Title: From business goals to societal goals via sustainable investment: an integrative review and research agenda

Authors: Gaurav Talan; Gagan Deep Sharma

Addresses: University School of Management Studies, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector 16 C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India ' University School of Management Studies, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector 16 C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India

Abstract: This paper questions the current perception of business goals and argues that the business goal needs to be derived out of the human goal and human program. By evaluating developments in the field of sustainable investing, the paper explores the need to broaden the base of sustainable investing by covering individuals, families, society and nature. The paper lays future research agenda for identification of businesses generating holistic value in terms of physical facilities while also maintaining harmony in relations with humans and rest of the nature. Synchronisation of business goals with human goals shall lead to real value for society as also for individuals, families and the nature. By bringing together inter-disciplinary ideas about human goals, business goals and investments, the paper sets-up a concrete research agenda for future works in the area of sustainable investment.

Keywords: sustainable investing; environment; society and governance; ESG; corporate social performance; CSP; business goal; human goal; human program; stakeholders; holistic value; harmony.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2020.105530

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2020 Vol.16 No.1, pp.108 - 124

Received: 03 Nov 2018
Accepted: 02 Dec 2018
Published online: 03 Mar 2020 *

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