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Uncovering the Limitations of the ESG Framework: A Multiple Case Study of Food Product and Packaging Startups in Sweden

Praveen, Gadde LU and Laorenza, Eleonora Valentina LU (2024) MGTN59 20241
Department of Business Administration
Abstract
This study investigated the limitations and possible introduction of missing pillars in the current ESG framework, wherein a richer definition and exploration towards holistic sustainability was a key aim. Through an exploratory approach using the Gioia Methodology, six startups were interviewed, intended to present current lessons and challenges of integrating the ESG dimensions. All companies belong in the food product and packaging industry, an industry known for its immense environmental impacts. The findings reveal that each company focuses on either environmental initiatives, social impact, or regulatory compliance. Here, several factors drive companies, namely price, impact involvement, and compliance, where consumers and retailers... (More)
This study investigated the limitations and possible introduction of missing pillars in the current ESG framework, wherein a richer definition and exploration towards holistic sustainability was a key aim. Through an exploratory approach using the Gioia Methodology, six startups were interviewed, intended to present current lessons and challenges of integrating the ESG dimensions. All companies belong in the food product and packaging industry, an industry known for its immense environmental impacts. The findings reveal that each company focuses on either environmental initiatives, social impact, or regulatory compliance. Here, several factors drive companies, namely price, impact involvement, and compliance, where consumers and retailers play active roles. It was also found that there is a gap between consumer values and purchasing behaviour, which extends to companies and their organisational culture. Evidently, the ESG framework lacked several key dimensions such as the standardisation for implementing ESG reporting, organisational culture, and ethics. This research contributes to the need for the ESG framework to be further re-evaluated, reconceptualised, and improved to fit modern sustainability trends. Overall, this study sheds light on the ineffectiveness of applying “a one-size-fits-all approach” to ESG assessment as it may overlook context-specific issues, limiting its relevance and in guiding sustainability strategies, especially in emerging startups. (Less)
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author
Praveen, Gadde LU and Laorenza, Eleonora Valentina LU
supervisor
organization
course
MGTN59 20241
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
ESG framework, holistic sustainability, food product and packaging, sustainable startups, ESG limitations
language
English
id
9155771
date added to LUP
2024-06-24 13:33:46
date last changed
2024-06-24 13:33:46
@misc{9155771,
  abstract     = {{This study investigated the limitations and possible introduction of missing pillars in the current ESG framework, wherein a richer definition and exploration towards holistic sustainability was a key aim. Through an exploratory approach using the Gioia Methodology, six startups were interviewed, intended to present current lessons and challenges of integrating the ESG dimensions. All companies belong in the food product and packaging industry, an industry known for its immense environmental impacts. The findings reveal that each company focuses on either environmental initiatives, social impact, or regulatory compliance. Here, several factors drive companies, namely price, impact involvement, and compliance, where consumers and retailers play active roles. It was also found that there is a gap between consumer values and purchasing behaviour, which extends to companies and their organisational culture. Evidently, the ESG framework lacked several key dimensions such as the standardisation for implementing ESG reporting, organisational culture, and ethics. This research contributes to the need for the ESG framework to be further re-evaluated, reconceptualised, and improved to fit modern sustainability trends. Overall, this study sheds light on the ineffectiveness of applying “a one-size-fits-all approach” to ESG assessment as it may overlook context-specific issues, limiting its relevance and in guiding sustainability strategies, especially in emerging startups.}},
  author       = {{Praveen, Gadde and Laorenza, Eleonora Valentina}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Uncovering the Limitations of the ESG Framework: A Multiple Case Study of Food Product and Packaging Startups in Sweden}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}