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Is sustainability a moving target? A methodology for measuring CSR dynamics

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  • Stefan Zeisel

Abstract

Sustainability is a subject that is constantly evolving. This article develops a quantitative methodology to measure the dynamics of sustainability topics based on corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. This methodology is then used to analyse the dynamics of sustainability over 5 years (2011 vs. 2016) of the largest publicly traded German companies. Studying the CSR reports over time reveals that CSR is often very dynamic at the company level but less so within a sector or overall. Environmental dynamics therefore challenge companies to focus on the right CSR topics. Some companies fare better than others in this dynamic environment. Furthermore, first insights for managing sustainability dynamics are discussed.

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  • Stefan Zeisel, 2020. "Is sustainability a moving target? A methodology for measuring CSR dynamics," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(1), pages 283-296, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:corsem:v:27:y:2020:i:1:p:283-296
    DOI: 10.1002/csr.1805
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    2. Imen Khanchel & Naima Lassoued, 2022. "ESG Disclosure and the Cost of Capital: Is There a Ratcheting Effect over Time?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-19, July.
    3. Parvez Alam Khan & Satirenjit Kaur Johl & Shakeb Akhtar, 2022. "Vinculum of Sustainable Development Goal Practices and Firms’ Financial Performance: A Moderation Role of Green Innovation," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-24, February.
    4. Lopez, Belen & Rangel, Celia & Fernández, Manuel, 2022. "The impact of corporate social responsibility strategy on the management and governance axis for sustainable growth," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 690-698.
    5. Roxana Manuela Dicu & Ioan-Bogdan Robu & George-Marian Aevoae & Daniela-Neonila Mardiros, 2020. "Rethinking the Role of M&As in Promoting Sustainable Development: Empirical Evidence Regarding the Relation Between the Audit Opinion and the Sustainable Performance of the Romanian Target Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-17, October.

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