Environmentally responsible management in international business: a literature review

Abstract

Purpose – This paper sets out to identify and categorize existing academic literature using the CSA/FSA matrix as it relates to environmentally responsible management in an international business context. It further identifies current trends and potential future research avenues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper undertook an examination of the literature as it pertains to international business activities of multinational enterprises (MNE) and environmentally responsible management (ERM) practices. In keeping with the focus of this review, only articles that discussed ERM in an international or multinational setting were considered, meaning that research focused on practices in only one country was not included. Findings – Some general themes were found in the literature regarding ERM activity and development in an international business context. One overriding theme is the relationship between the strategies, organization, goals and values of MNEs on the one hand versus the conditions and natures of host countries on the other. The CSA/FSA matrix uncovered a significant lack in FSA based research suggesting a focus for future research. Originality/value – The paper provides a thorough review of existing literature and supplements future research by categorizing major areas of focus and methodologies. This review generates significant building blocks for future research avenues and paths to be discovered through the use of the CSA/FSA matrix and the interaction between the factors.