A Framework for Corporate Sustainability: The Role of Systems Thinking

The Sustainable Development Goals, set by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda, provide a universal framework for global sustainability. Achieving these interconnected goals requires systems thinking, addressing the root causes of sustainability challenges, and moving beyond traditional, human-driven approaches. Sustainability has become a core focus for many corporations, with more proactive strategies being adopted. However, progress in corporate practices remains insufficient, as research shows ecosystems continue to decline at a rapid pace. Sustainable transformations require interdisciplinary changes across all components in a system where the business functions. It requires shifts in technologies, social behaviors, business frameworks, regulatory policies, and cultural standards that would essentially alter the core structure of the business. This study examines how systems thinking can serve as a holistic and joint concept in sustainability transformations for corporations to reach their sustainability goals, along with the challenges of incorporating systems thinking, the sustainability challenges, and the desired outcomes for businesses adopting this approach.