Abstract
Securing biodiversity has become crucial for the future of humankind. Food production is among the largest sectors contributing to this loss. In this article, we study Finnish food companies’ approaches toward addressing biodiversity via nationwide food supply chain sampling. We ask - what is the status of biodiversity-respectful leadership in food chain companies? To answer this question, we conducted an inductive multi-case study via 40 in-depth interviews with food chain business actors. We identify three categories of companies vis-à-vis their approach to biodiversity—forerunners, followers and laggards—as well as related leadership implications and struggles. Finally, we discuss ways to enhance biodiversity-respectful business and suggest future research directions.
Keywords biodiversity, food business, leadership, strategy, business, agency