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Showing papers on "Corporate sustainability published in 2011"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed and assessed the state of sustainability reporting in universities and found that sustainability reporting is still in its early stages (both in numbers of institutions reporting and in level of reporting).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review and assess the state of sustainability reporting in universities.Design/methodology/approach – Analysis of the performance level of 12 universities sustainability reports using the Graphical Assessment of Sustainability in Universities tool.Findings – The results show that sustainability reporting in universities is still in its early stages (both in numbers of institutions reporting and in level of reporting) when compared to sustainability reporting in corporations.Research limitations/implications – The research is limited by the limited number of universities that publish sustainability reports. However, the results show that universities could learn from the experiences of corporate sustainability reporting efforts, and incorporate them into their efforts as learning organisations to better align their systems with sustainability.Practical implications – University leaders and champions need to consider publishing more information on the social and edu...

340 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated if there is a link between women on boards of directors and corporate sustainability, using a sample of publicly listed firms from Australia, the results suggest some level of support that a link does exist.
Abstract: This study sought to investigate if there is a link between women on boards of directors and corporate sustainability. Using a sample of publicly listed firms from Australia, the results suggest some level of support that a link does exist. Boards that have a strong complement of gender diversity are expected to offer more effective monitoring of agents, as well as offer more stringent enforcement of ethical conduct, thereby minimizing affects of subversion of shareholder funds that can be detrimental to their returns. Accordingly, findings confirm a positive link between women on boards and economic growth. Because of their relational abilities, women on boards are more likely able to engage with multiple stakeholders and respond to their needs, resulting in an avenue for demonstrating social responsiveness, which is confirmed by the results. However, due to their backgrounds and work experiences, sex-based biases and stereotyping might exist in boardrooms with men directors discounting input from women directors on issues relating to environmental quality. The results of this study find that women directors are not significantly associated with environmental quality. Discussion is given to these findings along with paths for future research.

265 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate how two sustainability dimensions (e.g., environmental and economic) and price can influence consumer responses using an experimental method, and demonstrate that consumers favor sustainability in both dimensions by giving positive evaluations of the company and purchase intent In addition, consumers respond more negatively to poor company sustainability than to high company sustainability.
Abstract: The lack of attention to sustainability, as a concept with multiple dimensions, has presented a developmental gap in green marketing literature, sustainability, and marketing literature for decades Based on the established premise of customer–corporate (C–C) identification, in which consumers respond favorably to companies with corporate social responsibility initiatives that they identify with, we propose that consumers would respond similarly to companies with sustainability initiatives We postulate that consumers care about protecting and preserving favorable economic environments (an economic dimension of sustainability) as much as they care about natural environments Thus, we investigate how two sustainability dimensions (ie, environmental and economic) and price can influence consumer responses Using an experimental method, we demonstrate that consumers favor sustainability in both dimensions by giving positive evaluations of the company and purchase intent In addition, consumers respond more negatively to poor company sustainability than to high company sustainability In comparison, consumers respond more negatively to the company’s poor commitment to caring for the environment than to the company’s poor commitment to economic sustainability We also find that consumers do not respond favorably to low prices when they have information about the firm’s poor environmental sustainability Finally, we find support for an interaction effect between consumer support for sustainability and corporate sustainability; that is, consumers evaluate a company more favorably if the company shares the consumers’ social causes Overall, we conclude, from our empirical study, support for the idea that consumers do respond to multiple dimensions of sustainability

257 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The phrase “corporate sustainability” is increasingly prevalent in both the industry press and management journals (Engardio, 2007; Montiel, 2008). Corporate sustainability pledges and reports are...
Abstract: The phrase “corporate sustainability” is increasingly prevalent in both the industry press and management journals (Engardio, 2007; Montiel, 2008). Corporate sustainability pledges and reports are ...

