A paradoxical perspective on the time dimension of corporate sustainability: Having both finite and infinite mindsets to play the game

Lin Wu, Nachiappan Subramanian (), Kulwant S. Pawar (), Miao Wang, Ajay Kumar () and Kim Hua Tan
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Lin Wu: UON - University of Nottingham, UK
Nachiappan Subramanian: University of Sussex
Kulwant S. Pawar: UON - University of Nottingham, UK
Miao Wang: University of Nottingham Ningbo [China]
Ajay Kumar: EM - EMLyon Business School
Kim Hua Tan: UON - University of Nottingham, UK

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Abstract: Adopting a paradoxical perspective, we propose that companies need to have both finite and infinite mindsets to play the infinite game of corporate sustainability (CS). The current development of the paradoxical approach to CS focuses primarily on tension management, with limited attention directed to the time dimension and insufficient empirical evidence on how tensions between the present and the future should be dealt with. To bridge this gap, we empirically explore the effect of CS practices, driven by both finite and infinite mindsets, on CS performance. Data collected from a large-scale survey of Chinese automotive manufacturers were analyzed using the Entropy Weight Method (EWM) and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions. Findings suggest that a timebased paradoxical perspective on CS exists in firms, and they have realized short- and long-term benefits from implementing different types of CS practices. Our findings complement the CS literature on tension management and encourage businesses and policymakers to take a paradoxical approach to CS processes and outcomes.

Keywords: Organizational mindset; Paradox; Finite and infinite games; Time; Corporate sustainability (CS) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-11-15
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05531911v1
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Published in Journal of Cleaner Production, 2024, 480, ⟨10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.144082⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05531911

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.144082

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