The implementation–communication gap in sustainability practices among Michelin Green Star restaurants

Note(s): This figure presents a conceptual framework of sustainability communication in MGSR. On the left, operational sustainability practices include local sourcing, organic ingredients, energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable menus and community outreach. At the centre, these practices are translated into different modes of sustainability communication: explicit communication, selective communication, embedded communication and under-communication. On the right, the framework shows the main stakeholder-related outcomes of effective communication, including transparency, legitimacy, trust, differentiation and consumer awareness. The lower part of the figure identifies the main drivers of the implementation–communication gap, such as limited communication capabilities, lack of disclosure standards, resource constraints, fear of greenwashing perceptions and a cultural preference for authenticity over promotion. Overall, the framework illustrates that sustainability implementation does not automatically generate stakeholder value unless it is made visible, intelligible and credible through appropriate communication practices

Source: Authors’ elaboration