Cultivating a corporate sustainability mindset: A model & future research

Abstract

The development and measurement of a sustainability mindset are increasingly recognized as critical elements in effectively addressing global sustainability challenges. However, little is known about what a corporate sustainability mindset is and how to develop it. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of the conceptualization, development approaches, and measurement instruments related to sustainability mindset. A sustainability mindset is defined as an individual's cognitive and emotional alignment with sustainability ideologies, reflecting their intrinsic values, beliefs, attitudes, and actions concerning the well-being of all. Our review indicates, among others, that the development of corporate sustainability mindset development model must consider the systems perspective and incorporate a mechanism for the mindset to grow. The most relevant approach to develop a corporate sustainability mindset is Transformative Learning. In terms of measuring a corporate sustainability mindset, the measurement scale must include the cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral dimensions to be effective. Accordingly, a corporate sustainability mindset development model is developed, followed by practical implications and future research directions.