Integrated management systems as a driver for sustainability: the review and analysis of the literature and the proposition of the conceptual framework

Abstract Paper aims This paper aims to analyze the literature on standard management systems (ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, SA 8000, and ISO 26000), and to propose a conceptual framework relating these standards to sustainability (based on TBL) to help answer the following research question: How does the literature address IMS and sustainability based on TBL? Originality This research sheds light on controversies, discussed in the literature, concerning the effects of IMS with sustainability standards. Research method The methodological approach used is a systematic literature review based on bibliometric theory and social network analysis. A conceptual model is presented, linking the main constructs, variables, and their relations to better understand the role of IMS as a driver for sustainability. Main findings Briefly, results show that more research is needed on the social dimension of Triple Bottom Line, especially in the standards OHSAS 18001, ISO 26000, and SA 8000. Moreover, there is a gap considering empirical data on relating IMS impact on performance. Implications for theory and practice This paper contributes by proposing a conceptual model, defining the variables and presenting four relational propositions among the key variables. In a future research agenda, this study could be applied to survey-based research to answer the research propositions suggested.

研究目标：本文旨在分析针对标准管理体系（ISO 14001、OHSAS 18001、SA 8000及ISO 26000）的相关学术文献，并基于三重底线（Triple Bottom Line, TBL）构建关联上述标准与可持续发展的概念框架，以解答核心研究问题：现有文献如何基于三重底线探讨整合型管理体系（Integrated Management Systems, IMS）与可持续发展的关联？
研究创新性：本研究厘清了现有文献中关于整合型管理体系与可持续性标准实施效果的争议议题。
研究方法：本文采用基于文献计量理论与社会网络分析的系统文献综述法。同时构建概念模型，对核心构念、变量及其相互关系进行关联梳理，以更清晰地阐释整合型管理体系作为可持续发展驱动力的作用机制。
主要研究结果：简言之，研究结果显示，针对三重底线社会维度的相关研究仍有待深化，尤其在OHSAS 18001、ISO 26000及SA 8000相关标准领域。此外，在整合型管理体系对绩效影响的实证数据研究方面仍存在研究空白。
理论与实践启示：本文通过构建概念模型、明确核心变量并提出四项关键变量间的关系命题，为相关研究提供了理论贡献。未来可将本研究框架应用于问卷调查类实证研究，以验证本文提出的研究命题。