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Showing papers on "Corporate sustainability published in 2010"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a model of how incumbents and new entrants engage in sustainable entrepreneurship and suggest that in the early stages of an industry's sustainability transformation, new entrants (Emerging Davids) are more likely than incumbents to pursue sustainabilityrelated opportunities.

937 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a closer examination of the suggested link between the cultural orientation of an organization and the pursuit of corporate sustainability principles, and assess whether it is possible for organizations to display a unified sustainability-oriented organizational culture, and whether organizations can become more sustainable through culture change.

752 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify key sustainability issues, which have to be implemented in order to reach defi ned sustainability goals effi ciently, and help companies to verify whether they are consistent in the implementation of a distinct sustainability strategy.
Abstract: Although many companies investigate sustainability management and publish sustainability reports, their main focus in this endeavour remains unclear. Often, it seems that sustainability issues are pursued more coincidentally than with a clear strategy. On one hand, research is done for the identifi cation and determination of distinct aspects concerning economic, ecological and social dimensions of sustainability. Guidelines to develop a sustainability report are popular examples of this. On the other hand, scientifi c effort is recognizable regarding the establishment of specifi c sustainability strategies, e.g. strategies that focus on internal/external orientation of sustainability commitment. Strategies should be designed to work to improve performance in terms of the issues identifi ed, but in many cases the link between aspects and sustainability strategies is missing in practice. This paper aims to narrow this gap by developing specifi c aspect profi les for sustainability strategies. Relating to the characteristics of various sustainability strategies, key sustainability issues are determined, which have to be implemented in order to reach defi ned sustainability goals effi ciently. The paper helps companies that already commit to sustainability to verify whether they are consistent in the implementation of a distinct sustainability strategy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

603 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that trade-offs and conflicts in corporate sustainability are the rule rather than the exception, and propose an initial framework for the analysis of tradeoffs in Corporate sustainability.
Abstract: The mainstream of the literature on corporate sustainability follows the win-win paradigm, according to which economic, environmental and social sustainability aspects can be achieved simultaneously; indeed, corporate sustainability has often been defined by the intersection of these three areas. However, given the multi-faceted and complex nature of sustainable development, we argue that trade-offs and conflicts in corporate sustainability are the rule rather than the exception. Turning a blind eye to trade-offs thus results in a limited perspective on corporate contributions to sustainable development. In order to overcome this situation, we propose an initial framework for the analysis of trade-offs in corporate sustainability. By doing so, we pursue two aims. First, the framework serves as a starting point for a more systematic analysis of trade-offs in corporate sustainability, as it identifies different levels and dimensions to characterize such trade-offs. Second, it serves to contextualize the contributions to this special issue on trade-offs in corporate sustainability. Based on the framework, we finally point to some promising avenues for future research on trade-offs in, and a more inclusive notion of, corporate sustainability.

512 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the factors that drive high levels of corporate sustainability performance, as proxied by membership of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DWSGI).
Abstract: This paper investigates the factors that drive high levels of corporate sustainability performance (CSP), as proxied by membership of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. Using a stakeholder framework, we examine the incentives for US firms to invest in sustainability principles and develop a number of hypotheses that relate CSP to firm-specific characteristics. Our results indicate that leading CSP firms are significantly larger, have higher levels of growth and a higher return on equity than conventional firms. Contrary to our predictions, leading CSP firms do not have greater free cash flows or lower leverage than other firms.

413 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the various trade-offs of sustainability screening methodologies and provide methodological recommendations to help stakeholders evaluate corporate environmental performance, and show that the rating of companies varies signifi cantly according to whether the screening is based on toxic releases and regulatory compliance or on the quality of environmental policy and disclosure.
Abstract: Socially responsible investing (SRI) represents an investment process that refl ects environmental and social preferences. The fi nancial industry is in a unique position to move corporations towards corporate sustainability. However, there is often little transparency regarding the metrics used to evaluate corporate social and environmental performance and the trade-offs involved in the evaluation. In this paper we discuss the various trade-offs of sustainability screening methodologies. We show that the rating of companies varies signifi cantly according to whether the screening is based on toxic releases and regulatory compliance or on the quality of environmental policy and disclosure. We base our analysis on the evaluation of the performance of 15 fi rms in the chemical sector. The analysis indicates that fi rms that have the most advanced reporting and environmental management practices tend also to have higher levels of toxic releases and lower environmental compliance. We provide methodological recommendations to help stakeholders evaluate corporate environmental performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

337 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the link between sustainability management and economic performance and found that advertising intensity moderated the association between corporate sustainability performance and the economic performance as measured by Tobin's q.

