Certified B Corporations (B Corps) are organizations committed to creating positive environmental and social impacts beyond shareholder profit. Due to the potential link between B Corps and sustainable development, they have recently received increasing attention from academics. However, there remains a lack of empirical research on their business models and strategies, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study was, first, to examine selected US-based B Corps’ environmental and social sustainability practices and their impacts; second, to explore their keys to success; third, to assess their contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by analyzing their sustainable business models within the circular economy and creating shared value frameworks; and fourth, to explore how young adults should be educated to become the future leaders in social entrepreneurship and sustainability. A qualitative research method was used employing interview and document analyses. This study provides empirical evidence of the significant roles that B Corps play in addressing global problems and contributing to the UN SDGs.

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Certified B Corporations as a Driver for Sustainable Development: An Analysis of Innovative Sustainable Business Models in the US

  • Eundeok Kim

摘要

Certified B Corporations (B Corps) are organizations committed to creating positive environmental and social impacts beyond shareholder profit. Due to the potential link between B Corps and sustainable development, they have recently received increasing attention from academics. However, there remains a lack of empirical research on their business models and strategies, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study was, first, to examine selected US-based B Corps’ environmental and social sustainability practices and their impacts; second, to explore their keys to success; third, to assess their contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by analyzing their sustainable business models within the circular economy and creating shared value frameworks; and fourth, to explore how young adults should be educated to become the future leaders in social entrepreneurship and sustainability. A qualitative research method was used employing interview and document analyses. This study provides empirical evidence of the significant roles that B Corps play in addressing global problems and contributing to the UN SDGs.