Environmental strategic role orientations of multinational enterprises: Different shades of green

Revti Raman Sharma

Journal of International Management, 2025, vol. 31, issue 5

Abstract: The role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in tackling environmental sustainability challenges is contested. Some MNEs lead and champion environmental sustainability initiatives, while others use greenwashing and exploit pollution havens. We describe these approaches towards environmental sustainability as different ‘shades of green.’ Based on a systematic literature review of 77 articles from 13 international business and strategy journals, we present a dynamic typology and profiles of MNEs' environmental strategic role orientations (ESROs). These ESROs (leader, champion, masquerader, and exploiter) depend on various configurations of green resources and capabilities, and institutional pressures. The developed profiles relate to ESROs' environmental strategy, performance, and disclosures. We also suggest future research opportunities.

Keywords: Corporate environmental sustainability; Multinational enterprises; Strategy; International business (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.intman.2025.101283

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