TY - JOUR

T1 - Integrating stakeholder theory and sustainability accounting

T2 - A conceptual synthesis

AU - Hörisch, Jacob

AU - Schaltegger, Stefan

AU - Freeman, R. Edward

PY - 2020/12/1

Y1 - 2020/12/1

N2 - This paper aims at integrating the bodies of literature on stakeholder theory and sustainability accounting. Using the conceptual methodological approach of theory synthesis, stakeholder theory is employed as a method theory to advance sustainability accounting as a domain theory. On this basis the concept of ‘Accounting for Sustainability and Stakeholders’ is developed. This concept highlights which sustainability topics and which stakeholders to consider in accounting for a given organization and how the inclusion of additional stakeholders and topics can contribute to creating value for stakeholders. In conclusion, this paper highlights that an overly broad inclusion of stakeholder groups and sustainability topics can be replaced by a purposeful selection of stakeholders and topics of particular relevance for the specific organization. As an additional advantage, the concept prevents disconnecting sustainability accounting from conventional accounting.

AB - This paper aims at integrating the bodies of literature on stakeholder theory and sustainability accounting. Using the conceptual methodological approach of theory synthesis, stakeholder theory is employed as a method theory to advance sustainability accounting as a domain theory. On this basis the concept of ‘Accounting for Sustainability and Stakeholders’ is developed. This concept highlights which sustainability topics and which stakeholders to consider in accounting for a given organization and how the inclusion of additional stakeholders and topics can contribute to creating value for stakeholders. In conclusion, this paper highlights that an overly broad inclusion of stakeholder groups and sustainability topics can be replaced by a purposeful selection of stakeholders and topics of particular relevance for the specific organization. As an additional advantage, the concept prevents disconnecting sustainability accounting from conventional accounting.

KW - Sustainability sciences, Management & Economics

KW - Accounting for stakeholders

KW - Reporting

KW - stakeholder theory

KW - Sustainability Accounting

KW - Value creation

KW - Sustainability

U2 - 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124097

DO - 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124097

M3 - Journal articles

VL - 275

JO - Journal of Cleaner Production

JF - Journal of Cleaner Production

SN - 0959-6526

M1 - 124097

ER -