The role of the corporate ethical virtues model in sustainability reporting

From the perspective of virtue ethics, ethical organizational cultures promptemployees to act ethically. According to Kaptein's Corporate Ethical Virtues (CEV)model, this organizational ability is favored by the development of seven key corpo-rate virtues (Clarity, Congruency, Feasibility, Supportability, Transparency, Discussa-bility, and Sanctionability). The paper intends to connect the CEV model withsustainability reporting, which is taking on increasing relevance today due to factorssuch as the European Union's recent Directives on corporate non-financial communi-cation. In particular, the paper's objective is to examine to what extent and the wayin which the virtues of the model have a role in sustainability reporting. Furthermore,this goal is enriched with an added focus, which is attention paid to actions taken bycompanies, and expressed in their sustainability reporting, in implementing virtuousbehavior amidst the difficulties triggered by the COVID-19 crisis. To achieve its aim,the paper presents and discusses a study of the role of the CEV model within twolarge companies in the logistics sector, through a content analysis of their sustainabil-ity reports covering the period 2018–2020 complemented by information from theircorporate websites. The results of the analysis highlight both an overall relevance ofthe virtues included in the CEV model and the role of measures adopted by organiza-tions to cope with COVID-19 as a significant component of their sustainability per-formance in the pandemic period. Finally, the paper elaborates on several theoreticaland practical implications stemming from the study.