The process of becoming a B Corp as a for-profit company

: a case study of KoRo GmbH

Abstract

This dissertation aims to explore the sustainability adjustments and challenges a for-profit company faces as it undergoes the process of becoming a certified B Corp. It focuses on the operational and strategic changes required by a company to achieve B Corp certification. In today's world of constant political, societal, and cultural changes, corporations have a responsibility to go beyond profit maximisation. Therefore, this dissertation analyses the attempt of the German food company KoRo GmbH to become a B Corp by focusing on a teaching case that presents the challenges and examines how the company adapted its business practices to meet the B Impact Assessment (BIA) requirements. The study is supported by existing literature and includes a qualitative investigation through semi-structured interviews with the head of sustainability and sustainability strategist from KoRo, as well as the use of secondary data from the company and external sources. The findings indicate that the most significant challenge for KoRo GmbH in becoming a B Corp certified company is due to the lack of a proper sustainability management and data harmonisation. This aligns with the finding that, despite its challenges, the BIA provides a useful framework for measuring a company's sustainability. The thesis provides practical insights for managers and companies seeking B Corp certification, helping them to navigate the certification process more efficiently and to follow a structured approach. Furthermore, it aims to guide businesses towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), ultimately promoting positive change in the world.

Date of Award	26 Jan 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Marta Bicho (Supervisor)