299 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assume that managers and employees are aware of and implement corporate sustainability policies and procedures, but this assumption implicitly assumes that they are not aware of the impact of these policies on the environment.
Abstract: Company action to implement sustainable management solutions implicitly assumes that managers and employees are aware of and implement corporate sustainability policies and procedures. However this...

279 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the link between innovation with high social benefits and corporate social performance (CSP) and the role that family firms play in this, and concluded that a moderating role of family firms on the relationship between innovation and CSP may be a determinant of the potential moderation of this association.
Abstract: This article analyses the link between innovation with high social benefits and corporate social performance (CSP) and the role that family firms play in this. This theme is particularly relevant given the large number of firms that are family-owned. Also the implicit potential of innovation to reconcile corporate sustainability aspects with profitability justifies an extended analysis of this link. Governments often support socially beneficial innovation with various policy instruments, with the intention of increasing international competitiveness and simultaneously supporting sustainable development. In parallel, firms pursue corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental management activities partly in the hope that this will foster such innovation in their organisation (alongside their main aim of improving CSP). Hence, the main research question of this article is about the association of CSP with innovation with high social benefits and the determinants of the potential moderation of this association. Based on panel data, the article analyses the link between CSP and innovation, and the effect of being a family firm using panel estimation techniques. The results point to a moderating role of family firms on the link between innovation with high social benefits and CSP. The article concludes by assessing the policy implications of this insight.

207 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the tensions that seem inherent in the claim that transparency policies "empower" the users of disclosed information vis-avis those who are asked to provide the information.
Abstract: In this contribution, we explore the tensions that seem inherent in the claim that transparency policies “empower” the users of disclosed information vis-avis those who are asked to provide the information. Since these tensions are particularly relevant in relation to voluntary disclosure, our analysis focuses on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) as the world's leading voluntary corporate non-financial reporting scheme. Corporate sustainability reporting is often hailed as a powerful instrument to improve the environmental performance of business and to empower societal groups, including consumers, in their relations with the corporate world. Yet, our analysis illustrates that the relationship between transparency and empowerment is conflictual at all four levels of activity examined in this article: in the rhetoric and policies of the GRI as well as in the actual reporting practice and in the activities of intermediaries in response to the organization's disclosure standard.

201 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate whether differences in market reactions are associated with the quality of the sustainability report and find that companies with the highest quality reports exhibited significantly more positive market reactions than companies issuing lower quality reports.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper attempts to determine whether market participants see value in the corporate choice to begin publishing a standalone sustainability report. It also seeks to investigate whether differences in market reactions are associated with the quality of the sustainability report.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses standard market model methods to isolate the unexpected change in market returns in the period surrounding the announcement of the release of a first‐time sustainability report.Findings – The paper finds, on average, no significant market reaction to the announcement of the release of the sustainability reports. However, in cross‐sectional analyses, it is found that companies with the highest quality reports exhibited significantly more positive market reactions than companies issuing lower quality reports. These results hold when we control for firm size and membership in socially exposed industries.Research limitations/implications – The paper examines only the US firms and ...


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose process models and performance indicators as means of highlighting improvement potential and thus breaking down normative business ethics requirements to an opertionalizable corporate level: good business ethics should focus on maximizing stakeholder value in relation to harm done.
Abstract: In a world of limited resources, it could be argued that companies that aspire to be good corporate citizens need to focus on making best use of resources. User value and environmental harm are created in supply chains and it could therefore be argued that company business ethics should be extended from the company to the entire value chain from the first supplier to the last customer. Starting with a delineation of the linkages between business ethics, corporate sustainability, and the stakeholder concept, this article argues that supply chains generally have a great innovation potential for sustainable development. This potential could be highlighted with system thinking and the use of change management knowledge, promoting not only innovations within technology but also within organizational improvement. We propose process models and performance indicators as means of highlighting improvement potential and thus breaking down normative business ethics’ requirements to an opertionalizable corporate level: Good business ethics should focus on maximizing stakeholder value in relation to harm done. Our results indicate that focusing on supply chains reveals previously unknown innovation potential that seems to be related to limited system understanding. The assumption is that increased visibility of opportunities will act as a driver for change. Results also highlight the importance of focusing on sustainability effects of the core business and clearly relating value created to harm done.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated how the leaders in corporate sustainability in the UK precast concrete industry were managing for sustainability, and found that by adopting a compliance approach, characterised by the development of management systems and continuous performance improvement cultures, the four companies studied were engaged in the activities and developing the capabilities necessary to manage for sustainability.