240 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the relationship between corporate sustainability, reputation, and firm value by asking whether signaling sustainability leadership through membership on a recognized sustainability index is value-generating.
Abstract: We explore the relationship between corporate sustainability, reputation, and firm value by asking whether signaling sustainability leadership through membership on a recognized sustainability index is value generating. Increasingly, stakeholders are demanding that firms demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. One signal that companies can send to stakeholders to indicate that they are sustainability leaders is membership on a recognized “best in class” sustainability index. This article explores both the short-term and the intermediary impact on North American firms of being included or removed from the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI). Our results provide evidence that being added to the DJSI results in a sustained increase in a firm’s share price, suggesting that the benefits of being included on the DJSI outweigh the costs associated with applying. This article also notes a temporary decrease in the value of firms for the first 10 days after their removal from the DJSI; however, this effect is eliminated within the next ten trading days.

225 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a theoretical framework based on a critical analysis of financial and ISO auditing practices is proposed to shed light on the misconceptions, paradoxes and rational myths underlying the institutionalization of auditing in the area of corporate sustainability.
Abstract: This paper investigates the extent to which certification auditing can contribute to the realization of organizational accountability for sustainable development. A theoretical framework based on a critical analysis of financial and ISO auditing practices is proposed to shed light on the misconceptions, paradoxes and rational myths underlying the institutionalization of auditing practices in the area of corporate sustainability. As such, this paper casts doubt on the imagery of impartiality, rigor and accountability projected by organizations through discourses of certification. It also illustrates the pertinence of studying the auditing function from a cross-disciplinary viewpoint, and of paying attention to the processes by which auditing travels from one discipline to another. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

195 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
Peter Lacy1, Rob Hayward1
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine perspectives on environmental, social and governance issues from CEOs in the emerging markets from extensive conversations with business leaders, both through the authors' work with leading multinational companies and their survey of over 800 global CEOs conducted in partnership with the United Nations Global Compact.
Abstract: Purpose – As a multi‐speed recovery from the downturn accelerates progress towards a multi‐polar world in which economic power is more widely dispersed, the emerging markets will play a critical role in the future success of multinational companies. The imperatives faced by companies seeking to secure their future competitiveness can be better appreciated through an understanding of the sustainability landscape, and this paper seeks to examine perspectives on environmental, social and governance issues from CEOs in the emerging markets.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on extensive conversations with business leaders, both through the authors' work with leading multinational companies and their survey of over 800 global CEOs conducted in partnership with the United Nations Global Compact – the largest CEO study on sustainability to date. In the spirit of contributing to the debate on corporate sustainability, the paper presents the findings not as an academic submission, but rather as a ref...

174 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the majority of the current approaches in research on corporate sustainability are inconsistent with the notion of sustainable development and propose an inclusive notion of profitability that reflects the return on all forms of environmental, social, and economic capital used by a firm.
Abstract: We argue that the majority of the current approaches in research on corporate sustainability are inconsistent with the notion of sustainable development. By defining the notion of instrumentality in the context of corporate sustainability through three conceptual principles we show that current approaches are rooted in a bounded notion of instrumentality which establishes a systematic a priori predominance of economic organizational outcomes over environmental and social aspects. We propose an inclusive notion of profitability that reflects the return on all forms of environmental, social, and economic capital used by a firm. This inclusive notion of corporate profitability helps to redefine corporate profitability as if sustainability matters in that it overcomes the bounded instrumentality that impairs current research on corporate sustainability. We apply this notion to different car manufacturers and develop conceptual implications for future research on corporate sustainability.

168 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a series of environmental indicators developed in the last years that were found suitable to be applied at corporate level for the evaluation of production processes and products were reviewed and compared.

