Sustainability Beyond Borders : A Comparative Study of Sustainability Strategies,Implementation, and Impacts of Developed MarketMNEs Across Developed and Emerging Markets
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: In an era marked by accelerating ecological pressures and growing globalinterconnectivity, multinational enterprises from developed markets are increasinglycompelled to align their international strategies with principles of sustainability. Thisqualitative study explores how these firms conceptualize, implement, and adaptsustainability strategies in emerging market contexts, focusing on their practicalimpact on host communities. Anchored in stakeholder and institutional theory, theresearch examines six Swedish-based MNEs operating across diverse markets,employing semi-structured interviews and case-based analysis to identify strategicpatterns and contextual adaptations.The findings reveal that sustainability implementation varies significantly dependingon local institutional environments, with firms engaging in resource optimization,corporate social responsibility, and green investments as core strategic pillars. Whilethese strategies often foster local development and enhance corporate legitimacy, thestudy also uncovers challenges such as institutional voids, cultural misalignment, andrisks of superficial compliance. Notably, effective sustainability integration hinges ona firm’s ability to balance global standards with local responsiveness, transformingsustainability from a symbolic commitment into a strategic imperative.By illustrating how developed market MNEs navigate sustainability across borders,this research contributes to international business literature and offers practicalinsights for firms seeking to drive meaningful environmental and social impact whilemaintaining competitive advantage in complex global markets.
Source: DiVA (Linnaeus University)
Authors: Klaic, Josip, Callenfors, Martin, Granestad, Christofer
Language: English
Subfield: Strategy and Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7024850137