Corporate purpose research: Streams and promises

Abstract

In this editorial, we identify three approaches to corporate purpose that shed light on distinctive aspects of corporate purpose and organizational life. The statement-centric approach focuses on how purpose can send (or not) credible signals to specific audiences. The experience-based approach highlights the heterogeneity in firm members’ perceptions and understandings of corporate purpose. The decision-making approach proposes that corporate purpose alters decision-making within firms in predictable ways. This editorial contributes ideas for future empirical research. We believe current approaches to corporate purpose should both acknowledge their unique contributions and build on their methodological strengths in order to develop a meaningful understanding of organizations and provide concrete evidence of the impact of corporate purpose on organizational outcomes.