Can B Corp certification anchor sustainability in SMEs?

Abstract

B Corp certification is considered a viable instrument to support small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting sustainable practices. However, there is a lack of evidence to what extent this instrument can anchor sustainability at the core of SMEs. This study investigates the B Corp certification process of a SME, a craft brewery in southern Sweden, regarding the extent to which it helped infusing sustainability into the business’ mission, practices, corporate form, certificates, and capacities. Results show that the B Impact Assessment, as part of the certification process, positively influenced the business’ mission, practices, and capacities. Limited influence on social commitment and adoption of a sustainable corporate form can be explained through regulatory context and time required for deep organizational change. To enhance the effectiveness of B Corp certification, we recommend making it even more adaptable to different geographical and social contexts and increase focus on impact business models.

Sustainable agrifood systems for a post-growth world

“…When food is a public good, food businesses become partners in polycentric governance of a common-pool resource 63 . Without the profit-seeking motives and shareholder interests of their market counterparts, social businesses and benefit corporations anchor sustainability in their business models by prioritizing the long-term health and well-being of the environment and the public, also in the food sector 64 . Employee-owned businesses and cooperative enterprises composed of consumers, producers and mixed groups of food actors ensure that the needs of people are met first and generate wealth in a transparent and equitable manner 63 .…”

Unpacking B Corps’ Impact on Sustainable Development: An Analysis from Structuration Theory

“…B Corps' efforts to use business as a force for good and desire to build a new social contract between business and society [34] is incarnated in the idea of acting as "The Best Enterprises for the World" instead of the well-known Forbes approach of becoming "World's Best Companies". B Corps are oriented towards sustainability issues at their core [35], directly contributing to the well-known TBL dimensions [13,36].…”

Transforming small and medium‐sized enterprises to address the climate emergency: The case for values‐based engagement

“…In developed economies, the clearest opportunity is to provide structured training to intermediaries employed by publicly‐funded initiatives and organisations, such as Energy Agencies, or linked to COVID‐19 recovery funding. Businesses could be encouraged to express their values in mission statements, or to consider B Corp certification as a way of anchoring their sustainability‐related values (Carvalho et al, 2022). More formal recognition and professional development of low‐carbon advisors would help to enhance delivery of environmental business support, which can be sporadic, confusing and uneven in quality at a local level (Baranova & Paterson, 2017; Blackburn, 2012; Britton & Woodman, 2014).…”