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International business is contributing to environmental crises

Author

Listed:
  • Haitao Yu

    (IESEG School of Management)

  • Pratima Bansal

    (Ivey Business School, Western University)

  • Diane-Laure Arjaliès

    (Ivey Business School, Western University)

Abstract

All business contributes to environmental crises because of its focus on profit. We argue that international business (IB) contributes more than its fair share. IB's focus on cross-border arbitrage has led to the over-extraction of natural resources and the accumulation of waste. This is a problem because natural resources are limited in quantity and embedded in their local environment. It is time for IB researchers to step up and substantially and meaningfully address IB’s contribution to environmental crises by embracing the principles of natural systems processes within its core assumptions and improving its theorizing of natural resources. In this paper, we take a step forward in this direction by revisiting and refining the theoretical dimensions of country-specific advantages (CSAs) and firm-specific advantages (FSAs) to recognize natural resources more explicitly. We propose three natural resource-based strategies for multinational enterprises (MNEs): reducing, replacing, and regenerating. This article offers a new theoretical perspective on understanding how IB can create value and steward the natural environment, contributing to the sustainability of business, society, and the planet.

Suggested Citation

  • Haitao Yu & Pratima Bansal & Diane-Laure Arjaliès, 2023. "International business is contributing to environmental crises," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(6), pages 1151-1169, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jintbs:v:54:y:2023:i:6:d:10.1057_s41267-022-00590-y
    DOI: 10.1057/s41267-022-00590-y
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