Strategic Corporate Diversity Responsibility (CDR) as a Catalyst for Sustainable Governance: Integrating Equity, Climate Resilience, and Renewable Energy in the IMSD Framework

Benja Stig Fagerland () and Lincoln Bleveans
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Benja Stig Fagerland: Department of Industrial Economics, Strategy and Political Science, School of Business, University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), 3045 Drammen, Norway
Lincoln Bleveans: Sustainability Utilities & Infrastructure, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

Administrative Sciences, 2025, vol. 15, issue 6, 1-41

Abstract: This paper introduces the Integrated Model for Sustainable Development (IMSD), a theory-driven governance framework that embeds Corporate Diversity Responsibility (CDR) into climate and energy policy to advance systemic equity, institutional resilience, and inclusive innovation. Grounded in Institutional Theory, the Resource-Based View (RBV), and Intersectionality Theory, IMSD unifies fragmented sustainability efforts across five pillars: Climate Sustainability, Social Sustainability (CDR), Governance Integration, Collaborative Partnerships, and Implementation and Monitoring. Aligned with SDGs 7, 10, and 13, IMSD operationalizes inclusive leadership, anticipatory adaptation, and equity-centered decision-making. It addresses the compounded climate vulnerabilities faced by women and marginalized groups in the Global South, integrating insights from Indigenous resilience and intersectional adaptation strategies. Unlike conventional CSR or ESG models, IMSD institutionalizes diversity as a strategic asset and governance principle. It transforms DEIB from symbolic compliance into a catalyst for ethical leadership, legitimacy, and performance in turbulent environments. The model’s modular structure supports cross-sector scalability, making it a practical tool for organizations seeking to align ESG mandates with climate justice and inclusive innovation. Future empirical validation of the IMSD framework across diverse governance settings will further strengthen its applicability and global relevance. IMSD represents a paradigm shift in sustainability governance—bridging climate action and social equity through theory-based leadership and systemic institutional transformation.

Keywords: corporate diversity responsibility (CDR); climate resilience; institutional transformation; systemic equity; sustainable innovation; renewable energy governance; intersectionality; institutional theory; dynamic capabilities; inclusive leadership (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L M M0 M1 M10 M11 M12 M14 M15 M16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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