The aim of this paper is to explore whether any discrepancy between individuals’ cultural understanding and perceptions concerning ESG and the organizational cultural posture towards ESG is likely to arise, and what individual’s characteristics may influence it. The study relies on Habermas’ theory of Communicative Action, mobilizing the conceptualizations of anomie, to analyze data gathered through a survey answered by 136 Italian managers acting in highly ESG-exposed industries. Our results give evidence of the existence of ESG orientation discrepancy and suggest that certain individuals’ characteristics such as age, job grade, and tenure influence its magnitude. The study contributes to ESG literature offering empirical ground for crucial yet overlooked issues relating to the role of individuals in ESG organizational processes change. Also, it has relevant implications for both companies and policymakers, pushing reflections on the need to avoid discrepancies toward more effective ESG practices.
Keywords: ESG, discrepancy, managers, individuals, organizations, perception.
