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The imperative of embedding sustainability in business: A model for transformational sustainable development

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  • Hana Trollman
  • James Colwill

Abstract

Sustainable development is the current strategic trajectory with transformative intent for complex global challenges including eradication of poverty, full social inclusion and prevention of ecological collapse. However, discourses related to the private sector emphasise economic and social development over the environmental components of sustainable development. Embedding sustainability is the related management imperative for business, supported by numerous frameworks, yet there is confusion about implementation in both literature and practice. This research addresses these issues with a mixed methods study combining a scoping literature review with a qualitative e‐Delphi study. The main findings are that the economic system constrains the embedding of sustainability in business; and that a paradigm shift towards ecocentric business models lacks support. The results are used to develop a novel model to aid transformational sustainable development that acknowledges the influences of the economic system in business whilst respecting social and ecological embeddedness.

Suggested Citation

  • Hana Trollman & James Colwill, 2021. "The imperative of embedding sustainability in business: A model for transformational sustainable development," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(5), pages 974-986, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:29:y:2021:i:5:p:974-986
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.2188
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    1. Mahesh Shaw & Abhijit Majumdar & Kannan Govindan, 2022. "Barriers of social sustainability: an improved interpretive structural model of Indian textile and clothing supply chain," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(6), pages 1616-1633, December.
    2. Ratri Parida & Manoj Kumar Dash & Anil Kumar & Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas & Sunil Luthra & Eyob Mulat‐weldemeskel, 2022. "Evolution of supply chain finance: A comprehensive review and proposed research directions with network clustering analysis," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(5), pages 1343-1369, October.
    3. Hildegunn Mellesmo Aslaksen & Clare Hildebrandt & Hans Chr. Garmann Johnsen, 2021. "The long-term transformation of the concept of CSR: towards a more comprehensive emphasis on sustainability," International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-14, December.
    4. Xin Guan & Naveed Ahmad & Muhammad Safdar Sial & Jacob Cherian & Heesup Han, 2023. "CSR and organizational performance: The role of pro‐environmental behavior and personal values," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(2), pages 677-694, March.

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