The Palgrave Handbook of Corporate Sustainability in the Digital Era

Introduction
Contents
Notes on Contributors
List of Figures
List of Tables
Part I: Digital Transformation
Chapter 1: The Eco-System of Firm Technology Adoption
Introduction
Context and Background of Study
History of Innovation Studies
The Concept of Innovation
Diffusion and Adoption of Innovation
Adoption Eco-system
Developing Country Contexts
SMEs in Developing Countries
Corporate Sustainability
Digitized Environment
Methodology
Summary of Findings
Reflection on F-TAM
Employees’ Individual-Level Factors
Firm-Level Factors
Societal-Level Factors
Technology Characteristics
Reflection of Relevance and Further Studies
Scientific Relevance
Industrial Significance
Limitations and Future Research
References
Chapter 2: Algorithms Shaping the Future
Introduction
Literature Review
The Elements Behind the New Digital Economy
Big Data, Predictive Analytics, Machine Learning, IoT, and AI
Algorithms in the Twenty-First Century: Taking Care of Business
Cybernetics: The Human Use of Human Beings
Final Thoughts
References
Chapter 3: Automation Adoption in the Textile Industry of an Emerging Economy
Introduction
Textile Sector, Context, and Background
Automation, Context, and Background
Literature Review
Methodology
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Chapter 4: Determinants of the Digital Orientation of Small Businesses
Introduction
Digital Orientation
The Role of Context
The Role of Company Conditions
Research Model
The Empirical Examination of Digital Orientation of Small Businesses
Data Collection
Measurements
Results of the Analyses
Conclusions
Theoretical Implications
Managerial Implications
Limitations and Further Research Directions
References
Chapter 5: Analysis of Business and Sustainability Models of Native Digital Media in Latin America
Introduction
Business Models, Sustainability, and Digital Journalism
Internet Business Models
Sustainability of New Media and Innovation
Mobile Devices, Social Networks, and Journalism
Methodology
Literature Contextualization
Findings: The Cases of Digital Media in Latin America
El Faro (El Salvador): The First Native Digital Media of Latin America
La Silla Vacía (Colombia): How Power Operates in the Nation
Anfibia (Argentina): Chronicles and Alternative Contents from the South
Discussion
Conclusions
Appendix
References
Chapter 6: The Internationalization Speed of SMEs and their Long-term Sustainability in Foreign Markets
Introduction
Theoretical Issues
Determinants of Pre- and Post-internationalization
Consequences of Pre- and Post-internationalization Speed
Internationalization Motives for Emerging Market Firms
Method
Case Selection
Data Collection
Data Analyses
Description of Audaces Case
Internationalization Process: Pre-internationalization Phase
Internationalization Process: Post-internationalization Stage
Results: Development of Propositions
Final Remarks
Appendix: Interview Protocol
References
Chapter 7: Cybersecurity, Personal Data Protection and Crime Prevention from an Italian Perspective
Introduction
Cyber Events and Cybersecurity: A Descriptive Analysis
Cybersecurity Investments: An Economic Analysis
The Italian Legal Framework and the Principle of Accountability Using a Possible Connected Cyber and Personal Data Risk Model
Current System and Its Reference Context
Comparing the Legal Instruments: Differences and Elements in Common—The Principle of Accountability
A Possible Connected and Flexible Risk Prevention and Management Model
Research Methodology
Findings
The Regulatory Framework as an Incentive to Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection Investments
Discussion and Conclusions
References
Chapter 8: Mobile Money Systems as Avant-Garde in the Digital Transition of Financial Relations
Introduction. Mobile Money: Geographical Distribution and How It Works
Economic and Social Impacts of Mobile Money
Lessons for Improved Inquiry and Practice
Conclusions
References
Chapter 9: Augmented Reality: The Game Changer of Travel and Tourism Industry in 2025
Introduction
