The Role of Corporate Sustainability Managers in Implementing Proactive Environmental Strategies

Abstract Corporate Sustainability Managers (CSMs) have emerged as pivotal change agents in advancing organizational sustainability. In particular, they play a critical role in the implementation of Proactive Environmental Strategies (PES). However, despite their growing importance, little is known about how CSMs interpret and enact their roles in driving PES within organizations. To address this gap, this study draws upon and integrates insights from the Natural-Resource-Based-View (NRBV), PES, Upper Echelons Theory (UET), and the Attention-Based View (ABV) to explore how CSMs’ individual characteristics and role perceptions shape organizational PES implementation. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with CSMs from diverse industries. The findings were content analyzed to reveal four overarching dimensions describing who CSMs are and how they implement PES: (a) CSM characteristics; (b) Organizational structure; (c) PES formulation and implementation; and (d) Barriers and enablers shaping their work. This study contributes to the sustainability and business ethics literature both theoretically and practically. Theoretically, it proposes a conceptual framework clarifying how structural and motivational dynamics shape CSMs’ agency and effectiveness. The conceptual framework further leverages NRBV and PES to outline organizational expectations, while UET and ABV illustrate individual and top management dynamics influencing CSM capabilities. Practically, this study highlights three defining dynamics—departmental placement, recruitment background, and professional purpose—that shape CSMs’ agency. Additionally, six actionable propositions are developed to support CSMs in translating sustainability ambitions into practice. These recommendations include building professional networks, promoting cross-functional collaboration, and developing clear communication strategies. Simultaneously, organizations are urged to embed PES in corporate strategies, grant CSMs access to senior leadership, and prioritize comprehensive sustainability training. This study underscores the importance of an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to addressing environmental challenges.