EXPLORING THE BARRIERS AND DRIVERS OF ALIGNMENT: AN INVESTIGATION OF BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND ESG DEPARTMENTS

Dijkstra, Jonas (2022) EXPLORING THE BARRIERS AND DRIVERS OF ALIGNMENT: AN INVESTIGATION OF BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND ESG DEPARTMENTS. Master thesis, Sustainable Entrepreneurship (SE).

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Abstract

In order to advance theory on alignment, which can be explained as the extent to which the intended execution of strategy is consistent with the actual execution of strategy, this research aimed to find barriers and drivers to the alignment process by investigating the relationship between Boards of Directors and sustainability departments. Alignment leads to increased goal-attainment capacity, and improved understanding of the concept can thus be beneficial for business- and sustainability outcomes. This is especially relevant in large organisations where Boards of Directors rely on many operational departments to execute their strategic vision. The inductive theory required to fulfil the research aim was built on the qualitative analysis of interview data, which was obtained by interviewing ESG professionals from public MNCs. The results pointed towards the existence of two barriers: Complexity of the Sustainability Concept; and Conflicting Priorities, and four drivers: Bridging Hierarchical Distance; Strategic Influence; Engaged Leadership; and Communication. These findings can be utilised by managers to improve or maintain alignment with their agents and vice versa. Scholars may also use these findings as a stepping stone towards further advancement of the alignment theory.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Name supervisor:	Jong, G. de
Date Deposited:	09 Sep 2022 12:25
Last Modified:	09 Sep 2022 12:25
URI:	https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/171

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