Leading Entrepreneurial Sustainability Initiatives in Emerging Economies
Arya, B.; Horak, S.; Bacouël-Jentjens, S. & Ismail, K.; 2023. Leading
Entrepreneurial Sustainability Initiatives in Emerging Economies. International
Journal of Emerging Markets, 18(1), 64-85. DOI: 10.1108/IJOEM-08-2020-0951
Link:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/IJOEM-08-2020-0951
Abstract
This conceptual paper develops a theoretical framework to provide insights with
respect to enhancing focus on entrepreneurial sustainability initiatives in the
context of emerging economies. The unique idiosyncrasies of the institutional
environment of emerging economies are identified along the concept of scripts.
Sensemaking and social identity theory are utilized to draw propositions along
with the dimensions of the three stages of the sensemaking process: enactment,
selection, and retention, in order to identify factors that are likely to
motivate the next generation of business leaders in emerging economies to
undertake greater levels of sustainability initiatives. When organizations face
competing demands of meeting both social and financial goals, sensemaking by
next generation leaders becomes relevant. Leaders with greater entrepreneurial
orientation are more likely to take actions decoupled from local isomorphic
pressures, such that they turn opportunities for sustainability into novel
sustainable initiatives. This paper proposes a framework to provide insights and
directions for future research with respect to enhancing an organizational focus
on sustainability initiatives in the context of emerging economies.
Keywords
Emerging economies, leadership, sustainability, social identity theory,
sensemaking theory, entrepreneurial orientation.