165 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A reference model for measuring corporate sustainability that can be used by organizations to integrate sustainability measures into their current performance measurement system, helping them to embed sustainability into daily activities and to forge a sustainability culture is presented in this article.
Abstract: Purpose – The primary aim of this paper is to develop a reference model for measuring corporate sustainability that can be used by organizations to integrate sustainability measures into their current performance measurement system, helping them to embed sustainability into daily activities and to forge a sustainability culture. A secondary intent is to present a critical analysis of some well‐known sustainability measurement initiatives, showing their strengths and shortcomings.Design/methodology/approach – The approach employed to develop the reference model described in this paper is a qualitative analysis of the complementarity, shortcomings and strengths of eight well‐known sustainability measurement initiatives alongside an extant corporate sustainability literature review.Findings – The research carried out has found that there is not a single initiative analyzed that tackles all sustainability issues and in fact there is no consensus around what should be measured and how. The main divergences are...

157 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the tendencies of sustainability reporting by major commercial banks in Bangladesh in comparison with global sustainability reporting indicators outlined in the GRI framework together with banks' predilection toward reporting 16 GRI financial service sector (FSS) specific performance indicators.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the tendencies of sustainability reporting by major commercial banks in Bangladesh in comparison with global sustainability reporting indicators outlined in the GRI framework together with banks' predilection toward reporting 16 GRI financial service sector (FSS) specific performance indicators.Design/methodology/approach – Based on the GRI G3 guidelines, the paper investigated banks' reporting in five broad areas of sustainability, such as environment, labour practices and decent works, product responsibility, human rights and society. The 2008/2009 annual reports of 12 major commercial banks listed on Dhaka stock exchange were analysed and coded using a content‐based technique.Findings – The results show that information on society is addressed most extensively with regard to extent of reporting. This is followed by the disclosures prepared on decent works and labour practices and environmental issues. Furthermore, the disclosures of product responsibility informatio...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an integrated management systems (IMS) approach for the integration of corporate sustainability into business processes is presented, which is supported by a detailed set of diagnostic questions to help guide the process.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to describe an integrated management systems (IMS) approach for the integration of corporate sustainability into business processes.Design/methodology/approach – An extensive review of published literature was conducted. Building on existing research, the paper presents an original framework for structuring the integration of corporate sustainability with existing business infrastructure. The framework is supported by a detailed set of diagnostic questions to help guide the process. Both the framework and the diagnostic questions are based on the “Plan‐Do‐Check‐Act” cycle of continuous improvement.Findings – The paper highlights the need for a systematic means to integrate sustainability into business processes. Building on that point, the paper illustrates how an IMS approach can be used to structure the entire process of managing, measuring, and assessing progress towards corporate sustainability.Practical implications – The paper should be of interest to both practitioners an...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the adequacy of business excellence models (BEMs) to address corporate sustainability, which is conceptualised in terms of economic, social, and environmental bottom lines, is explored.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the adequacy of business excellence models (BEMs) to address corporate sustainability, which is conceptualised in terms of economic, social, and environmental bottom lines. How organisations may manage corporate sustainability in the absence of a comprehensive sustainability management system standard is also explored. A survey of literature has been carried out. The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) excellence model and the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence (BCPE) are analysed with regard to their considerations of sustainability. The findings reveal that while triple bottom-line considerations are addressed to some extent in the studied BEMs, the models per se do not comprehensively address sustainability issues and economic prosperity remains a dominant consideration. Suggestions for the improvement of the EFQM excellence model and BCPE are discussed. To provide a comprehensive approach for addressing corporate sustainability, an integr...

Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce the goals and benefits that are motivating companies to report on their sustainability activities and provide an overview of the historical development of sustainability reporting over recent decades.
Abstract: This chapter introduces the goals and benefits that are motivating companies to report on their sustainability activities and provides an overview of the historical development of sustainability reporting over recent decades. The presentation of challenges in sustainability reporting is followed by a critical appraisal of approaches to overcome these problems. The authors suggest a double-path approach which combines the strategic inside-out approach of performance measurement and management with the outside-in approach of adopting to the external requirements and conclude with consequences for the field of sustainability communication.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a new conceptual framework for investigating the dynamics of the interactions between the various bodies active in the assurance field in the UK is proposed, integrating elements of neo-institutional theory and the arena concept.
Abstract: The assurance of corporate sustainability reporting has long been a controversial field. Corporate management and assurance providers are routinely accused of ‘capturing’ what should be an exercise in public accountability. This article responds to recent calls for an analysis of the process by which ‘capture’ takes place. Integrating elements of neo-institutional theory and the arena concept, the article sets out a fresh conceptual framework for investigating the dynamics of the interactions between the various bodies active in the assurance field in the UK.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the need for a fundamental reappraisal of marketing at the organisational level, highlighting potential problems and pitfalls with internal organisational ethical alignment, between employees and their organisation's ethical corporate identity.
Abstract: Purpose – The commentary aims to consider the nexus between corporate marketing, ethical corporate marketing, ethical corporate identity and corporate social responsibility. It seeks to take an explicit internal organisational perspective. It also aims to identify future research avenues.Design/methodology/approach – The commentary explains the relevance of the previous interlinking concepts with a discussion based on a review of past and current research.Findings – While highlighting the need for a fundamental reappraisal of marketing at the organisational level, it outlines potential problems and pitfalls with internal organisational ethical alignment, between employees and their organisation's ethical corporate identity.Practical implications – Enhanced appreciation for ethical corporate marketing and identity along with some of the challenges faced with internal ethical alignment, can help organisations and institutions to become more astute with the management of internal stakeholder relationships.Or...

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Nov 2011
TL;DR: In this article, the authors systematize the challenges that corporate sustainability ratings face: lack of standardization, lack of credibility of information, bias, tradeoffs and lack of transparency, and suggest possible ways to improve the reliability of ratings.
Abstract: Assessing corporate sustainability is increasingly practice-relevant, not least because the capital market and other markets have been paying growing attention to the topic. Recently, ratings have become an important assessment approach and nowadays a variety of organizations and financial service providers conduct their own ratings. Yet, despite their growing popularity, ratings are criticized in research and practice. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to systematize the challenges that corporate sustainability ratings face: lack of standardization, lack of credibility of information, bias, tradeoffs, lack of transparency, and lack of independence. Furthermore, the paper discusses the causes of these challenges and suggests possible ways to improve the reliability of ratings.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on efforts to develop two stand-alone subjects on sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a mainstream business curriculum at Monash University, Australia.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on efforts to develop two stand‐alone subjects on sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a mainstream business curriculum at Monash University, Australia.Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents details on the educational rationale and design of the two subjects in corporate sustainability and CSR.Findings – Although many universities offer support for education for sustainability, previous research indicates that most curriculum initiatives in this area have been driven by individual faculty. This paper provides examples of curriculum development that emerged from the grass‐roots initiative, in the absence of an integrated and mainstreamed programme for sustainability.Practical implications – The paper encourages all faculty, no matter their circumstances, to consider the development of curriculum for sustainability. While individual subjects cannot effect wholesale change, each effort can, no matter how piecemeal, make a diff...

Journal Article
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on Sustainability and Corporate Governance from the point of view of integration and, in connection with the measurement of corporate performance, Corporate sustainability reporting is also gaining in importance.
Abstract: The paper focuses on Sustainability and Corporate Governance from the point of view of integration and, in connection with the measurement of corporate performance, Corporate Sustainability Reporting is also gaining in importance. Corporate Governance is understood as a key element when reaching economic performance and growth enabling to increase the investors’ trust. Further on, it enables to create the structures supporting determination, control and reach of corporate objectives and targets. It provides creation of suitable initiatives for the members of administrative bodies and the management. In accordance with the OECD principles (OECD Principles, 2004) it is assumed that the effectively functioning Corporate Governance system within the company and across the whole economy assists to create the confidence and trust necessary for existence of the market economy. A very wide spectrum of sectors coming under the Corporate Governance also appears when trying to define this term succinctly. Integrated with sustainability which is defined as corporate strategy, long-term corporate goals are followed along with effectiveness, performance and competitiveness by means of incorporating of economic, environmental and social aspects into corporate governance.

