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Multiple Levels of Corporate Sustainability

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Abstract

According to Dr. Clare Graves, mankind has developed eight core value systems,1 as responses to prevailing circumstances. Given different contexts and value systems, a one-solution-fits-all concept of corporate sustainability is not reasonable. Therefore, this paper presents various definitions and forms of sustainability, each linked to specific (societal) circumstances and related value systems. A sustainability matrix– an essential element of the overall European Corporate Sustainability Framework – is described showing six types of organizations at different developmental stages, with different forms of corporate sustainability, each supported by specific institutional arrangements.

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References

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  • Marrewijk, M. van: 2003, 'Concepts and Definitions in CSR and Corporate Sustainability', Journal of Business Ethics

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van Marrewijk, M., Werre, M. Multiple Levels of Corporate Sustainability. Journal of Business Ethics 44, 107–119 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023383229086

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023383229086

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