Effects of sustainability-linked initiatives on value creation in services business: a study on global technology services firms

Purpose - This study aims to analyze the role of sustainability-linked initiatives in creating tangible and intangible value for services firms operating in the global B2B technology services segment. Design/methodology/approach - This paper analyzes secondary data on the social and governance pillar performances of large B2B technology services firms and how these performances influence value creation for the firm. Findings - The panel data analyses, based on 15 years of secondary data from 200 top global companies in this sector, reveal that strong social and governance pillar performances, along with the absence of environmental–social–governance (ESG)-related controversies, lead to improved willingness to pay from customers, enhanced brand valuation and increased intangible enterprise value. Originality/value - This paper contributes to the body of knowledge on the global social responsibility of a multinational enterprise (MNE), especially B2B technology services MNEs who face the unique challenge of identifying and acting on their corporate responsibility due to the diversity of their client base and other stakeholders. The findings can help develop pathways to global social responsibility.