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Recent literature increasingly suggests that embracing corporate purpose provides companies with a competitive edge in driving systemic innovations, which are crucial for addressing complex societal challenges in our interconnected world. However, there is a dearth of empirical research exploring the organisational mechanisms through which corporate purpose facilitates systemic innovation. Our study seeks to address this gap by qualitatively analysing internal documents, reports, and interviews with managers and founders of four Italian purpose-driven companies. Our findings reveal three key intra-organisational dynamics enabled by corporate purpose: (1) strategic vision and alignment, (2) engagement, motivation, and creativity, and (3) trust and relational contracts – all of which facilitate the implementation of systemic innovation. This research contributes to both the grand challenges and organisational theory literature by offering a deeper understanding of how corporate purpose can be effectively leveraged to drive positive change. Additionally, it serves to stimulate new avenues of inquiry for management scholars and offers practical insights for companies striving to address the contemporary challenges of our society.
Gionfriddo et al. (Wed,) studied this question.