Going one's own way: drivers in developing business models for sustainability

Abstract

Business models have received much attention in recent years due to their importance in the fundamental logic of every company. This paper is based on a qualitative, empirical research study conducted in cooperation with 10 Austrian companies in 2014. It aims to investigate business models for sustainability in order to better understand how they operate and what the drivers for developing these business models are. This is a cross-industry sample covering companies showing notable sustainability activities. In fact, half of the companies were founded with the intention of complying with sustainability principles. The results show that business models incorporating aspects of sustainability do not differ substantially from traditional business models. However, they do require specific adaptations and extensions. Furthermore, the findings highlight the significance of company leaders in organizing change processes so as to encompass sustainable business practices. The findings reveal that business models undergo constant change, and that sustainability plays a central role, both internally and externally. The results gained allow for a deeper understanding of the motivational aspects and drivers needed in developing business models for sustainability, and serve as a solid basis for further research in this field.