Journal ArticleDOI
Gabriel Eweje1
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined managers' actual sustainability perceptions and practices and found that companies that participated in the study are keen to demonstrate that sustainability is integral to their policy and have various projects and initiatives to support their position and commitment.
Abstract: Increasingly, there has been a great deal of attention paid to the notion of corporate sustainability, which has variously been defined as meaning the incorporation of social, environmental, economic, and cultural concerns into corporate strategy. Therefore, corporations, particularly those that have global presence, are required to commit to sustainability strategies and practice as a means of expressing their support and commitment to the notion. This study examines managers' actual sustainability perceptions and practices. The paper reports on an empirical study carried out in New Zealand in which 15 large companies were interviewed in 2009 about their sustainability strategy and practice. Results reveal that companies that participated in the study are keen to demonstrate that sustainability is integral to their policy and have various projects and initiatives to support their position and commitment. However, with lack of ‘organised’ stakeholder pressure on corporations in New Zealand to showcase their sustainability attributes, with very few exceptions, the question of what really motivates sustainability projects/initiatives is compelling. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Book
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a framework for sustainable communication as an inter-and transdisciplinary discipline and an integrated approach to sustainable communication in the context of communication theory and sustainability communication.
Abstract: I. Mapping Sustainability Communication 1. Sustainability Communication - An Introduction 2. Strong Sustainability as a Frame for Sustainability Communication 3. Sustainability Communication an Integrative Approach 4. Sustainable Communication as An Inter- and Transdisciplinary Discipline II. Framework of Sustainability Communication 5. Sociological Perspectives on Sustainability Communication 6. Psychological Aspects of Sustainability Communication 7. Media Theory and Sustainability Communication 8. Communication Theory and Sustainability Discourse 9. Communicating Education for Sustainable Development 10. Sustainability Communication: A Systemic-constructivist Perspective III. Practice of Sustainability Communication 11. Climate Change as an Element of Sustainability Communication 12. Biodiversity and Sustainability Communication 13. Communicating Sustainable Consumption 14. Corporate Sustainability Reporting 15. Computer Support for Cooperate Sustainability Communication 16. Participation: Empowerment for Sustainable Development Index

