Clarifying greenwashing behavior in engineering via institutional theory: a configurational analysis of Chinese and international cases

Purpose Greenwashing behavior in engineering (E-GWB) can lead to environmental problems that are difficult to detect in a timely manner, seriously interfering with the effectiveness of social supervision. The complex formation mechanism of E-GWB under the interaction of multiple factors still deserves further exploration. This study draws on institutional theory to develop a comprehensive framework consisting of regulative, normative and cultural-cognitive dimensions, in order to explore how the random combination of multiple institutional conditions shapes the E-GWB. Design/methodology/approach The fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method was adopted to analyze 76 case studies. It was then combined with the causal loop diagram (CLD) method to explore the configuration effect of multiple institutions on E-GWB. Findings The results show the configuration of China is also different from that of the international context. CLD emphasizes that cultural cognition is not only the most easily overlooked but also the most important institutional condition. E-GWB is also associated with three other opportunistic behaviors, and the relevant description of E-GWB has been further clarified based on the extended frameworks. Originality/value Adopting a configuration perspective, this study moves beyond linear single-factor analyses, emphasizing the asymmetric causality arising from multi-factor interactions and systematically revealing the multi-path mechanism that induces E-GWB. Furthermore, the introduction of CLD further enhances the explanatory power of configuration analysis by revealing causal relationships that are difficult to capture in configuration analysis. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for differentiated governance of E-GWB.