BookDOI
01 Jan 2010
TL;DR: The World Guide to CSR: A Country-by-Country Analysis of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility as mentioned in this paper is the first book to provide comparable national profiles that describe the evolution and practice of CSR for 58 countries and 5 global regions.
Abstract: We are pleased to announce the publication of Greenleaf's major new reference guide. The World Guide to CSR: A Country-by-Country Analysis of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility is the first book to provide comparable national profiles that describe the evolution and practice of CSR for 58 countries and 5 global regions. This comprehensive volume will be an essential acquisition for organisations looking for the best possible intelligence on CSR issues in global markets. Order from the Greenleaf website (hardback | paperback) and receive 20% discount on the list price.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conceptualized downstream responsibility for the example of carbon emissions, by establishing a terminology as well as a framework for quantifying downstream carbon footprints, and demonstrated the ability of input-output analysis to quantify emissions responsibility in both directions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an exploratory research based on primary and secondary data with some experimentation to manipulate respondents' attitude towards organization and its corporate social responsibility actions was conducted to investigate the effects of product/service quality and consumer satisfaction on consumer purchase intentions and further on consumer loyalty.
Abstract: Numbers of researches have been conducted to investigate the interrelationship among corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and consumer purchase intentions. However conflicting results were found regarding effects of corporate social responsibility on consumer behavior. This research has investigated the effects of product/service quality and consumer satisfaction along with corporate social responsibility actions on consumer purchase intentions and further on consumer loyalty. This was an exploratory research based on primary and secondary data with some experimentation to manipulate respondents’ attitude towards organization and its corporate social responsibility actions. The primary data has been collected from university students, whereas secondary data was collected from newspapers and website of corporation. The data has been analyzed using structural equation modeling through AMOS 7.0 version. The study found no relationship between awareness of corporate social responsibility activities and consumer purchase intention. However significant relationship was observed between service quality and customer satisfaction. Moreover the study noted no relationship between consumer satisfaction and purchase intentions and purchase intention and consumer retention for cellular industry of Pakistan. The findings of this study are important for corporations and future researchers on corporate social responsibility and consumer behavior. Key words: Corporate social responsibility, corporate sustainability, consumer behavior, consumer satisfaction, consumer retention.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider the complex relationships between the human and ecological elements of sustainability that exist in the minds of stakeholders and argue that a sense-making approach allows these to be better understood and compared.
Abstract: This paper considers the complex relationships between the human and ecological elements of sustainability that exist in the minds of stakeholders and argues that a sensemaking approach allows these to be better understood and compared. This is supported by the results of a study, set in a fi nancial institution, exploring the relationships between these non-fi nancial elements of corporate sustainability. The viewpoints of middle management, branch and contact centre employees, executives, a community consultative council, suppliers and a community partner of a large Australian bank obtained in in-depth interviews are analysed and compared utilizing an innovative methodology of semantic analysis. We fi nd that these stakeholders’ perceptions of the human–ecological relationship differ by group, containing different mixes of trade-offs and synergies between the non-fi nancial elements of corporate sustainability. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Book
30 Dec 2010
TL;DR: Agency Theory Business at the Bottom of the Pyramid Business Case for CSR Business Ethics Business Networks Civil Society Codes of Conduct Community Relations Complexity Theory Corporate Accountability Corporate Citizenship Corporate Responsibility Reporting Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate Sustainability Corporate sustainability Strategies Eco-Efficiency Employee Engagement Employee Health and Safety Environmental Discourses Environmental Policy Tools Ethical Consumerism Fair Trade Globalization Governance Green Marketing Greenwash Human Rights Intergenerational Equity Intragenerational Equity NGOs Performance Evaluation and Measurement Philanthropy Pollution and Waste Management Post-Colonialism Product Stewardship Resource-Based View Respons
Abstract: Agency Theory Business at the Bottom of the Pyramid Business Case for CSR Business Ethics Business Networks Civil Society Codes of Conduct Community Relations Complexity Theory Corporate Accountability Corporate Citizenship Corporate Responsibility Reporting Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate Sustainability Corporate Sustainability Strategies Eco-Efficiency Employee Engagement Employee Health and Safety Environmental Discourses Environmental Policy Tools Ethical Consumerism Fair Trade Globalization Governance Green Marketing Greenwash Human Rights Intergenerational Equity Intragenerational Equity NGOs Performance Evaluation and Measurement Philanthropy Pollution and Waste Management Post-Colonialism Product Stewardship Resource-Based View Responsible Leadership Risk Management Social and Societal Marketing Social Capital Social Entrepreneurship Social Partnerships Socially Responsible Investment Stakeholder Theory Stewardship Sustainable Development Sweatshops Systems Approaches Triple Bottom Line Voluntary Regulation