Journal ArticleDOI
Cory Searcy1
TL;DR: The paper presents a three‐phase approach for structuring the evolution of a corporate SPMS: planning for an assessment of an SPMS; conducting an assessment; and following up on the results of the assessment.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an approach for guiding the evolution of a corporate sustainability performance measurement system (SPMS).Design/methodology/approach – A review of published literature highlights the need for further research on the evolution of corporate SPMSs. Building on existing research, the paper presents a three‐phase approach for structuring the evolution of a corporate SPMS: planning for an assessment of an SPMS; conducting an assessment; and following up on the results of the assessment. Key issues that must be addressed in each phase are highlighted and discussed.Findings – The approach presented in the paper will help guide decision‐makers through the process of reviewing and updating their corporate SPMS. The guidelines will provide needed insight into the challenges and opportunities associated with the evolution of a corporate SPMS.Research limitations/implications – The approach presented in the paper is a conceptual model. Opportunities for further resear...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an instrument for the prioritization of sustainability criteria in urban planning processes based on the sustainable building tool 07 (SBTool 07), a comprehensive and well-established tool for the assessment of sustainability of construction projects.
Abstract: Since the beginning of the sustainability debate approximately 20 years ago, all parties involved in the urban planning process have been expected to devise sustainable solutions to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Potential to include sustainability criteria is present in the strategic planning stage and during the initial studies of a project. However, instruments available at these early stages are rare and show numerous weaknesses. The present study intends to close this gap by developing an instrument for the prioritization of sustainability criteria in urban planning processes. It is based on the Sustainable Building Tool 07 (SBTool 07), a comprehensive and well-established tool for the assessment of sustainability of construction projects, key issues pertaining to the initial planning stages are identified via a materiality matrix—a method established for corporate sustainability reporting. The resulting method has been tested in a competition in the Icelandic city of Reykjavik. Results include a materiality matrix on stakeholder priorities and the relevance of criteria to sustainability across the life cycle as well as a core set of 19 criteria to be addressed in Reykjavik.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the differences between firms from industrialized nations, transition economies, and newly industrialized countries in terms of the breadth and depth of their sustainability reporting and concluded that emerging economy firms are willing to match their increased economic weight with greater social responsibility.
Abstract: Purpose: Against the backcloth of a growing geopolitical and economic importance of emerging economies, this paper seeks to ask whether emerging economy firms are willing to match their increased economic weight with greater social responsibility. Given a relative scarcity of research into CSR in Russia, particular attention is to be given to firms from that country. Design/methodology/approach: The research question is examined through an analysis of differences between firms from industrialized nations, transition economies, and newly industrialized countries in terms of the breadth and depth of their sustainability reporting. This three-way comparison analyses corporate sustainability reporting according to the GRI G3 framework developed by the Global Reporting Initiative. Findings: The firms in the sample display clear evidence of a divide between industrialized and emerging economies, with Russia occupying a middle position. Contrary to expectations, however, emerging economy firms outperform those from industrialized nations in their coverage of GRI indicators. Research limitations/implications: These findings leave open two possible conclusions: either emerging economy MNEs have leaped to the front in terms of addressing sustainability or they have been able to use GRI reporting as window-dressing to hide a dirtier reality. From a different angle, the strong evidence of a North-South divide in the sample also lends support to the national business systems approach to CSR. Originality/value: The paper adds to a small but growing body of cross-national studies into CSR that go beyond OECD member countries. In particular, it constitutes one of the first studies not only to tease out CSR priorities of large Russian firms but also to elucidate differences in terms of CSR priorities between newly industrialized countries and transition economies.

BookDOI
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a case study of sustainable supply chain management and environmental management accounting in dairy farms in the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in Greece.
Abstract: Foreword Preface Acknowledgments List of Contributors List of Figures List of Tables PART I: Introduction and Structure 1. Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Environmental Management Accounting Part II: Contemporary Issues 2. Life Cycle and Supply Chain Information in Environmental Management Accounting: A Coffee Case Study 3. Motivations Behind Sustainable Purchasing 4. An Input-output Technological Model of Life Cycle Costing 5. Farm Risk Management Applied to Sustainability of the Food Supply Chain: A Case Study of Sustainability Risks in Dairy Farming PART III: Social Issues 6. Companies, Stakeholders and Corporate Sustainability - Empirical Insights from Hungary 7. Corporate Social Responsibility and Competitiveness - Empirical Results and Future Challenges 8. Social Impact Measurement: A Classification of Methods PART IV: Economic Issues 9. New Decision Method for Environmental Capital Investment 10. Carbon Accounting in Greek Companies Participating in the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme: Current Practice and Projected Financial Implications 11. Environmental Management Accounting: Comparing and Linking Requirements on the Micro and Macro Level - A Practitioner's View PART V: Other Issues 12. The Benefit Side of Environmental Activities and the Connection with Company Value 13. Implementation of Water Framework Directive Obligations in Hungary: Estimating Benefits of Development Activities in Two Pilot Areas 14. Health, Safety and Environmental Costs and Chemical Selection in the Oilfield Industry: A Method for Informed Decisions During Project Planning 15. Sustainability Management Control 16. Impact Assessment in the European Union: The Example of the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) Index

