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Developing an Environmentally Sustainable Business Plan: An International B2B Case Study

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  • Colin B. Gabler
  • Nikolaos Panagopoulos
  • Pavlos A. Vlachos
  • Adam Rapp

Abstract

Business may be in the best position to address the world's environmental problems. However, firms are still struggling with the how and when of their sustainability strategies. The goal of this case study is to uncover bridges and barriers to incorporating environmental issues into business strategy. We collect semi‐structured depth interviews with upper level executives at a global, B2B manufacturing firm. Analysis reveals six elements of an environmentally sustainable business plan: (1) unify the organizational vision, (2) create visible leadership, (3) address multiple stakeholders, (4) focus on innovation, (5) communicate the message, and (6) implement the strategy. We nest these components under the normative, strategic, and operational management framework of corporate sustainability, and then present future research directions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment

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  • Colin B. Gabler & Nikolaos Panagopoulos & Pavlos A. Vlachos & Adam Rapp, 2017. "Developing an Environmentally Sustainable Business Plan: An International B2B Case Study," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(4), pages 261-272, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:corsem:v:24:y:2017:i:4:p:261-272
    DOI: 10.1002/csr.1409
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    2. Liwei Feng & Wenwen Zhao & Hui Li & Yongtao Song, 2018. "The Effect of Environmental Orientation on Green Innovation: Do Political Ties Matter?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Liming Zhang & Fei Ye & Li Yang & Guichuan Zhou, 2019. "Impact of Political Connections on Corporate Environmental Performance: From a Green Development Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-17, March.
    4. Francesco Rizzi & Eleonora Annunziata & Marco Frey, 2018. "The Relationship between Organizational Culture and Energy Performance: A Municipal Energy Manager Level Study," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(6), pages 694-711, September.
    5. Zhe Sun & Kumar Jai & Liang Zhao, 2019. "Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability of Local Community: A Case Study of the Transnational Project in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-18, November.
    6. Ana Nave & João Ferreira, 2019. "Corporate social responsibility strategies: Past research and future challenges," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(4), pages 885-901, July.
    7. Armando Borda & Oswaldo Morales & Hildy Teegen & Gareth H. Rees & Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez, 2021. "Addressing Sustainable Rural Development with Shared Value: A Peruvian Model from the Cacao Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-17, July.

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