Lessons from the Volkswagen emissions scandal: A literature review

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Abstract

The Volkswagen emissions scandal, often referred to as “Dieselgate”, has become a pivotal case study in corporate ethics, regulatory compliance, and crisis management. This literature review explores the academic discourse surrounding the scandal, identifying key lessons for businesses, regulators, and policymakers. The review categorizes insights into five themes: 1) corporate governance failures, 2) ethical lapses, 3) regulatory implications, 4) consumer trust, and 5) long-term reputational damage. Beyond synthesizing existing findings, this paper contributes to the literature by framing the scandal through the lens of responsible business. In particular, it emphasizes how fostering a culture of accountability, embedding ethical decision-making into corporate strategy, and aligning compliance practices with broader societal responsibilities can help firms prevent similar crises. The review concludes with a discussion of how companies can build transparency, integrity, and resilience in the aftermath of misconduct, offering actionable implications for the advancement of responsible and sustainable business practices.

Keywords: Volkswagen Scandal, Business Ethics, Regulatory Compliance

Authors’ individual contribution: The Author is responsible for all the contributions to the paper according to CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) standards.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Author declares that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: M2, M3, M4

Received: 02.07.2025
Revised: 04.09.2025; 15.09.2025
Accepted: 26.09.2025
Published online: 30.09.2025

How to cite this paper: Guidara, A. (2025). Lessons from the Volkswagen emissions scandal: A literature review. Responsible Business Review, 1(1), 17–22. https://doi.org/10.22495/rbrv1i1p2