Strategic approaches to sustainability in multinational corporations: A comprehensive review

Oluwatosin Yetunde Abdul-Azeez 1, Uloma Stella Nwabekee 2, Edith Ebele Agu 3 and Tochukwu Ignatius Ijomah 4, *

1 Independent Researcher, USA.
2 University of Virginia Darden School of Business – Charlottesville, VA, USA.
3 Zenith General Insurance Company Limited, Nigeria.
4 Independent Researcher, Australia.
 
Review
International Journal of Frontline Research in Science and Technology, 2024, 03(02), 038–054.
Article DOI: 10.56355/ijfrst.2024.3.2.0046
Publication history: 
Received on 10 July 2024; revised on 26 August 2024; accepted on 29 August 2024
 
Abstract: 
This paper provides a comprehensive review of strategic approaches to sustainability within multinational corporations (MNCs), examining the frameworks, practices, and challenges faced by these global entities in their pursuit of sustainable development. With increasing pressures from stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and consumers, MNCs are increasingly integrating sustainability into their core strategies. This review explores key sustainability strategies, including environmental management systems, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and sustainable supply chain management. Additionally, the paper addresses the role of innovation and technology in driving sustainable practices, the importance of aligning sustainability with corporate governance, and the challenges of implementing consistent sustainability standards across diverse geographic regions. The findings indicate that while MNCs have made significant strides in adopting sustainability practices, they face ongoing challenges in achieving uniformity across operations, balancing economic and environmental objectives, and responding to evolving regulatory and market demands. The review concludes by highlighting the need for continuous adaptation and the development of robust, scalable strategies that can support long-term sustainability goals across all levels of the corporation.

 

Keywords: 
Sustainability; Multinational corporations; Corporate social responsibility; Sustainable supply chain management; Environmental management; Innovation; Corporate governance
 
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