From Ambition to Authenticity

How Transparent Sustainability Practices Rebuild Stakeholder Trust

Bibliographic Data

ID19235263
AuthorsAkm Mohsin (0000-0002-8730-6189, Logistikum, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria Steyr Austria, corresponding author), Markus Gerschberger (0000-0001-7715-8680, Logistikum, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria Steyr Austria), Marwan Rashed (0000-0001-9994-878X, College of Business Administration International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) Dhaka Bangladesh), Sayed Farrukh Ahmed (Daffodil International University), Mohammad Fakhrul Islam (0000-0002-5638-5099, The Kautz Gyula Faculty of Business and Economics Széchenyi István University Győr Hungary), M Ashraful Islam (Széchenyi István University), Hasanuzzaman Tushar (0000-0002-4829-5843, College of Business Administration International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) Dhaka Bangladesh)
Year2026
Publication date2026-06-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSustainable Development (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0968-0802 • E-ISSN: 1099-1719
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/sd.71276
OpenAlexW7163542275
LanguageEN
References cited77

Stakeholder trust is central to advancing sustainable development, yet it is increasingly strained as corporate sustainability commitments expand faster than verifiable performance. This study examines how authenticity and transparency in corporate sustainability practices influence the formation and maintenance of stakeholder trust under conditions of scrutiny and institutional accountability. Using longitudinal evidence from European publicly listed firms and incorporating both comparative and contextual analytical perspectives, the research shows that trust grows when organizations communicate candidly, report measurable progress, and reinforce their commitments through credible assurance. Trust is shaped not by the volume of sustainability reporting but by the sincerity and consistency of alignment between commitment and demonstrable action. The findings highlight the role of institutional safeguards that encourage honest disclosure and responsible conduct as firms navigate sustainability transitions. This work advances the understanding of sustainable development governance by clarifying how credible communication and transparent practices can reinforce accountability and strengthen legitimacy. The insights offer practical direction for organizations and policymakers working to foster sustainability cultures grounded in integrity and long‐term trust

Accountability · Corporate governance · Sincerity · Stakeholder · Stakeholder engagement · Sustainability · Sustainability reporting · Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting · Environmental Sustainability in Business · Ethics in Business and Education

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