Call for Papers: The Age of Institutional Pressures – Adaptive Role of Sustainability Management

Call for Papers

The Age of Institutional Pressures: Adaptive Role of Sustainability Management

Publisher: Emerald Publishing

In an era marked by rapid environmental change, increasing regulatory frameworks, and growing societal expectations, organizations across the world are experiencing significant institutional pressures to adopt sustainable practices. Responding to these pressures requires adaptive strategies that integrate sustainability into management practices, organizational culture, and long-term decision-making.

To explore these evolving dynamics, Emerald Publishing invites researchers, scholars, practitioners, and policy experts to submit their original research papers, conceptual papers, and case studies for the special issue titled:

“The Age of Institutional Pressures: Adaptive Role of Sustainability Management.”

📅 Submission Deadline: 30 November 2026

About the Special Issue

The modern institutional environment is increasingly shaped by regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations, technological transformations, and environmental concerns. Organizations are no longer evaluated solely on financial performance but also on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities.

This special issue aims to examine how organizations adapt to institutional pressures through sustainability management practices, innovation, policy adaptation, and strategic leadership. It also seeks to provide new theoretical insights and empirical evidence regarding how sustainability becomes embedded within organizational structures.

The issue encourages interdisciplinary contributions from fields such as:

• Sustainability Management

• Organizational Studies

• Environmental Economics

• Corporate Governance

• Public Policy

• Social and Environmental Innovation

Key Themes and Topics

Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

1. Institutional Pressures and Organizational Change

• Role of regulations and compliance frameworks in shaping sustainability strategies

• Institutional theory perspectives on sustainability adoption

• Influence of government policies and international agreements on organizations

2. Sustainability Management Strategies

• Integration of sustainability into corporate governance

• Sustainable supply chain management

• Circular economy strategies within organizations

3. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Practices

• ESG reporting and transparency

• Impact of ESG metrics on business performance

• Stakeholder engagement in sustainability initiatives

4. Innovation and Sustainable Transformation

• Green innovation and technological adaptation

• Digital transformation supporting sustainability goals

• Role of startups and social enterprises in sustainability transitions

5. Leadership and Organizational Culture

• Sustainable leadership and responsible management practices

• Organizational culture supporting sustainability transformation

• Employee engagement and sustainability behavior

6. Global and Regional Perspectives

• Sustainability challenges in developing economies

• Comparative studies across regions and industries

• Local institutional environments and sustainability responses

Types of Submissions Accepted

The special issue welcomes a variety of scholarly contributions including:

• Original empirical research papers

• Conceptual and theoretical papers

• Literature reviews

• Case studies

• Policy analyses

• Interdisciplinary research contributions

All submissions should demonstrate rigorous methodology, theoretical relevance, and practical implications for sustainability management.

Why Submit?

Publishing in this special issue offers several benefits:

• Opportunity to contribute to a globally relevant sustainability debate

• Publication with Emerald Publishing, a leading academic publisher

• Increased visibility among researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals

• Contribution to the development of sustainable management frameworks

Submission Guidelines

Authors are encouraged to ensure that their manuscripts:

• Present original, unpublished work

• Follow the journal’s formatting and submission guidelines

• Clearly highlight the theoretical and practical contributions

• Address the theme of institutional pressures and sustainability management

Detailed submission instructions and manuscript guidelines are available on the official Emerald Publishing call for papers page.

Important Date

As institutional environments become increasingly complex, sustainability management is emerging as a critical capability for organizations seeking long-term resilience and legitimacy. This special issue aims to generate meaningful scholarly dialogue and innovative research that helps organizations navigate institutional pressures while advancing sustainable development goals.

Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit their work and contribute to shaping the future of sustainability-oriented management practices.

See Details