Integrating Sustainability into International Strategy : Study of Nepalese Renewable Energy Firms

Sammanfattning

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate how Renewable energy firms in Nepal integrate sustainability principles into their internationalization strategies, with particular focus on board-level governance mechanisms, senior management decision-making, and the interaction between internal organizational capabilities and external institutional pressures in achieving responsible global expansion. Methodology: The study is based on a qualitative research approach grounded in an interpretivist paradigm and an abductive research design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with board members and senior managers of renewable energy firms operating across multiple international markets. Primary data were triangulated with sustainability reports, ESG disclosures, and relevant regulatory documents. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings & Conclusion: The findings reveal that sustainability integration into internationalization strategies is driven by proactive board involvement, leadership commitment, and the development of dynamic organizational capabilities. Internal capabilities such as sustainability expertise, crossborder coordination routines, and strategic resource allocation interact with external pressures including regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations, and international sustainability standards. The study concludes that responsible internationalization is achieved through the institutionalization of sustainability at the governance level and the continuous alignment of internal capabilities with external institutional demands. Contribution of the Study: The study contributes theoretically by extending dynamic capabilities and corporate governance literature through a governance-focused model of responsible internationalization. Practically, the findings provide guidance for boards and senior managers on how to embed sustainability into international strategy formation, capability development, and crossborder governance structures. Reflections on the Study and Suggestions for Future Research: As the study is limited to a qualitative design within the renewable energy sector, future research may apply quantitative 3approaches or expand to other industries and geographical contexts to enhance generalizability and further validate the proposed governance mechanisms