Qualitative study uncovers symbolic sustainability commitments among business school deans, highlighting risks when institutional incentives disappear.
Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings A study of 30 European business school deans finds that sustainability functions as a “strategic façade” – a highly visible but symbolic commitment sustained to satisfy rankings, accreditors, and stakeholders rather than to drive real change – offering executives a sharp test for their own pledges: a commitment that only exists to earn external reward won’t survive the moment that reward disappears. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
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