Silos and Sustainability: How the Permeability of Organizational Boundaries Shapes Corporate Sustainability Integration

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine how the permeability of organizational boundaries shapes corporate sustainability (CS) integration. The literature suggests that CS should be integrated throughout the organization and in its relationships with key, external stakeholders, but limited knowledge exists on the relationship between CS integration and the characteristics of the multiple, co-existing boundaries which define the organization (hierarchies, functions, professions, etc.). Based on a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis of survey responses from over 7000 organization members in three Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden), this study demonstrates that the permeability of organizational boundaries increases the level of CS integration and reduces the level of organizational tensions. Moreover, the findings show that boundary permeability becomes increasingly important for understanding CS integration as the size of the organization increases. The findings deepen our knowledge of organizational boundaries and show how these “sites of difference” influence the level of CS integration.