Can B Corp certification anchor sustainability in SMEs?
Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
Authors
B Corp certification is considered a viable instrument to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting sustainable practices. However, there is a lack of evidence to what extent this instrument can anchor sustainability at the core of SMEs. This study investigates the B Corp certification process of a SME, a craft brewery in southern Sweden, regarding the extent to which it helped infusing sustainability into the business’ mission, practices, corporate form, certificates, and capacities. Results show that the B Impact Assessment, as part of the certification process, positively influenced the business’ mission, practices, and capacities. Limited influence on social commitment and adoption of a sustainable corporate form can be explained through regulatory context and time required for deep organizational change. To enhance the effectiveness of B Corp certification, we recommend making it even more adaptable to different geographical and social contexts and increase focus on impact business models.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 1 |
Pages (from-to) | 293-304 |
Number of pages | 12 |
ISSN | 1535-3958 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 01.01.2022 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 The Authors. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- business sustainability, capacity building for sustainability, impact business models, sustainability certification
- Sustainability Science
- Transdisciplinary studies