Background of Study
The Downturn of the Local Tourism Sector
Increasing Use of AR Technology in World’s Most Popular Museums
Limited Studies on User’s Acceptance of AR
Purpose of Study
Methodology
Findings
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Chapter 10: Equality Inclusion and Diversity Through Virtual Reality
Introduction
Learning in Organizations
Diversity Trainings in Organizations
Virtual Reality
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) Through VR
Significance and Implications of VR Diversity Trainings
Conclusion
References
Chapter 11: Need for Speed: Corporate Political Activity Effect on Celerity of Regulatory Decisions
Introduction
Context and Background
Conceptual Framework
Nonmarket Strategies
Corporate Political Activity
Institutional Environment
Discussion and Conclusion
Implications for Business Managers
Implications for Theory and Scholarship
Conclusion
References
Part II: Economic, Political and Ethical Challenges
Chapter 12: Political and Ethical Challenges of 2025: Utopian and Dystopian Views
Introduction
A Perfect Storm for Corporate Sustainability
Key Challenges
Hardin’s Lifeboat Ethics
Utopian and Dystopian Scenarios
A Utopian Scenario
A Dystopian Scenario
A Median Voter Perspective
A Median Voter Model
An Immigration Illustration
Application to a Proposed Three-Party Interpretation
Two Key Corporate Sustainability Issues
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Political Criticism of Capitalism and Wealth
Conclusions
References
Chapter 13: Adapting to Populism’s (Current and Future) Moment: Political Uncertainty and Business Strategy
Introduction
Background: Populism’s Moment?
Defining Populism
Populism’s Moment
Populism and Business
Macroeconomic Policies and Outcomes
Political Risk and Uncertainty
Value Chains, Sourcing, and Talent Acquisition
Conclusions
References
Chapter 14: Dynamics of Public Interest in Artificial Intelligence: ‘Business Intelligence Culture’ and Global Regulation in the Digital Era
Introduction: Digital Transformation and Public Interest
Artificial Intelligence Challenges in Digital Era
Dynamics of Artificial Intelligence and Regulation: Global and Local Challenges
Regulation Theories and Artificial Intelligence: Control and Resistance
Public Interest Theory: Digital Challenges in Public Interest
Perverted Public Interest Theory: Artificial Intelligence in the Free-Market Economy
Conspiracy Theories: Digital Anarchy in Regulation
Organizational Theories: Artificial Intelligence and Info-Communication Regulation
Capitalist State Theory: Digital Capitalism and Regulation
Dynamics of Public Interest in Artificial Intelligence
Conclusion: Public Interest in Artificial Intelligence Revolution
References
Chapter 15: Economy of Attention: Definition and Challenges for the Twenty-First Century
Introduction
Context and Background
The Economy of Attention
Economic Oligopoly in a Liberalized Society
Concentration of Attention and Concentration of Culture: The Homogenization of Society
New Merchandise and New Jobs: New and More Sophisticated Exploitation Forms
The Irresponsible Use of Technology
Do Macro-Social Changes Affect Corporations as Well?
Conclusion: “Oh! I Touched My Phone 5,000 Times Today?”
References
Chapter 16: Is Stakeholder Capitalism the Answer? From Global Financial Crisis to Unfunded SDGs
Introduction
Where We Came from: Global Financial Crisis
Shaping the Future: Crisis Effects and Structural Trends
Direct Effects of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC)
Indirect Effects Fueled by the Global Financial Crisis (GFC)
Digital Revolution
Filling the Gaps: Where and How Are We Going
Multilateral Sector: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Private Sector: Business Roundtable
Private Sector: Sustainable Finance
Sharing Economy and the Hidden Power of Many
Public Sector: Fiscal Expansion and Taxing Changes
Conclusion
References
Chapter 17: FDI Facilitating Sustainable Development In and Out of an Emerging Market: Is Foreign Participation a Necessary Condition for Emerging Market Firms to Catch Up Globally?
