Corporate Sustainability Strategy: From Formulation to Implementation - A Single-Case Study of the Manufacturing Industry Examining Strategy Implementation Tools And Influences of Contextual Factors

Abstract: Title: Corporate Sustainability Strategy: From Formulation to Implementation – A Single-Case Study of the Manufacturing Industry Examining Strategy Implementation Tools And Influences of Contextual Factors Seminar date: June 3, 2022 Authors: Jakob Paul Leopold Krenn & Oriane Marina Rütsche Supervisor: Magnus Johansson Course: BUSN09 – Degree Project in MSc International Strategic Management Purpose: This thesis aims at analyzing the process from corporate sustainability strategy formulation to implementation in the EU manufacturing industry exemplified by eight companies of different countries of registration, size, legal forms, and industry sectors. Theoretical framework: While the emphasis in the literature is placed on strategy formulation, implementation has received less attention. Established tools circulate around Balanced Scorecards, while emerging methods comprise conceptual models and digital appliances. Methodology: Qualitative single-case study with an abductive research approach Empirical foundation: The empirical data was collected thanks to semi-structured interviews with employees and managers of eight manufacturing companies. Interviewees hold positions related to sustainability practices and are involved in sustainability strategy implementation processes. In addition, two interviews with sustainability consultants were conducted. Findings: While the formulation of sustainability strategies seems mastered by organizations, the lack of knowledge of managers hinders its implementation, particularly in target design and choice of implementation tools. Contextual factors, notably the country of registration, seem to have an impact on the implementation of formulated sustainability strategies. Contribution: This research contributes to the literature on strategic management and PMS by pointing out the link between sustainability strategy implementation and different contextual factors, namely country of registration, company size, legal form, and industry.