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the understanding and relevance of some major CEE companies that are leaders in sustainability reporting and concluded that the understanding of corporate responsibility is context-specific, but also that the differences are not as stark as one might expect.
Abstract: In Western Europe, corporate (social) responsibility (CR) has become a popular concept that no major company can afford to ignore. However, what about the major companies from the new Central-Eastern Europe (CEE) Member States? The present paper is one of the first attempts to analyse the understanding and relevance of the CR of some major CEE companies that are leaders in sustainability reporting. This analysis is conducted in direct comparison with a similar analysis on major Western European companies. Methodologically, the paper intertwines two qualitative strands of research: An analysis of 19 CR reports (12 from CEE and 7 from Western Europe) provides a general impression about the understanding of CR across different socio-political contexts. This report-based depiction is complemented by two surveys of 22 companies (11 from CEE and 11 from Western Europe). The surveys show the relevance that the companies attach to specific CR issues. Overall, the paper concludes that the understanding of CR is context-specific, but also that, in the case of major companies that are leading in CR reporting, the differences are not as stark as one might expect.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a formal approach for integrating the societal perspective of sustainable development with the corporate perspective of CSR and CS is presented, which is complementary to a company's internal CSR evaluation.
Abstract: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate sustainability (CS) are variously defined in the literature. Providing formal definitions for the two concepts, we show in this article that CS and CSR are distinct but interrelated concepts that can be usefully formalized with capital-theoretic and welfare economic approaches. CSR can particularly constitute a strategy to cope with externalities and serve as insurance against reputational risks that harm profit prospects and corporate value. Moreover, we present a formal approach for integrating the societal perspective of sustainable development with the corporate perspective of CSR and CS. This approach is complementary to a company's internal CSR and CS evaluation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a two-stage performance evaluation is adopted to evaluate the sustainable firms' profitability and marketability efficiency in comparison with other firms, based on the perspectives of exploring realistic issues as well as providing supporting evidence.
Abstract: Corporate sustainability is defined as the integration of financial benefit, environmental protection, and social responsibility into business operations and management. However, there is little evidence depicting the relationship between corporate sustainability and operating performance, and it is also doubtful whether investors in the stock market value corporate sustainable strategies. This study therefore seeks to evaluate the performance of sustainable firms through the perspectives of exploring realistic issues as well as providing supporting evidence. A two-stage performance evaluation is adopted to evaluate the sustainable firms' profitability and marketability efficiency in comparison with other firms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed the concept of green flagging as a corporate sustainability innovation strategy and described how Philips uses this approach in its Green Flagship Program (GFP), which is particularly interesting since it sets specific targets across all its business units, thus driving the integration of sustainability innovation into its core business.
Abstract: Sustainability innovation research often focuses on the interrelation and the interaction of influencing factors and actors while neglecting the importance of firm internal initiatives. Based on a longitudinal case study of the Dutch company Royal Philips Electronics, we develop the concept of ‘green flagging’ as a groundbreaking corporate sustainability innovation strategy. This paper describes how Philips uses this approach in its Green Flagship Program (GFP). Philips' GFP is particularly interesting since it sets specific targets across all its business units, thus driving the integration of sustainability innovation into its core business. This study suggests that the impact of sustainability innovations can be improved by focusing on sustainability as an explicit goal as well as processes and projects instead of merely concentrating on content and structure. We discuss the possibilities and limitations of these findings for theory and research on sustainability innovation strategies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the determinants of the inclusion of European companies in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DWSWI) and Dow Jones STOXX sustainability index (STOXXSustainability Index).