Introduction
Definitions
Literature Review
Knowledge Diffusion Channel
Theory: The Knowledge Spillover Effect of Inward FDI
The Motives of Inward FDI and Knowledge Spillover
Technology Leader Effect
Local Embeddedness of Foreign Subsidiaries
Hypothesis Development
Chinese Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries, from 1995 to 2011
OECD Guidelines for MNEs, 2000 and 2011
Methodology
Data and Sample
Measurement
Empirical Model
Empirical Evidence and Results
Data Trend (Summary Statistics)
Results
Discussions
References
Chapter 18: Taming the Dark Side of the New Globalization
Introduction
Negative Impacts on Individuals and Communities
Negative Impacts on Nation-States
Responding to the Challenge
Constrain Monopoly Power
Update Regulatory Regimes
More Effective, Accountable Government
Education Reform
Labor Market Reforms
Universal Basic Income
International Cooperation
Conclusion
References
Part III: Corporate Sustainability in the Digital Era
Chapter 19: Building Skillful Resilience Amid Uncertainty
Introduction
Disruption in Organizations
Resilience in Organizations
Learning Toward Organizational Resilience
The Skillful Means Approach
Toward Skillful Resilience in an Age of Disturbance
Skillful Negotiations and Means for Wise Attention
Skillful Collaboration, Sustainability, and Recovery
Conclusion
References
Chapter 20: Digitalization, Institutions and the Future of Sustainable Work
Introduction
Management Consultants, the Future of Work and the Bright Side of Digitalization
Digitalization and Skills
Digitalization, Autonomy and Remote Working
Digitalization and Job Matching
Beyond the Management Consultant’s Hype: The Dark Side of Digitalization
Digitalization and Joblessness
Digitalization, Power and Work Intensification
Digitalization, Labour Rights and Precarious Work
Sustainable Work: Re-skilling the Workforce and Re-regulating the Labour Market
Digitalization and Re-skilling the Workforce
Digitalization and Re-regulating the Labour Market
Comparative Institutional Theory and the Future of Sustainable Work
Towards a Research Agenda for the Future of Sustainable Work
References
Chapter 21: Digital Capabilities: Bridging the Gap Between Creativity and Performance
Introduction
Context and Background
Literature Review
Organizational Creativity
Digital Capabilities
Research Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusions
References
Chapter 22: Sustainability in the Banking Industry Through Technological Transformation
Introduction
Literature Review
Technological Factors Bringing Inflection Point in the Financial Industry
Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Innovation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Application
A New Form of Money
Legal and Political Factors Opening the Market for New Technologically Armed Competition
Market Entry Barriers Relaxed
Regulatory and Compliance Pressure Increased Requiring Risk Management With New Technologies
Socio-Economic Factors Expanding the Market for Financial Services
Financial Inclusion of Underserved Populations
Perception of Trust and Digital Privacy
Innovation Driving Efficiency
Methodology
Resource-Based View of the Future Banking
Expected Employment Shits and Substitution in Banking
Expected Skyrocketing Spending Patterns on Technology
Expected Banking Revenue, Profitability Forecasts, and Financial Inclusion
Industry Analysis: The Forecasted Strategic Changes
Widening Gap in the Banking Sector
A New Business Model for Banks: Challenges of Open Banking or Connected Banking With Strategic Alliances
A Platform Virtual Bank
Customer-Oriented Focus
Risks and Global Issues
Institutional Analysis of a New Emerging Market Landscape and Players
Incumbent Banks Making Strategic Bets
Challenger Banks Not Always Quite New
Fintech Firms as Disruptors
Bigtech Firms Pioneering Platform Companies
Conclusions
References
Chapter 23: Exploring Effects of Digitalization on Sustainability in the Logistics Service Industry
Introduction
Background and Literature Review
Methodology of the Research
Description of the Digitalization Projects
Introduction of Digitalization Projects
Analyses of the Effects of Digitalization Projects on Economic Sustainability
Analyses of the Effects of Digitalization Projects on Environmental Sustainability
Analyses of the Effects of Digitalization Projects on Social Sustainability
Discussion
Conclusions
References
Chapter 24: Supply Chain Innovation and Sustainability Frontiers: A Balanced Scorecard Perspective
Introduction
Context and Background
What Is Currently Going on About Sustainable Transportation?
