Is Ignorance a Bliss in Sustainability? Evaluating the Perceptions of Logistics Companies’ Self-Assessment in Environmental Performance

Abstract

Effective management of any company relies on awareness of surroundings and ability to appropriately measure and control the operations. As sustainability issues have emerged as central concern in societies, companies are also aiming to improve their performance in this regard. Therefore, sustainability related measurements are required for companies looking to manage their sustainability. Qualitative multiple case study data reveals some inconsistencies between companies’ environmental performance and associated selfevaluation and reporting. The case studies are analyzed with focus on management capabilities in informed environmental sustainability related decision-making. It seems that companies are eager to take first steps towards environmental sustainability. However, overconfidence from initial successes can hinder further advances in environmental sustainability. Cognitive capabilities in self-evaluation seem to have implications for organizations in addition to individuals. While vital for advances in environmental sustainability, improvements should be reflected with critical view to avoid false sense of security. Companies’ environmental communications are often overexaggerated due to illusory superiority. Self-awareness in context of companies’ environmental performance should be further studied.