Book
03 Nov 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce a systematic means of including context in sustainability management and doing effective CSM, and explain how to do context-based CSM by providing a stepwise, cyclical blueprint for how to practice it in any organization.
Abstract: Businesses around the world are increasingly turning to an exciting new branch of management known as corporate sustainability management (CSM) to help them better understand and manage their non-financial performance. Indeed, what we are witnessing is nothing less than the birth of a new management function. The main pillar of CSM is the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), which has been successful as an organizing principle but a disappointment in practice. This is largely due to the absence of 'sustainability context' in related measurement, management and reporting efforts, when for example the monitoring of a company's use of freshwater resources fails to take into account the size of related supplies. This book is the first to introduce a systematic means of including context in sustainability management and doing effective CSM. After making the case for why context matters, the book explains how to do context-based CSM by providing a stepwise, cyclical blueprint for how to practice it in any organization. This includes a template for context-based metrics compatible with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), as well as specific examples of metrics for each of the triple bottom lines. Practical examples of best practices are presented throughout, while simultaneously addressing key issues, such as how organizations can measure performance against context-based standards when consensus for such standards does not yet exist. Appendices include tools for developing and applying context-based metrics, as well as case studies taken from the practice of context-based CSM at two companies in the United States. This guide is the essential tool for business and organizational leaders in all sectors committed to improving their sustainability performance, with a particular emphasis on measurement, management and reporting.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Avery's 19 Rhineland practices provide a useful framework for evaluating the corporate sustainability of this Thai enterprise and could be adopted by healthcare enterprises in Thailand and possibly in other Asian countries to examine their leadership practices, and adjust them to become more sustainable.
Abstract: Purpose – Rhineland leadership practices contrast sharply with the prevailing Anglo/US business model of short‐term maximization of profitability, and are said to lead to greater corporate sustainability, at least in highly developed economies. However, the applicability of Rhineland leadership to less developed economies has not yet been demonstrated. This paper sets out to compare the business practices of a social enterprise that delivers healthcare services in Thailand and Avery's 19 sustainable leadership practices derived from Rhineland enterprises.Design/methodology/approach – Adopting a case study approach, multi‐data collection methods included non‐participant observations made during visits to the enterprise, and reference to internal and published documentation and information. Semi‐structured interview sessions were held with many stakeholders, including top management, staff, patients and a former consultant.Findings – In the Thai healthcare organization studied, evidence was found for compli...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine how the British retailer Marks & Spencer is embedding sustainability, based on direct dialogue with corporate sustainability specialists inside and outside the company; participation in company stakeholders' briefings held regularly since the launch of M&S's Plan A for sustainability in January 2007; and analysis by the company's own sustainability specialists about how they are embedding.
Abstract: Purpose – The British retailer Marks & Spencer aspires to be the world's most sustainable major global retailer by 2015. This paper seeks to examine how the company is embedding sustainability.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is written as part of an ongoing investigation into how businesses do this. It is based on direct dialogue with corporate sustainability specialists inside and outside the company; participation in company stakeholders' briefings held regularly since the launch of Marks & Spencer's Plan A for sustainability in January 2007; and analysis by the company's own corporate sustainability specialists about how they are embedding.Findings – This case demonstrates that, in order to speed their journey, Marks & Spencer have aligned sustainability with core strategy. Top leadership is driving the strategy, which is overseen by the board. M&S have made a very public commitment: Plan A with measurable targets, timescales and accountabilities. The strategy is being integrated into every bus...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the trend of corporate sustainability disclosure (CSD) practices of banks in Bangladesh has been analyzed and a number of equation models were applied to observe the nature and trend of CSD practices.
