Good Data, Good Questions: Leveraging Comprehensive, Direct-Observation Data Sets for Impactful Research on Organizations and the Environment

Much research on organizations and the natural environment relies on self-reported corporate data of dubious reliability and accuracy. A new wave of data, originating in satellite observations, forensic genetics, hydrological maps and other sources, can help overcome these shortcomings. We identify several data sets from the natural sciences that are easily accessible and highly accurate, and provide roadmaps for management researchers to utilize them. We further explore the types of research questions these data sets enable, extending beyond the confines of environmental-financial performance relationships that have dominated previous research. By leveraging these and similar data sets, corporate sustainability researchers can obtain clearer insights into corporate environmental impact, opening doors to new avenues of inquiry.