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Purpose: This study aims to examine the impact of cognitive and behavioral mechanisms on sustainability performance within the context of coopetition for sustainability. In particular, it investigates how coopetition importance, which underlies a coopetition-oriented mindset and coopetition intensity, which determines coopetitive behavior, influence sustainability performance, and what role a CSR policy plays in coopetition for sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative study was designed by applying a multi-actor perspective on coopetition for sustainability at the network level. Respondents included CEOs, managers and experts from organizations engaged in coopetitive practices within the housing sector in Poland. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed hypotheses. Additionally, cluster analysis was applied to delineate distinctive groups of organizations involved in coopetition for sustainability.

Findings: The results demonstrate that coopetition importance and coopetition intensity positively affect sustainability performance, highlighting both cognitive and behavioral mechanisms in coopetition for sustainability. Furthermore, a CSR policy serves as a critical regulatory factor, moderating the effect of coopetition intensity on sustainability performance. From the post hoc cluster analysis, this study identifies three distinct clusters of organizations based on their engagement in coopetition for sustainability: coopetition champions, sustainability stewards and cautious operators.

Practical implications: The study informs managers about the cognitive and behavioral mechanisms in coopetitive interactions that are central to achieving high sustainability performance. Furthermore, the study provides actionable guidance for managers, i.e. highlights specific practices, such as leveraging CSR policies, fostering coopetition importance as a part of the coopetition-oriented mindset and balancing cooperative and competitive behaviors to regulate coopetition dynamics and maximize sustainability outcomes.

Originality/value: The study advances the understanding of coopetition for sustainability by providing insights into the potential links between coopetitive mindset, behavior and outcome in this complex phenomenon.