 13, 9, 6, 7, 5, 10, 11, 4, and 17, in line with the SDGs declared by these companies. Our findings contribute to the theoretical knowledge on the B Corp movement and have practical implications by providing input to improve the management of B Corporations and to guide public policies encouraging these companies to advance sustainable development dimensions lacking attention.

Suggested Citation

  • Cecilia Ficco & Paola Bersía & Cecilia Bressan & Edila Eudemia Herrera-Rodríguez, 2023. "Contribution of Argentinian B Corporations to Sustainable Development Goals: Empirical Analysis Based on Their Practices and Solutions to Socioenvironmental Problems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2023:i:1:p:6-:d:1302780
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