In recent years, corporate sustainability has emerged as a critical focus for businesses worldwide, driven by increasing environmental concerns, stakeholder pressures, and regulatory requirements. This paradigm shift has brought Corporate Sustainability Development (CSD) and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) to the forefront of organizational strategies, particularly in developing economies striving to balance industrial growth with environmental stewardship (Goyal et al., 2021; Mani & Wheeler, 1998).
Corporate Sustainability Development refers to the integration of economic, environmental, and social considerations into business operations and decision-making processes (Hörisch et al., 2020; Schaltegger et al., 2016). It encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, enhancing social responsibility, and ensuring long-term economic viability. Recent studies have reinforced the importance of integrating CSD into business practices. For instance, Eccles et al. (2014) found that companies with strong sustainability practices demonstrate better operational performance and are more resilient during crises. Additionally, a meta-analysis by Friede et al. (2015) revealed a positive correlation between corporate financial performance and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, underscoring the business case for sustainability. These findings are further supported by recent research from (García-Sánchez et al., 2019), who demonstrated that sustainability practices contribute to improved financial performance and reduced risk in firms across various industries.
Enterprise Risk Management, on the other hand, is a comprehensive approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential threats to an organization's objectives and operations (Bohnert et al., 2019; Bromiley et al., 2015). The integration of CSD into ERM has gained traction as organizations recognize the interconnectedness of sustainability issues and business risks. A study by Flammer and Kacperczyk (2019) found that companies integrating sustainability into their core strategies experience lower stock price crash risk, suggesting enhanced risk management capabilities. Similarly, Shahzad, Qu, Javed, et al. (2020) demonstrated that firms with robust sustainability practices are better equipped to manage environmental and social risks, leading to improved financial performance. These findings are corroborated by recent work from Amel-Zadeh and Serafeim (2018), who found that integrating ESG factors into investment decisions can lead to superior risk-adjusted returns.
In the context of developing economies, the manufacturing sector plays a crucial role in economic growth but also faces significant sustainability challenges (Awan et al., 2021). Jordan, as a case in point, has seen its manufacturing sector grappling with the dual imperatives of industrial expansion and environmental protection (Alastal et al., 2024). This context provides a fertile ground for examining the intricate relationships between CSD, ERM, and emerging concepts such as green innovation.
Green innovation, defined as the development and implementation of new products, processes, or services that contribute to environmental protection and sustainable resource use (Tariq et al., 2017; Ukko et al., 2019), has emerged as a potential bridge between sustainability goals and risk management strategies. Zhang et al. (2019) found that green innovation positively mediates the relationship between environmental regulations and firm performance, suggesting its potential role in linking sustainability practices with risk management and business outcomes. This finding is supported by recent research from Nadeem et al. (2020), who demonstrated that green innovation practices contribute to improved environmental performance and competitive advantage in manufacturing firms.
This study aims to examine the association between Corporate Sustainability Development and Enterprise Risk Management, with a particular focus on the mediating role of Green Innovation in the Jordanian manufacturing sector. By investigating this relationship, we seek to contribute to the growing body of literature on sustainable business practices and provide practical insights for managers in developing economies.
The significance of this study lies in its potential to bridge a critical gap in our understanding of how CSD, ERM, and Green Innovation interact in the context of developing economies, particularly within the manufacturing sector. This research addresses a pressing need identified by scholars and practitioners alike for more nuanced insights into sustainability practices in diverse economic settings (Hussain et al., 2018)u. The manufacturing sector in developing countries like Jordan plays a crucial role in economic growth but also faces significant sustainability challenges (Al-Ghwayeen & Abdallah, 2018). By examining the interplay between CSD, ERM, and green innovation in this context, our study contributes to both theoretical understanding and practical application of sustainable business strategies. This is particularly important as developing economies grapple with the dual challenges of industrial growth and environmental protection (Mani & Wheeler, 1998).
Moreover, while previous research has explored CSD and ERM separately, few studies have examined their integration, especially with green innovation as a potential mediator (Saunila et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2019). Our study addresses this research gap, offering insights that could inform more effective sustainability strategies and risk management practices. This is crucial in an era where stakeholders increasingly demand that businesses address environmental and social issues while maintaining economic viability (Eccles & Klimenko, 2019; García-Sánchez et al., 2019).
Furthermore, by focusing on the Jordanian manufacturing sector, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers and business leaders in similar developing economies. As these countries seek to balance economic growth with sustainable practices, understanding the dynamics between sustainability, risk management, and innovation becomes paramount (Awan et al., 2021; Nadeem et al., 2020). Our findings could inform more effective policies and business strategies that promote sustainable industrial development while mitigating associated risks.
Theoretically, this study is grounded in Stakeholder Theory (Freeman, 2010),which posits that businesses should create value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. Recent extensions of this theory by Jones et al. (2018) to include environmental stakeholders provide a robust framework for understanding how CSD initiatives can address diverse stakeholder expectations while simultaneously mitigating risks through ERM practices. This theoretical lens allows us to explore how green innovation can serve as a mechanism for aligning stakeholder interests with organizational objectives in the context of sustainability and risk management (Tu & Wu, 2021).
In conclusion, this study aims to contribute to the growing body of literature on sustainable business practices in developing economies, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities in balancing economic growth with environmental and social responsibilities. By examining the relationships between CSD, ERM, and green innovation in the Jordanian manufacturing sector, we seek to provide valuable insights for both academic research and practical application in similar economic contexts.