12174: The Future of the End of Greenwashing: Voluntary vs Mandatory Responses & Management Research’s Role

Greenwashing is a persistent issue that undermines the perceived validity and value of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) focused research and business practices. Past management research has thoroughly focused on greenwashing causes and practices, but more attention needs to be paid to understanding how to effectively end greenwashing. As management scholars shift their focus to ending greenwashing, several questions arise. First, does the current voluntary nature of firm CSR activity and reporting permit the persistence of greenwashing, and what are the limitations of pressure from investors, consumers, activists, rating/certification agencies, and other stakeholders to curtail greenwashing? Second, if mandatory standards are required, what is the appropriate level and form of mandatory pressure from Industry Associations or inter/national government bodies to curb greenwashing? Additionally, greenwashing is studied across various fields, including communication, economics, production engineering, the social sciences, accounting, and law. Is management scholarship, traditionally a firm-focused discipline, uniquely positioned to develop effective research on this topic? Or if a broader public policy approach is needed, what is the appropriate role of management scholarship moving forward in contributing to the elimination of greenwashing? What research questions do we need to ask, and how do we best approach these questions? This symposium addresses these questions.