Book
19 Nov 2010
TL;DR: Finally in Business: Organising Corporate Social Responsibility in Five as mentioned in this paper is a case study of CSR in the extractive industry, where the goal is to integrate people, planet and profit.
Abstract: Finally in Business: Organising Corporate Social Responsibility in Five.- Finally in Business: Organising Corporate Social Responsibility in Five.- Generic Models for the Business Context.- The SIGMA Management Model.- CSR in the Extractive Industry: An Integrated Approach.- RainbowScore(R): A Strategic Approach for Multi-dimensional Value.- COMPASS to Sustainability.- sustManage(TM) - Integrating Corporate Sustainability.- The Molecule Model.- Global Compact Performance Model.- Generic Models for the Societal Context.- WEV: A New Approach to Supply Chain Management.- A Model for Multi-stakeholder Partnerships on Human Rights in Tourism.- The Guangcai Model.- Community Learning in the Indian Education Sector.- Creating Space for CSR in Melbourne.- Organising Identity.- Integrating People, Planet and Profit.- Reflexivity: Linking Individual and Organisational Values.- Self-Organising Leadership: Transparency and Trust.- The CSR Brand Positioning Grid.- Organising Transactivity.- On Dialogue: A Self-Development Tool.- Stakeholder Engagement: The Experience of Holcim.- Managing Expectations in Partnerships.- A Stepwise Approach to Stakeholder Management.- Fair Labour Association Model.- A Stakeholder Model for Emerging Technologies.- Organising Systems.- Product Stewardship for CSR.- Sabento Model: Social Assessment of Biotechnological Production.- The Branding of CSR Excellence.- The Four Dimensions of Responsible Purchasing.- The Hurdles Analysis: A Way to Greener Public Procurement.- Strategic CSR Communication: Telling Others How Good You Are.- CSR Online: Internet Based Communication.- Organising Accountability.- A Product Sustainability Assessment.- Drawing the Lines in Value Chain Responsibility.- Resource Efficiency Accounting.- The GoodCorporation Framework.- Promoting Human Rights in the Supply Chain.- Organising the Business Proposition.- Assessing the Value Chain Context.- Pursuing Sustainability Through Enduring Value Creation.- Price: Earnings Ratio and Commercial Performance.- A Strategy Model for Sustainable Profits and Innovation.- Modelling the Business Case for Sustainability.- Creating Competitive Advantage: The Sustainable Value Model.- CSR Upside Down: The Need for Up-Front Knowledge Development.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the potential mediating role of an "operations-as-marketing" strategy in framing IT investment decisions is examined, and the authors demonstrate a proven decision-making framework for guiding IT investments that can allow proactive nurturing of a competitive advantage.
Abstract: Purpose – Resource‐based view proposes that possessing valuable, rare information technology (IT) resources that competitors cannot easily reproduce or replicate provides a competitive advantage, but mere ownership of such resources is no guarantee of competitiveness. There is a need also for a strategy paradigm that embraces the wider concerns of social and environmental sustainability as pressing issues of the twenty‐first century. “Operations‐as‐marketing” is a proven value‐chain based paradigm that calls for transforming operations from merely focusing on internal efficiency into a potent strategic marketing weapon, precisely targeted toward fulfilling customers' needs. Many leading companies have discovered latent economic benefits from adopting the tenets of corporate sustainability. By first establishing that corporate sustainability translates commercially into customer‐centric, lean productivity, the paper examines the potential mediating role of an “operations‐as‐marketing” strategy in framing IT investment decisions. Design/methodology/approach – The research uses path analysis, involving a sample of third‐party logistics (3PL) firms. Findings – Evidence supports the leading contention, thus outlining a customer‐centrism approach to enhancing the financial performance of 3PL firms. Research limitations/implications – The research demonstrates a proven decision‐making framework for guiding IT investments that can allow proactive nurturing of a competitive advantage. The main drawback is sample size, although established guidelines suggest adequacy and several diagnostics provided reassurance against any major statistical drawbacks. Practical implications – In the face of globalization and other social and environmental issues, the model suggests three key areas of focus for IT investments in proactively enhancing firm performance. It should prove a useful extension to existing strategy literature in the face of an impending paradigm shift. Originality/value – The paper makes two important contributions: it represents one of the first empirical studies to apply the “operations‐as‐marketing” paradigm to the strategic objectives of IT investment decisions, and it addresses a notable void in extant research by exploring a possible strategic link between IT and market orientation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a typology of HRD interventions that may be used to address barriers to the implementation of CSR/CS initiatives is discussed, and the potential contribution of human resource development (HRD) to their removal.
Abstract: A considerable body of research exists on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate sustainability (CS). However, there is significantly less on the influence of employees on the adoption of CSR and CS initiatives. Given the centrality of employees as stakeholders in CSR/CS adoption, it is important to understand how barriers at individual, organizational, and institutional levels of analysis influence the adoption of CSR/CS initiatives. An understanding of these barriers will illuminate the potential contribution of human resource development (HRD) to their removal. HRD has a major role to play in changing employee behavior and organizational values and there are significant affinities between HRD and CSR/CS concerning behavior and change. This article discusses a typology of HRD interventions that may be used to address barriers to the implementation of CSR/CS initiatives.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors look at what motivates sustainability managers to devote their time and energies to addressing social, environmental and ethical issues, and reveal the pivotal role of values, inspiration, expertise, empowerment, strategic thinking and social contribution as sources of meaning for these purpose-inspired managers.
Abstract: This paper looks at what motivates sustainability managers to devote their time and energies to addressing social, environmental and ethical issues. It is rooted in the literature on the role of individuals as change agents for corporate sustainability, in particular in their capacity as environmental or social ‘champions’. The paper presents in-depth research among sustainability managers, providing a rich, nuanced understanding of different types of sustainability change agents. It identifies four such types ‐ Experts, Facilitators, Catalysts and Activists ‐ and uncovers the pivotal role of values, inspiration, expertise, empowerment, strategic thinking and social contribution as sources of meaning for these purpose-inspired managers. The findings deepen our understanding of the psychological dimensions of corporate sustainability management, and provide a useful tool for improving individual and team performance, enhancing recruitment and retention of sustainability talent, and developing more effective organisational leadership for sustainability.

