Linking stakeholder pressure and corporate environmental competitiveness: The moderating effect of ISO 14001 adoption

In this paper, we seek to understand the impact of overall stakeholder pressure (SP) on corporate environmental competitiveness (EC). We have also investigated the pressures derived from various groups of primary and secondary stakeholders on environmental competitiveness. Importantly, the moderation effect of the ISO 14001 adoption on the relationship between SP and EC has been explored. Although, the effect of stakeholder pressure on firms' environmental performance has been studied in the literature, the impact of stakeholder pressure on firms' environmental competitiveness is far less explored. The study also adds significantly to the ongoing discussion as the moderation effect of the ISO 14001 adoption on the relation between stakeholder pressure and environmental competitiveness has been scarcely explored in the literature so far. The results from the cascade of linear regression models have confirmed a positive and significant effect of (overall, primary, secondary) stakeholder pressure on environmental competitiveness. The regression models have also confirmed the presence of the moderation effect of the ISO 14001 adoption on environmental competitiveness.

Automated summary

This study aims to understand the impact of overall stakeholder pressure on corporate environmental competitiveness, including the pressures from primary and secondary stakeholders in this regard. It also explores the moderation effect of ISO 14001 adoption on the relationship between stakeholder pressure and environmental competitiveness. The results indicate a significant positive effect of stakeholder pressure on environmental competitiveness, with ISO 14001 adoption playing a moderating role in this relationship.