Is it possible to improve the international business action towards the sustainable development goals?

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate possible improvements in the pursuit of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) by multinational enterprises (MNEs) through an analysis of the literature. Design/methodology/approach A critical framework based on Gleicher’s formula for change is provided after conducting a systematic literature review. Findings The best way to pursue the SDGs is through an integrated approach that recognises the importance of MNEs in terms of possibilities and power of action. Working towards the SDGs appears to be largely limited by three aspects of the problem: its complexity and wickedness, the genuine interest in reaching some SDGs, at the expense of profit and low foresight. Research limitations/implications A fundamental limitation of the study concerns, as in most of the literature on the matter, the impossibility of providing an optimal solution to the problem of meeting the SDGs, given their nature. However, formulating the best definition of the problem and its characteristics can contribute to making its management better. Social implications This study has social implications due to the extreme importance that many SDGs have with regard to democracy and social equity, beyond their environmental and economic aspects. Originality/value The claimed contribution is the value brought by the synthesis of several points of view, through the interdisciplinary analysis of the research question. The novelty consists in organising the literature according to the formula for change.

Working toward the sustainable development goals in earnest – critical international business perspectives on designing and implementing better interventions

“…The composition of the special issue is representative of the wider trend of publications aiming to conceptualize how the SDG approach can fit into or will alter the course of business and management research. The majority of articles identified by Celone et al (2021) were conceptual or literature reviews. Studies specifically linking their empirical findings to SDGs within international business are still limited in number and are predominantly qualitative.…”

“…Further, Rygh et al (2022) provide a valuable resource in the form of seven concrete, actionable recommendations on how international business research can contribute toward the SDGs. Celone et al (2021) conduct a focused literature review on the role of multinational enterprises in achieving the SDGs. In contrast to the broad mapping exercise conducted in section 4 that focused on relevant keywords subsumed under individual SDGs, Celone et al (2021) explicitly searched for the terms "sustainable development goals" and "SDG."…”

“…Celone et al (2021) conduct a focused literature review on the role of multinational enterprises in achieving the SDGs. In contrast to the broad mapping exercise conducted in section 4 that focused on relevant keywords subsumed under individual SDGs, Celone et al (2021) explicitly searched for the terms “sustainable development goals” and “SDG.” The findings from the identified studies are then summarized under three themes: the importance of multinational enterprises for achieving the SDGs, frameworks capturing how multinational enterprises go about achieving the SDGs and the challenges they face when working toward the SDGs. The main contribution of this conceptual piece is the authors’ application of Gleicher’s formula of change to reflect on the steps needed to progress toward the SDGs.…”

“…Similarly, Hamilton’s (2022) conceptual article on the role of government procurement as a social policy mechanism makes contributions beyond providing and overview of how public procurement can be used to progress toward the SDGs. When read in conjunction with Celone et al ’s (2021) discussion on how Gleicher’s formula of change can apply to working toward the SDGs, Hamilton’s (2022) piece offers some practical insights from an institutional perspective.…”

“…Whereas the papers by Rygh et al (2022) and Celone et al (2021) present high-level and big picture perspectives, the remaining three articles zoom in on more specific aspects. Araujo et al (2022) propose an eco-centric management mindset framework and discuss how adopting such a mindset can help companies contribute to the SDGs.…”