Amidst the unprecedented economic backdrop of a global pandemic, the intricate web of greenwashing discourse in times of fake news has woven its threads into the fabric of corporate sustainability, reshaping managers’ perceptions and challenging their attitudes toward sustainable decision-making. In a two-phase qualitative study, this research explores the impact of greenwashing discourse on managers’ perceptions and attitudes toward sustainability post pandemic in France. The results reveal a disconnection between external greenwashing discourse and the managerial mindset, as claims of greenwashing are often linked to “fake news.” Furthermore, the study shows that the pandemic has shifted the spotlight onto financial concerns, overshadowing sustainability in strategic decision-making and thereby altering the landscape of corporate responsibility. Going beyond the conventional focus on consumers and clients, this study aims to fill a critical gap in greenwashing research by examining the impact on different stakeholders. In this investigation, we aim to contribute to research on greenwashing discourse by offering more comprehensive understanding of the complexities and nuances involved in managerial perceptions of the discourse and sustainability initiatives in an era marked by unprecedent challenges.

00:00
- 00:03:24
As environmental sustainability gains prominence, institutional investors are increasingly recognized for their influence on corporate environmental practices. This study investigates how institutional investors' ownership and investment horizon affect corporate waste management in France. The results reveal that long-term (short-term) institutional investors negatively (positively) affect waste generation. We also show that the effect of long-term institutional investors on waste generation has accentuated after the adoption of the French Law on the Energy Transition in 2015 , especially for firms with high environmental performance and strong corporate governance and those operating in environmentally sensitive industries. These results offer actionable insights for policymakers, investors, and managers seeking to promote sustainable waste management practices.
LAKHAL Faten - EMLV |
- Research
- Governance, Sustainable Development and CSR
