Organizing capabilities and performance in the scope of business sustainability

Abstract

Purpose: Organize concepts of capabilities and business performance (BP) within the scope of business sustainability (BS). Originality/value: Concepts of capabilities and performance are fragmented in the BS literature. Therefore, we argue the need for more in-depth studies to organize them. This research identifies and organizes categories of capabilities and BP about BS-oriented organizations, bringing new perspectives on how organizations can better use their resources towards sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach: With the support of content analysis techniques, we conducted a broad integrative review of capabilities and performance in the scope of BS. Concepts were categorized into two analysis frameworks regarding capabilities and BP, respectively. Findings: Based on these two frameworks, first, nine core capabilities were identified and classified into the strategies of the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV), in order to analyze them into time (short and long-term) and spatial (organization internal and external environments) perspectives. Following that, we identified conceptualizations for BP focusing on one or more BS domains (economic, social, and environmental). Finally, we deduced propositions, including discussions on how capabilities and BP can be constituted into intertemporal and spatial lines, to create a better connection between business and society, accommodating tensions and solving grand societal challenges, such as poverty and climate change.