Mapping Research on Natural Capital Accounting: A Strategic Challenge for Multinational Firms

In the contemporary context, characterized by the paramount importance of sustainability, both governments and companies, particularly multinational enterprises (MNEs), play an important role in fostering and overseeing the transformative processes necessary to establish a robust accounting framework for natural capital. The objective of this paper is twofold: firstly, to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing body of literature on this subject and to highlight the importance of avoiding intangible liabilities in MNE from bad practices based on Natural Capital bad practices, and secondly, to outline prospective directions for further research in this domain. To achieve these objectives, we pose two fundamental research questions: (1) What is the current state of knowledge regarding the intangible liabilities and accounting practices of MNEs concerning Natural Capital? (2) How can future research in the field of Natural Capital Accounting be oriented to assist MNEs in accounting for their interactions with Natural Capital? A mixed-method approach is used to address these inquiries. Initially, we substantiate the intrinsic connection between MNEs and the natural environment, utilizing bibliometric techniques to identify the primary themes and areas of focus in the realm of natural capital accounting. Subsequently, we employ in-depth analysis and logical reasoning to propose potential avenues for future research. Additionally, we present a comprehensive model designed to guide forthcoming research endeavors in the domain of natural capital accounting. Among the salient findings derived from our model analysis, it is evident that the inclusion of other environmental factors, such as ecosystem services and biodiversity, should be integral to the overall framework of natural capital accounting. Furthermore, the incorporation of such accounting practices into the day-to-day operations of companies is essential to preserving the natural capital and the reputation of the firms.