Advancing sustainable business through discourse: a conceptual framework

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between individuals’ discursive practices and organizational-level strategic change with respect to sustainability strategy. Design/methodology/approach The approach taken integrates Hart’s natural resource-based view of the firm with discourse theory. Findings A conceptual model of the relationship between discursive practices and strategic change is proposed. Research limitations/implications The paper’s model serves as a foundation on which future empirical research on the effectiveness of specific discursive practices can be conducted. Originality/value Much of strategy research is notable for the absence of discussion on human actors and actions. The paper helps to fill this gap, contributing to existing scholarship by examining the micro-foundations of sustainability strategy through the fundamental role of individuals’ discursive practices.