This study compares sustainability in US, European, and Asian businesses with an international set of botanical gardens to see what businesses can learn from botanical gardens how to adjust to new demands for increased sustainability. The study uses intentional sampling to compare businesses recognized for sustainability success to globally renowned botanical gardens. Content analysis of annual reports is used to identify the extent to which the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of sustainability are represented. Findings show US businesses emphasize the economic dimension of sustainability more than European and Asian businesses. European and Asian businesses give more attention to the social and environmental dimensions of sustainability than US businesses. Botanical gardens give high emphasis to both social and environmental dimensions. These findings demonstrate how organizations can balance competing stakeholder interests with sustainability as a goal. US businesses should be aware of the more balanced approach shown by European and Asian businesses. Future research should consider changes over time in how businesses operationalize sustainability, and botanical gardens should be aware of potential threats to their traditional and current emphasis on the environment.