Abstract: Sustainability is a global concern at the present time. It urges corporate bodies to get involved in sustainability disclosure activities. Many companies in the developed countries disclose social and environmental issues, but developing countries are lagging behind in such disclosure. Recent studies showed that banking companies in Bangladesh disclosed more social and environmental information compared with other public listed companies. However, no prior study addressed the trend of corporate sustainability disclosure (CSD) practices of banks in Bangladesh. The study purposively selected two case banks to analyze the trend of CSD practices that would help extrapolate or predict the future disclosure practices. A number of equation models were applied to observe the nature and trend of CSD practices. The study applied content analysis techniques to gather data for trend analysis. It considered sustainability information disclosed in the annual reports by the case banks from 2000 to 2009. The study revealed that most of the trend lines were linear in shape. There was a positive correlation in disclosure practices between the two banks during last 10 years. The study revealed that organizational heterogeneity could significantly reduce practice variations due to the common principles and initiatives. Key words: Sustainability disclosure, trend analysis, banks, institutional theory, Bangladesh.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine campus sustainability efforts to determine the factors that drive IHEs to adopt sustainable practices, and they find that the most frequently cited as impeding campus sustainability initiatives are a lack of awareness and interest in sustainability, the organizational structure of the institution, lack of funding, and lack of support from administrators.
Abstract: I. INTRODUCTION Much has been written on corporate sustainability and the factors that affect it, both in the academic literature and in the popular media. The literature on sustainability efforts at institutions of higher education (IHEs) is much smaller, although colleges and universities can also pose significant environmental liabilities. Like many corporations, IHEs consume large quantities of energy and water. (1) In addition, IHEs generate significant volumes of solid wastes, including toxic and hazardous wastes. (2) Also like corporations, IHEs currently face significant pressure to adopt sustainable practices. However, while corporations and IHEs face similar challenges in deciding whether to adopt sustainable practices, there are many reasons why sustainability efforts on campuses may depend on different factors than corporate sustainability efforts. Obviously, the non-profit nature of most IHEs suggests that campus leaders can make investments in sustainable practices that corporations would not find profitable. Additionally, the types of stakeholders that have an interest in sustainability efforts vary significantly across IHEs and corporations. Although companies may be pressured to adopt sustainable practices by consumers and investors, IHEs must respond to the concerns of students, faculty, and alumni. The goal of this article is to examine campus sustainability efforts to determine the factors that drive IHEs to adopt sustainable practices. Given that recent congressional education bills have included provisions for the establishment of sustainability programs in the Department of Education, we are likely to see increased government efforts to promote sustainable practices on campuses in the future. (3) A more complete understanding of the factors that drive campus sustainability will be essential for crafting effective policy on this issue. This knowledge should also help increase the effectiveness of private groups that are trying to promote campus sustainability. The analysis uses the same general framework that has been used to study corporate adoption of sustainable practices to highlight similarities and differences between the factors that affect corporate and campus behavior. Thus in addition to helping design programe to promote insight into the different in environmental decision making at non-profit and for profit entities more generally. In Section II, I present a brief summary of the related literature and outline a conceptual framework for my analysis. Section II, I discusses the analytical approach in detail, describing both the data and the econometric model used in the analysis. I then present the results of the analysis and discuss the policy implications of my findings before concluding. II. RELATED LITERATURE AND THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE ANALYSIS The majority of the literature on campus sustainability is directed toward people who want to increase sustainable practices on particular campuses or at IHEs in general. (4) The general focus of these articles is on why sustainability is important or how it can be implemented at IHEs. This literature includes many case studies of successful sustainability programs. Additionally, there are few studies that take a more aggregate approach to understanding the factors that influence the success of sustainability initiatives. For example, based on 7 years of experience in implementing sustainable practices at IHEs, Sharp (2002) identifies a number of approaches to sustainability that have proved to be most successful including management support, effective communication, partnerships with students, and continuity. Looking at the issue from the opposite point of view, Velazquez, Munguia, and Sanchez (2005) identify barriers to implementing sustainable practices on campus. The authors find that the factors that are most frequently cited as impeding campus sustainability initiatives are a lack of awareness and interest in sustainability, the organizational structure of the institution, lack of funding, and lack of support from administrators. …