Book
11 Nov 2010
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explain how and why firms can develop successful corporate social strategies that establish strong commitments to shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders, and show how and when they can develop a successful social strategy that establishes strong commitments.
Abstract: Can good-will be good business? Firms are increasingly called upon to address matters such as poverty and human rights violations The demand for corporate social responsibility (CSR) is directed mainly at top management in multinational corporations who are reminded that, in addition to helping to make the world a better place, their commitment to social action will be rewarded by lasting customer loyalty and profits But is it true that firms that engage in social action will be rewarded with a good name, competitive advantage, superior profits and corporate sustainability? What if it is true for some firms and not for others? This book addresses these and other questions by explaining the how and why of creating value and competitive advantage through corporate social action It shows how and when firms can develop successful corporate social strategies that establish strong commitments to shareholders, employees and other stakeholders

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the suitability, feasibility, appropriateness, effectiveness, completeness and redundancy of some of the most common sustainability reporting tools such as Sustainability Reporting (SR), Sustainable Development Indicators (SDI) and Green labels based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) were investigated.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of corporate sustainability reporting strategies and communication tools that are increasingly being adopted to foster green market outlets, with focus on the building materials supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – The suitability, feasibility, appropriateness, effectiveness, completeness and redundancy of some of the most common sustainability reporting tools such as Sustainability Reporting (SR), Sustainable Development Indicators (SDI) and Green labels based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) were investigated.Findings – Focusing on the present Italian situation and with emphasis on ornamental stones, ceramic tiles, cement and concrete producers, the interest and the response in the building materials supply chain are highlighted, pointing out strengths, weaknesses and future perspectives.Practical implications – Green communication tools discussed in the paper can also be used to protect local markets against the unfair competition by thos...