18157: How to Enhance Environmental Performance

Environmental performance is usually conceptualized using an outcomes-focused perspective, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, this approach presents challenges, as many organizations struggle to meet ambitious emission reduction targets, often retracing or delaying their goals due to the narrow scope of this approach. For organizations to improve environmental performance, we argue that it should be conceptualized as a dynamic system in which companies develop and integrate interactive components to achieve sustained improvements. Specifically, employing Marshall, Aguinis, and Beltran’s (2024) synthesized performance theory (i.e., the CORE performance model), we recommend that consultants and firms focus on building organizational capacity to embed sustainability into operations, refining internal structures to support environmental initiatives, and strengthening relationships with stakeholders. In sum, we provide theory-based actionable insights for consultants and thought leaders, offering a systemic framework to enhance environmental performance and ensure long-term environmental impact.

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