Doing Well by Creating Economic Value through Social Values among Craft Beer Breweries: A Case Study in Responsible Innovation and Growth

Niclas Erhardt, Carlos Martin-Rios, Jason Bolton and Matthew Luth
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Niclas Erhardt: College of Business, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA
Carlos Martin-Rios: EHL Hospitality Business School, HES-SO, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
Jason Bolton: Maine Business School, Innovation Program, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
Matthew Luth: College of Business, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-17

Abstract: Social values are key to the sustainability of organizations. Drawing on value-based research, stakeholder theory, and corporate social responsibility research, this paper builds a case study of the interplay between social values, innovation, and economic growth. The craft beer industry is a fast-growing industry with a potential emphasis on social values built on small-scale production and localism. We examine how craft breweries attempt to resolve tensions derived from pursuing economic and social values simultaneously. As breweries continue to grow, owners face decisions of scale and growth, which may undermine a value-driven industry with close ties to the local community. Findings from six craft breweries, operating in Northern New England, USA, suggest a complex managerial dilemma involving (a) small-batch innovation for niche and mass production for growth, (b) responsible innovation for balancing local authenticity and geographical expansion, and (c) independent and business partnering. We further unpacked the tensions that operated at local and non-local levels.

Keywords: social values; responsible innovation; social sustainability; growth; authenticity; neo-localism; local community; craft brewery; USA; case study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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