Integrated management systems and sustainability - a review on their relationships

Abstract

This study explores how integrated management systems (IMS) as business tools relate to organizations’ capability of achieving sustainable development, and what knowledge gaps are still existing. Further, it discusses if IMS is only an antecedent of sustainability, or if there is a vice-versa relationship. Therefore, a systematic literature review (SLR) is performed to provide a summary of existing literature. In addition, an exploratory review adds to the discussion of a vice-versa relationship. (...)