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Understanding the interplay between sustainability strategy and the approach to sustainability reporting in SMEs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2024

Michele Guidi Open the ORCID record for Michele Guidi [Opens in a new window] ,
Sonia Vitali Open the ORCID record for Sonia Vitali [Opens in a new window] ,
Marco Giuliani Open the ORCID record for Marco Giuliani [Opens in a new window]  and
Maria Serena Chiucchi Open the ORCID record for Maria Serena Chiucchi [Opens in a new window]
Michele Guidi*
Affiliation:
Department of Management, Università Politecnica delle Marche (Italy), Ancona, Italy
Sonia Vitali
Affiliation:
Department of Management, Università Politecnica delle Marche (Italy), Ancona, Italy
Marco Giuliani
Affiliation:
Department of Management, Università Politecnica delle Marche (Italy), Ancona, Italy
Maria Serena Chiucchi
Affiliation:
Department of Management, Università Politecnica delle Marche (Italy), Ancona, Italy
*
Corresponding author: Michele Guidi; Email: m.guidi@univpm.it
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Abstract

The study aims to understand the interplay between sustainability strategy and the approach to sustainability reporting in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To achieve this purpose, a case study is developed, examining four companies that exemplify different sustainability strategy types delineated by Baumgartner: introverted, extroverted, conservative, and visionary. According to the findings of the research, while it is possible to identify sustainability strategies based on the key defining elements of the adopted conceptual map, and to interpret the company’s perception and approach to sustainability reporting considering the sustainability strategy, integrating owner-manager values, stakeholder proximity, and supply chain dynamics the conceptual map becomes a more adaptable and practical tool for SMEs seeking to thrive in an increasingly sustainability-focused business landscape. The incorporation of these insights extends Baumgartner’s work, enhancing the comprehension of sustainability strategies within SMEs and providing implications for regulatory bodies, consultants, and managers.

Keywords

sustainability reportingsustainability strategysmall- and medium-sized enterprisesSMEcase study

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , First View , pp. 1 - 20
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press in association with the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management

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