Walking the Talk?: MNEs Transitioning Towards a Sustainable World

Concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, pandemics, and the exploitation of limited resources have led politicians and businesses to agree that action is needed. This volume explores how firms can reduce their carbon footprint while securing jobs and profits, and when to transform their businesses. It is a tribute to Professor Alain Verbeke and provides evidence that many types of actors are taking steps to "walk the talk," but MNEs face challenges to make their ambitions real.

Format: Hardback
Length: 500 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2024
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

The effects of greenhouse gas emissions on global climate conditions, the implications of pandemics on global trade, and the destruction of ecosystems due to the exploitation of limited and non-replaceable global resources are major concerns worldwide. Politicians and businesses alike recognize the need for action, but the questions of what, how, when, and by whom remain. Companies are grappling with the challenge of reducing their carbon footprint while maintaining job security and profitability. When should they decide to transform their businesses in the face of market uncertainty and lack of clear guidance from global institutions?

In this volume, we explore these critical questions. We feature select contributions from the 2022 EIBA conference in Oslo, as well as a number of invited contributions. The book is dedicated to Professor Alain Verbeke, a prominent figure in the field of international business who has made significant contributions to the theme of "walking the talk in the IB community." The chapters in this volume showcase a wide range of research questions and approaches within the IB community that provide evidence of various actors taking or capable of taking steps to truly "walk the talk."

However, the contributions also highlight the significant challenges faced by multinational enterprises (MNEs) in realizing their ambitions, which presents a challenge for IB scholarship to develop relevant and robust analytical approaches to address the transition problems MNEs encounter.

The impact of greenhouse gas emissions on global climate conditions is a pressing concern. The increasing concentration of these gases in the atmosphere is leading to a rise in global temperatures, melting ice caps, and extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts. These changes have significant consequences for human health, agriculture, and biodiversity.

Pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have also had a profound impact on global trade. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and supply chain disruptions have led to a decline in international trade, reduced economic growth, and increased unemployment. The pandemic has also highlighted the vulnerability of global supply chains and the importance of resilience and diversification.

The exploitation of limited and non-replaceable global resources, such as fossil fuels, minerals, and water, is another concern. The unsustainable use of these resources has led to environmental degradation, depletion of natural resources, and climate change. The need for sustainable resource management and conservation is crucial to ensure the long-term viability of our planet.

In response to these challenges, politicians and businesses have agreed that action is necessary. However, the questions of what, how, when, and by whom remain. Companies are exploring various strategies to reduce their carbon footprint, such as investing in renewable energy, implementing sustainable supply chain practices, and reducing waste and pollution.

At the same time, companies are also facing the challenge of balancing sustainability with profitability. Many companies prioritize environmental sustainability, but they may face financial penalties and competitive pressures to adopt more sustainable practices. The need for clear guidance and incentives from global institutions is crucial to encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and promote sustainable development.

The role of international business (IB) in addressing these challenges is significant. IB scholars and practitioners have the expertise and knowledge to develop and implement sustainable business practices and policies. They can contribute to the development of sustainable supply chains, promote sustainable investment, and provide guidance to companies on how to integrate sustainability into their operations.

However, IB scholarship also faces challenges in developing relevant and robust analytical approaches to cover the transition problems that MNEs face. The complexity of the issues, the interdependence of different systems, and the lack of consensus on solutions make it difficult to develop comprehensive and effective policies.

In conclusion, the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, pandemics, and the exploitation of limited and non-replaceable global resources are major concerns worldwide. Politicians and businesses agree that action is necessary, but the questions of what, how, when, and by whom remain. Companies are exploring various strategies to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable development, but they face challenges in balancing sustainability with profitability. IB scholarship has the potential to contribute to developing relevant and robust analytical approaches to address these challenges and promote sustainable development.

Weight: 712g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781835491188