Facing a global crisis - how sustainable business models helped firms overcome COVID

Abstract

El estudio analiza cómo la implementación de políticas de responsabilidad social corporativa basadas en el Pacto Mundial de Naciones Unidas contribuye al desempeño empresarial durante crisis globales como la COVID-19. A partir del enfoque del triple resultado (personas, planeta y beneficio), se examina la relación entre modelos de negocio sostenibles, estrategias a largo plazo y su impacto en el rendimiento financiero y la reputación corporativa. El análisis se centra en empresas energéticas españolas del IBEX 35, evaluando su comportamiento durante el primer semestre de 2020. Los resultados muestran que las estrategias sostenibles y el compromiso con la sostenibilidad favorecen una mejor adaptación a contextos adversos y contribuyen a la creación de valor a largo plazo.

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyse how implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies following United Nations’ Global Compact (UNGC) guidelines can contribute to firm’s performance during a global crisis, such as the case of COVID-19. Based on the triple bottom line theoretical framework, this work explores the relation between the creation of value and sustainable business models with long-term strategies and strong policy commitments, and their performance in the stock market years later during a crisis. Design/methodology/approach – The study analyses European Union firms, focusing on Spanish energy companies listed in IBEX 35. It evaluates long-term sustainability strategies and their performance during the COVID-19 crisis using financial and reputational indicators. Findings – Results indicate that long-term CSR strategies and sustainable models positively influence resilience and performance during crises, contributing to better financial outcomes and corporate reputation.