Sustainability as corporate mission and strategy

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to describe how a corporation with sustainability as its mission implements sustainability strategy and programmes to promote social responsible management. Special attention is paid to how internal and external value systems interact and influence the conception and implementation of sustainability. Design/methodology/approach -As an educational charity and social enterprise, the Eden Project is examined, using a qualitative case study approach. Extant literature complements the discussion of how internal and external driving forces interact and influence sustainable management and practice. Method triangulation is adopted to increase the internal validity, comprising in-depth interviews with key management informants, one major supplier, representatives of the staff, observation on site and a member check for the correctness of descriptions and the systematisation of the data. Findings -The sustainability strategy of the Eden Project is divided in three interconnected strategies; operational practice, educational programmes and outreach initiatives that target young people, disengaged and unemployed people, and deprived communities around the world. The study points to possible interrelationships between different internal and external value systems, and how internal and external driving forces may influence the way corporations conceive and implement sustainability.Research limitations/implications -The business sustainability model at the Eden Project provides opportunities for the development of sustainability management, and suggestions for future research are presented. Practical implications -The study illustrates how the carbon footprint on Earth can be reduced, and how social responsibility can be advanced. Originality/value -This study is the first to examine a corporation that deploys resources to increase financial performance in order to support the main objectives concerning promoting sustainability management. Thus, the examination may provide new ideas to practitioners and researchers related to the advancement of social responsibility.

Perceptions of Sustainability and Functional Aspects on Liquid Carton Board Packaging Materials versus Competing Materials for Juice Applications in Sweden

“…These strategies are most likely stretching far beyond only the renewability aspect and may emphasize a differentiated offer to satisfy varying functional and sustainability performance needs in different market segments, well in line with the findings in this project. The findings of [22] support this view, stating that a case study has been able to demonstrate that a business, based on sustainability as its strategy, can survive and positively impact stakeholders' knowledge, attitudes, and actions related to sustainability. In this way, market segments with little focus on sustainability may be developed in a direction where more emphasis is given to sustainability aspects.…”

Role of Organizational Ethics in Sustainable Development: A Conceptual Framework

“…It can foster individuals to perform ethically and avoid wrongdoing [71]. Ethical culture plays a crucial role in enhancing an organization's ethical performance as well as monitoring sustainable ethical business practices [72].…”

Eco-innovation practices

“…In recognizing these advantages, Hasan and Meloche (2013) advise the fostering of activities that influence "human understanding and behaviour" (p. 335). Mysen (2012) recognizes the role of the company's value system in promoting socially responsible management. In line with these studies, our research suggests moving beyond single ICT solutions to envision new ways of doing business for actors.…”

“…Jenkin et al (2011) and Mysen (2012) outline the need to guide future research and promote socially responsible management. In this work, we suggest that eco-innovation be analyzed through the PBA.…”