... that emerge between the pursuit of prestige in sustainability rankings and the imperatives of long-term institutional transformation. Design/methodology/approach Conceptual study oriented towards theory building, based on a critical conceptual synthesis that integrates organisational paradox theory...

... and improve overall social sustainability through improving their performance in STARS and other global sustainability rankings. Originality/value By conducting a case study analysis within the Middle East, this study presents a unique perspective on USR applications in an underrepresented region...