Literature Review
Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Transportation
Performance Measurement Systems and Supply Chain
Balance Scorecard, Supply Chain Management, and Sustainability
Reflections on the Impact of Disruptive Innovation on Organizational Strategy
Methodology
Four Examples in Supply Chains Disruptive Innovation
Example 1: Going Back to the Future to Enhance Transportation Decisions
Example 2: Merging Transportation with Manufacturing
Example 3: Electrifying Cargo Transport
Example 4: Lift Truck Automation
Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and Supply Chain Disruptive Innovation
Conclusions
References
Chapter 25: The Future of Sustainability: Value Co-creation Processes in the Circular Economy
Introduction
Theoretical Background
Context
Circular Business Models
Value Co-creation Processes
Circular Co-creation Processes
Methodology
Single Case Analyses
Apepak
Rifò
Womsh
Up2Go
Cross-Case Comparison
Conclusions
References
Chapter 26: Digital Technologies and Consumption: How to Shape the Unknown?
Introduction and Background
Consumer Buying Patterns: Past, Present, and Future
Future of Consumption: Role of Digital Technologies
Role of Digital Technologies in Consumers’ Wellbeing and Trust
Role of Digital Technologies in Environmental Sustainability
Conclusion
Policy Implications
References
Chapter 27: A Corporate Social Responsibility View on Digital Disruption in Marketing
Introduction
CSRE Foundations and Relationship Between Pillars
Digital Marketing and CSRE
The Digital Marketing Challenges
The Quality of New Marketing Personnel
Outsourcing of Marketing Services and Increased Rivalry
Transition to a New Regulatory Framework and Firm Opportunism
The Role of Informal Institutions in Marketing: CSRE Relationship
Disruptions in the Digital Marketing Tools
Search Engine Optimization and Search Results
Search Engine and Display Advertising
Content Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Email Marketing
e-Commerce
Methodology and Findings
Semistructured Interviews
Summary of Responses
Conclusions and Suggestions for Strategy Management, Investors, and Practitioners
References
Chapter 28: Trust, Transparency, and Technology: Blockchain and Its Relevance in the Context of the 2030 Agenda
Introduction
Context and Background
Blockchain: The Technology
Blockchain and Trust
Blockchain and Transparency
Blockchain and Business Sustainability
Conclusions
References
Chapter 29: The Rise of Unicorn Companies: A Magical Growth?
Introduction
Theoretical Background
Exponential Growth: a Dynamic Capability Analysis
The Unicorns Wave
International New Ventures in the Digital Era
Research Design and Methods
Case Selection
Data Sourcing
Findings
Magical Growth
JUUL Labs
WeWork
Unicorn Myth or Cheshire Cat
Theranos
Arrivo
What Can We Learn from Those Unicorns?
