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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

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  • Giovanni Zampone
  • Isabel‐María García‐Sánchez
  • Giuseppe Sannino

Abstract

Companies integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their sustainability reports for various reasons. This paper examines whether and how imitation and competitive pressures drive the SDG reporting in an international context. Drawing on institutional theory and employing data collected from 36 countries over 6 years (from 2015 to 2020), we found that, at the industry level, the extent of SDG reporting is associated with (a) the average extent of SDG reporting, (b) the extent of SDG reporting of the largest company, and (c) the average extent of SDG reporting of the companies awarded for their sustainability commitments. Additionally, we provide evidence of a positive effect exerted by competitive pressures, as well as evidence that the interaction between various forms of imitation and competition negatively affects SDG reporting. Our results are robust to different subsamples and have key implications for practitioners, regulators, and policymakers.

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  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:32:y:2023:i:7:p:4119-4142
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.3357
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    1. Saudi‐Yulieth Enciso‐Alfaro & Isabel‐María García‐Sánchez, 2024. "Do boards care about planetary boundaries? A gender perspective on circular economy disclosures," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(5), pages 4562-4597, July.
    2. Rodolfo Damiano & Chiara Di Maria, 2024. "Exploring the role of companies and sustainability disclosure in achieving sustainable development goals: A focus on zero hunger and social inclusion," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(4), pages 2715-2732, July.
    3. Isabel‐María García‐Sánchez & Saudi‐Yulieth Enciso‐Alfaro, 2025. "Women and circular transition in agri‐food industry: The commitment to gender diversity as an engine of change," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(1), pages 1044-1067, February.
    4. Ritika Mahajan & Satish Kumar & Weng Marc Lim & Monica Sareen, 2024. "The role of business and management in driving the sustainable development goals (SDGs): Current insights and future directions from a systematic review," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(5), pages 4493-4529, July.
    5. Jian Zhou & Xiaodong Lei & Jianglong Yu, 2024. "ESG rating divergence and corporate green innovation," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(4), pages 2911-2930, May.
    6. Benja Stig Fagerland & Lincoln Bleveans, 2025. "Strategic Corporate Diversity Responsibility (CDR) as a Catalyst for Sustainable Governance: Integrating Equity, Climate Resilience, and Renewable Energy in the IMSD Framework," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-41, May.

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