Beyond adaptation: agenda for international corporate responsibility along global supply networks

This chapter argues for a paradigm shift in understanding corporate responsibility and sustainability in global supply networks. The current focus on adaptation is not sufficient to address the root causes of sustainability issues, such as climate change and dwindling natural resources. By examining the business cases of Barilla Group and IKEA, we demonstrate the importance of challenging our conceptualization of corporate responsibility and sustainability beyond the triple bottom line. We propose considering a panarchy of nested systems of systems, including the economy, society, and planet, in order to better understand and guide the mechanisms governing corporate responsibility and sustainable management. This shift in perspective allows for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing the complexities of global supply networks and their impacts on the planet. Furthermore, it encourages a move toward a concept of economic progress rather than growth and the consideration of stakeholders in addition to shareholders.