The Age of Institutional Pressures: Adaptive Role of Sustainability Management

CFP
Journal
online
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
30/11/2026
JOURNAL
Management Decision
PUBLISHER
Emerald Publishing
POSTED ON
16/03/2026

DETAILS

Introduction

In the modern business environment, organizations are increasingly facing institutional pressures from regulators, stakeholders, investors, and society to adopt responsible and sustainable practices. Sustainability management has therefore become a crucial strategic function that helps organizations respond effectively to these pressures.

This call for papers invites scholars and practitioners to explore how sustainability management adapts to institutional pressures and shapes organizational strategies, governance structures, and operational practices. The special issue aims to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which institutions influence sustainability initiatives and how organizations strategically respond.


Aim of the Special Issue

The primary objective of this special issue is to examine the dynamic relationship between institutional pressures and sustainability management. The issue seeks to highlight innovative research that explains how organizations adapt sustainability practices to remain competitive while meeting regulatory, environmental, and social expectations.

This issue also aims to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and real-world sustainability challenges faced by organizations in different sectors and regions.


Key Themes and Topics

Researchers are encouraged to submit papers addressing (but not limited to) the following themes:

Research Area

Description

Institutional Pressures

Regulatory, normative, and cultural influences on sustainability practices

Corporate Sustainability Strategies

Organizational responses to sustainability demands

Sustainable Governance

Governance structures supporting sustainability initiatives

Environmental and Social Responsibility

Corporate approaches to ESG and responsible management

Stakeholder Influence

Role of investors, communities, and policymakers in shaping sustainability

Organizational Adaptation

Strategic adaptation to sustainability regulations and expectations

Sustainability Innovation

New technologies and practices enabling sustainable operations

Global Sustainability Policies

Comparative studies of sustainability regulations across regions


Types of Submissions Accepted

The special issue welcomes a wide range of scholarly contributions, including:

  • Empirical research papers

  • Conceptual and theoretical studies

  • Case studies from industry or public sector

  • Comparative or cross-country analyses

  • Policy-oriented research on sustainability governance

Submissions should contribute to the advancement of knowledge in sustainability management and institutional theory.


Importance of the Topic

As sustainability becomes a central component of global economic and environmental policies, organizations must continuously adapt to institutional expectations and regulatory requirements. Research in this area can provide valuable insights into:

  • Effective sustainability strategies

  • Organizational resilience in changing regulatory environments

  • Integration of sustainability into corporate governance

  • Long-term value creation through responsible management

This special issue aims to contribute to the ongoing academic discussion on how institutional frameworks shape sustainable organizational behavior.


Submission Deadline

đź“… 30 November 2026

Researchers interested in contributing should prepare manuscripts according to the journal’s submission guidelines and submit before the deadline.


The special issue on “The Age of Institutional Pressures: Adaptive Role of Sustainability Management” provides an important platform for scholars to investigate how organizations navigate sustainability challenges in a rapidly evolving institutional landscape. By bringing together diverse perspectives and research approaches, the issue seeks to advance the academic and practical understanding of sustainability management in the age of institutional accountability.


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