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

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.