Varieties of Time in Business Sustainability Research: An Integrative Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

In this article, we tackle the lack of clarity in the conceptualization and substantive use of time in business sustainability research. We do so by means of an integrative review that synthesizes 172 papers published over the last 20 years across seven subject areas within business and management research. From our review, we developed a typology that highlights three primary categories that differentiate various conceptualizations and uses of time in business sustainability literature: (a) temporal resourcing, (b) temporal structuring, and (c) temporal prospecting for sustainability. The typology organizes a body of literature that remains scattered, provides conceptual clarity, and opens avenues for future empirical research and theorization in the space.

A Solid Foundation But What Will Be Built on It? Reviews of the Management, Organizations, and Environmental Sustainability Field

“…In the context of business models for sustainability, Lüdeke-Freund et al (2024) point out the need to carefully consider aggregation levels for activities (which are situated below the organizational level). Morales-Raya and Muñoz (2024) in their review of temporal aspects of corporate sustainability refer to the process level (as one dimension, next to assets, liabilities, pace, scope, and scale). In this perspective, time can be understood as a level in itself, as we see methodologically in the context of hierarchical linear modeling.…”

“…The notion of connectivity manifests itself in different ways. Perhaps most essentially, connectivity is advocated across reviews with regard to a systemic perspective, with Burbano et al (2024) as well as Morales-Raya and Muñoz (2024) arguing that natural and organizational aspects are often strongly connected in the sustainability context. In a tighter focus, Foster et al (2024: 160), when reviewing the literature on environmental justice, relate this further to social aspects.…”

“…One can argue that the more managers reside in a short-term time frame, the more they will have to make painful tradeoffs, as Burbano et al (2024) have identified. For Morales-Raya and Muñoz (2024), this time dimension is central, as they draw attention to the idea that long-term perspectives deflate the pressures accentuating tradeoffs. Time scales matter.…”

“…In various ways, the articles urge us to reassess our assumptions. Morales-Raya and Muñoz (2024), writing about the proclivity to assign merit to long-term action, argue that the “literature appears to take an ideological stance concerning time preferences in business sustainability” (Morales-Raya & Muñoz, 2024: 279). Assessing the failure of academic research to deter corporate greenwashing, Montgomery et al (2024: 247) depressingly wonder “where we went wrong”…”