Sustainable Business as Practice: Insights from a Swedish Savings Bank

• This study investigates how an organisation can balance between and control for multiple organisational goals. Based on case study in a small Swedish savings bank, we propose a conceptualisation of a local, sustainable ecosystem that enables the bank to actively drive sustainable development in the region while creating business. The study finds three central elements of such ecosystems, namely a sustainable base line, a symbiotic development of sustainable business practice, and sustainable impression management. The study contributes by demonstrating the successful and challenging aspects of being an active driver of local change, situated in a highly regulated sector. Further, the study emphasizes the importance of commitment, local embeddedness, and the involvement of local key actors and experts to drive change by symbiotically developing sustainable business practices. Finally, the findings highlight the important role of financial institutions in driving sustainable change in society, not only relating to global investments but also and particularly in local settings.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv -- Företagsekonomi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business -- Business Administration (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

sustainable development

enabling controls

financial sector

small businesses

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)