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An In-Depth Analysis of Barriers to Corporate Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Kennedy Mutua

    (Chester Business School, University of Chester, Chester CH14BJ, UK)

  • Julieanna Powell-Turner

    (Chester Business School, University of Chester, Chester CH14BJ, UK)

  • Melissa Spiers

    (Chester Business School, University of Chester, Chester CH14BJ, UK)

  • Jess Callaghan

    (Chester Business School, University of Chester, Chester CH14BJ, UK)

Abstract

Recent decades have witnessed an unprecedented demand for corporate sustainability. Driven by a desire to remain competitive amidst economic turmoil and climate change, organisations are embedding sustainable measures into their long-term goals and strategies. Despite such progress, corporate sustainability is taking longer than anticipated, and to understand the reasons behind the delay, this research employs a systematic literature review to identify and categorise the key barriers to the adoption of corporate sustainability. A collection of barriers from 56 articles is established, totalling 90 unique barriers grouped into six main categories. The findings reveal that corporate sustainability is highly complex, emphasising the need for a transdisciplinary approach that incorporates various theoretical frameworks. The findings will be a general guide for any organisation to prepare itself for tackling sustainability barriers while equipping policymakers in developing policies aimed at reducing their magnitude. Equally, it will provide insights to institutions of higher learning on the significance of cross-industry cooperation to ensure skill gaps are addressed at earlier stages and aligned with organisational needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Kennedy Mutua & Julieanna Powell-Turner & Melissa Spiers & Jess Callaghan, 2025. "An In-Depth Analysis of Barriers to Corporate Sustainability," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-33, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:15:y:2025:i:5:p:161-:d:1643883
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Avinash Pratap Singh & Zillur Rahman, 2021. "Integrating corporate sustainability and sustainable development goals: towards a multi-stakeholder framework," Cogent Business & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 8(1), pages 1985686-198, January.
    3. Christin Seifert, 2018. "The Barriers for Voluntary Environmental Management Systems—The Case of EMAS in Hospitals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-19, May.
    4. Rodrigo Lozano, 2014. "Creativity and Organizational Learning as Means to Foster Sustainability," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 22(3), pages 205-216, May.
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