Sustainable Development Goals and multinational corporations: an institutional perspective

Raghavan N, Grib M (2026)

Publication Type: Authored book

Publication year: 2026

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd.

ISBN: 9781035348480

Abstract

This chapter explores the influence of institutions on multinational corporations’ (MNCs) contribution to the environmental Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) based on neo-institutional theory. The regulative pillar involves coercive pressures from stringent environmental laws and regulations that compel MNCs to contribute to SDGs to maintain compliance and legitimacy. The normative pillar highlights how societal expectations and industry standards drive MNCs to engage in SDG initiatives to enhance their reputation and meet stakeholder demands. The culture-cognitive pillar shows that MNCs often imitate successful peers’ sustainability practices due to uncertainty around SDG outcomes, leading to widespread adoption of best practices. Policymakers can use these insights to design more effective regulations and incentives that align corporate behavior with the SDGs, while MNCs can better navigate diverse institutional pressures to enhance their sustainability impact and global legitimacy.

Authors with CRIS profile

Nikhila Raghavan Lehrstuhl für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Internationales Management Maxim Grib Lehrstuhl für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Internationales Management

How to cite

APA:

Raghavan, N., & Grib, M. (2026). Sustainable Development Goals and multinational corporations: an institutional perspective. Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd..

MLA:

Raghavan, Nikhila, and Maxim Grib. Sustainable Development Goals and multinational corporations: an institutional perspective. Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd., 2026.

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