Field Experiments in Corporate Sustainability Research: Testing Strategies for Behavior Change in Markets and Organizations

Experimental studies are a valuable tool to test effective strategies for encouraging sustainable behavior but have not been used much in corporate sustainability research. In this article, we describe the benefits and challenges of the randomized field experimental method for research in corporate sustainability. We draw on the examples of our own research in energy conservation behavior to illustrate some of the hurdles that need to be overcome for the successful implementation of field experiments.