Sustainability strategy in constrained economic times

Michael L. Barnett, Nicole Darnall, Bryan W. Husted

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

While firms have increasingly adopted environmentally and socially sustainable management strategies, little is known about how these organizations react during times of economic constraint. On the one hand, conventional wisdom suggests that firms' sustainability strategy would be de-emphasized. However, emerging scholarship suggests that many firms may increase their sustainability investments during constrained economic times. Building on the articles comprising this Special Issue, we offer notable evidence that firms tend to shift their sustainability strategy in innovative ways that enable them to do more with less and increase firm value without undertaking significant cutbacks. Specifically, we argue that, during times of economic constraint, firms a) engage in sustainability "trimming" to adapt to their new economic setting; b) use trimming to compete more effectively; and c) trim in ways that are path dependent, building upon prior complementary capabilities and resources. We formulate an explanation for these novel findings and conclude with observations about future research opportunities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)63-68
Number of pages6
JournalLong Range Planning
Volume48
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Finance
  • Strategy and Management

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