Conclusions
References
Chapter 30: Intellectual Capital Disclosure in the Digital Era: Challenges and Opportunities for MNEs
Introduction
Importance of Intellectual Capital Reporting
Intellectual Capital Disclosure Practices
The Impact of Digitalization on Intellectual Capital Disclosure Practices
Disclosure of Intellectual Capital Via Social Media
Methodology
Results
Conclusions
References
Chapter 31: Human Dynamics of Automation and Digitalisation of Economies: Discussion on the Challenges and Opportunities
Introduction
Current Trends in Automation and Digitalisation of Economies
Challenges of Automation and Digitalisation
Automation, Digitalisation and the New Opportunities
Implications, Limitations and Future Research Directions
References
Chapter 32: Achieving the Triple Bottom Line Through Big Data Analytics
Introduction
Understanding Sustainability Through the TBL
Profit/Economic Performance and Sustainability
Planet/Environmental Performance and Sustainability
People/Social Performance and Sustainability
Big Data Analytics
The Use of BDA for TBL
Impact of BDA on Economic Performance
Impact of BDA on Environmental Performance
Impact of BDA on Social Performance
Concluding Remarks
References
Chapter 33: Digital Transformation and Corporate Sustainability Accounting
Introduction
Context and Background
A Framework for Corporate Sustainability
Method and Methodology
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Body of the Chapter
Case Study
Background
Policy Setting Stage
Planning Stage
Implementation Stage
An Overview of the Digital Transformation Process
Discussion
Conclusions
Appendix
References
Chapter 34: Climate Change Disclosures in Different Cultures: A Study of Sustainability Reports
Introduction
Climate Change Disclosures
Culture and Climate Change Disclosures
Method
Sample
Content Analysis
Results
Descriptive Statistics
Main Results
Culture and Climate Change-Related Disclosures
Discussion
Appendix: Related Sections and Examples of Disclosures on Climate Change
References
Chapter 35: Storytelling for Human Sensitivity, Compassion and Connection in Corporate Sustainability
Introduction: Situating Sensitivity, Compassion and Connection
Wisdom as Story Knowledge in Culture, Creativity and Place
The Methodological Manuscript
Some Data Records of Humanity
Sustainability and the Wisdom of Elders
Conclusion: Ever After and Furthermore
Appendices
References
Chapter 36: Developing Gender Equality Marketing Beyond 2025: A Systematic Literature Review
Introduction
Theoretical Background: Pathways from Sustainable Development to Gender Equality Marketing
Gender Issues in Marketing Literature
Methodology: Systematic Literature Review
Results
Bibliometric Analysis
Categories of the Design-oriented Research Synthesis
Context
Intervention
Mechanism
Outcome
CIMO Logic and Existing Sustainable Pathways to Gender Equality Marketing
Discussion
Context
Intervention
Mechanism
Outcome
Practical Implications Beyond 2025
Pathway 1
Pathway 2
Pathways 3 and 4
Conclusions
References
Chapter 37: The Female Way to Happiness at Work: Happiness for Women and Organisations
Introduction
Women in the Workplaces: Context and Background
Happiness at Work in a Female Way
Methodology, Data Collection and Variables
Happiness for Women: Can Organisations Increase Women’s Happiness in the Workplace?
Happiness for Organisations: Can Women Leaders Contribute to the Happiness of Organisations?
Discussion and Conclusions
References
Chapter 38: Assessment of the Level of Sustainable Development Based on Agenda 2030
Introduction
Public Management and Its Relationship with Sustainable Development
The Models of Public Management and the Relation with the Development
Methodology
Sustainability Index Based on Un Agenda 2030: A Case Study
Conclusion
Appendix
References
Chapter 39: Advancing the Inclusive Agenda for People of Determination in the UAE Through Sustainable Innovations
Introduction
People of Determination
UAE Innovation Context for Inclusion
Objectives
Literature Review
Social Exclusion
Economic Exclusion
Toward Inclusion
Sectoral Approach to Inclusion
Inclusive Education
Inclusive Healthcare
Equal Opportunity
Universal Accessibility
Advocacy
Innovative Public Sector Response to the Inclusive Agenda
Methodology
Findings/Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Way Forward: Innovation Assessment and Benchmarking Activities for Social Inclusion
Appendix
References
Part IV: Future-oriented Management Education
Chapter 40: A Serendipitous Road Map to Educate Cosmopolitan and Sustainable Development-Oriented Managers
Introduction
Context and Background
Literature Review
A Humble Methodological Proposal
Some Arguments in Favor of Reflexive Education
A Call for Cosmopolitanism - Expanding Horizons
Reflexivity as a Flexible Quest for Interrogation and Divergence
Technology as Meaningful, Applied Knowledge
Reflecting on Experience, Deflecting Current Inertias
Conclusions
References
Chapter 41: Promoting Business Sustainability through Experiential Learning: Connecting Multiple Dimensions
Introduction
Context and Background
A Literature Review
Methodology
Results
Conclusions
References
Correction to: Augmented Reality: The Game Changer of Travel and Tourism Industry in 2025
Index